Forgiveness

I have just received this via email - no idea if it is true but the sentiment moved me...

FORGIVENESS

In the Babemba tribe of South Africa, when a person acts
irresponsibly or unjustly, he is placed in the centre of the village,
alone and unfettered.

All work ceases, and every man, woman, and child in the village
gathers in a large circle around the accused individual.

Then each person in the tribe speaks to the accused, one at a
time, each recalling the good things the person in the centre of
the circle has done in his lifetime. Every incident, every
experience that can be recalled with any detail and accuracy,
is recounted. All his positive attributes, good deeds, strengths,
and kindnesses are recited carefully and at length. This tribal
ceremony often lasts for several days.

At the end, the tribal circle is broken, a joyous celebration
takes place, and the person is symbolically and literally
welcomed back into the tribe.