At the Africa Forgiveness Research Institute our focus is on the study of forgiveness (self-, other-, and divine-) and its impact within Africa. We conduct research as well as partner with various organizations, institutes, and other stake-holders to provide top quality outputs that translate into practical applications for individuals, communities, societies and countries. Our interests, experience, and expertise are maximised to provide in-depth reports based on rigorous field work, analysis, and project oversight.
Ultimately, we believe in what we are doing, forgiveness research, and how it makes the world a better place. In essence forgiveness concerns you as an individual and not the other person or group. Forgiveness firstly benefits you before it may benefit others and it should not be confused with reconciliation or restoration. There are basically two types of forgiveness, decisional and emotional, and each play a different role in attaining personal peace and enjoying its mental and health benefits. Considering this, we all could do with a little more forgiveness in this world – wouldn’t you agree?
Our Team
Richard Cowden
Research Associate
Africa Forgiveness Research InstituteRichard Gregory Cowden, Ph.D., is a social-personality psychologist and Research Fellow in the Department of Psychology at the University of Free State, South Africa. He is also the lead scientist at Onsite Partners in Nashville, TN, a worldwide leader in trauma-informed treatment and personal growth programs. He has written over 30 scholarly articles and book chapters covering a variety of areas linked to adaptive functioning and human flourishing in a wide range of populations. He is passionate about advancing the science and application of forgiveness to promote healing and build societal peace in South Africa, Africa, and across the globe.
Shaun Joynt
Research Associate
Africa Forgiveness Research InstituteShaun Joynt, Ph.D., is a pastor-theologian and Research Fellow in the Department of Practical Theology at the University of the Free State, South Africa. He is also the hub facilitator at the Hope Centre, Hatfield Christian Church, Pretoria, a pastoral counselling centre. He has written over 10 scholarly articles covering a variety of areas linked to clergy well-being as well as forgiveness. He is passionate about human flourishing and well-being and the role of forgiveness contributing towards these.
Everett L. Worthington, Jr
Research Collaborator
Africa Forgiveness Research InstituteEverett L. Worthington, Jr, Ph.D is affiliated with the Department of Psychology. His research and writing focus on forgiveness and other virtues, religion and spirituality, and issues related to marriage and family. His mission is to help individuals (every heart), couples and families (every home), and even communities and countries (every homeland) forgive.
Quote of the Day
- Christian Nestell Bovee"Our first and last love is self-love."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe"Girls we love for what they are; young men for what they promise to be."
- Bernard Meltzer"Happiness is like a kiss. You must share it to enjoy it."
- Christopher Marlowe"Who ever loved that loved not at first sight?"