When is something unforgivable? I’ve been pondering that in the wake of Canada’s latest political scandal.

If you haven’t been following it, here’s a capsule: After an address to the House of Commons by the President of Ukraine on Friday, the Speaker introduced a visitor who was watching the proceedings, a constituent who had fought for Ukraine during the Second World War. Everyone applauded.

It was later revealed that the man in question fought on the German side, and was a member of a notorious SS division that allegedly committed war crimes.

Politically this was a disaster. Vladimir Putin ‘s stated reason for invading Ukraine was because Nazis had taken control of the government there. For Canada’s parliament, with Ukraine’s president in attendance, to applaud someone who fought with the Nazis fuels Putin’s lie.

Speaker Anthony Rota has apologised profusely and taken complete responsibility for the action, which has embarrassed Canada in the eyes of the world, hurt Ukraine and disturbed Jewish groups who remember the Holocaust. For some people though, an apology is not enough. They are demanding his resignation.

(As an aside, I should note that Mr. Rota has showed integrity in this matter by not doing the easy thing and passing the blame elsewhere. Anyone in attendance at the event, for which there was high security, had to be vetted by the Prime Minister’s Office. Not to mention that Rota’s own staff should have checked the background of anyone their boss was inviting. This to me was a staff failure as much as, if not more, than the Speaker’s failure.)

As I write this the Speaker has not resigned. But pressure is mounting, even from within his own party. I’m not convinced he can keep his job. The gods of politics are demanding a sacrifice.

So we return to our question: when is something unforgivable? Theologically the answer is never, because God extends grace to all of us, even though we don’t deserve it. This is politics though, and God is rarely given a say.

As imperfect humans we understand that any one of us can make a mistake. Most of the time they are small ones that don’t affect people outside our immediate circle. This though is a small mistake that affects nations.

When politicians do something wrong I frequently think resignation is the only honorable course – one that is taken all too rarely. To me though, that is because the politician has chosen a path or policy that is wrong, something on which they have staked their political reputation.

This was a huge mistake, but there was no malice involved. This is not policy shown to be stupid or reckless. This was a thoughtless gesture perhaps, but we all have thoughtless moments.

The damage has been done. Russia has a propaganda victory, Canada is embarrassed and Anthony Rota’s obituary will probably mention this incident. Does that mean he should resign?

Put yourself in his position. What would you do?