Beyond Forgiveness: How does Empathy relate to Forgiveness and Atonement?

I attended this 'Beyond Forgiveness' book reception last night and asked some of the authors about the nature of empathy. Rev. Heng Sure talked about empathy and compassion, it's deeper than forgiveness. Mr. Empathy Rabbit encourages everyone to not eat anyone that has a face or a mother.

Edwin's quest for building a culture of empathy. How does Empathy relate to Forgiveness and Atonement? Beyond Forgiveness: Reflections on Atonement, Book Reception at David Brower Center, Berkeley. Ten contributors were in attendance. Speakers included Rich Meyer, Phil Cousineau, Jacob Needleman, Huston Smith, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Michael Nagler, Sheryl Fullerton and Rev. Heng Sure