Some people are genuinely forgiving because of the way they were raised or because of their mild personality. I think that kind of natural forgiving disposition is a virtue. Others forgive only because Jesus commanded them to. In the latter I think this kind of forgiveness is just repressing their natural emotions to please a greater authority. Is this authentic forgiveness? It seems to be a coerced forgiveness to me. But if it keeps the victims from taking the law into their own hands (and possibly hurting innocent ones in the process) then it can be a good thing.
In the case of Roof: which kind of forgiveness are the victims displaying, a coerced forgiveness or a genuine one? I think with something this big - it seems to be the coercive, compulsive kind of forgiveness.
I mean, we are talking just 24 hours after the event! The loved ones body has just gone cold. "I forgive". Who says that naturally? Seems disrespectful to the slain ones to me.
Matthew 6:2 (NIV) "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full."
I think this scripture can be applied with forgiveness as well. They can forgive in their heart without trumpeting it publicly.