Galliano:"God Is In The Driving Seat"

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JOHN GALLIANO has spoken candidly about his newfound "spiritual" focus as he continues his recovery from alcoholism.The designer - who was dismissed by Dior after being charged with anti-semitism in 2011 - spoke at a Jewish educational event organised by the Central, New West End and Western Marble Arch Synagogues in London late last week.

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"I am an alcoholic.I am an addict," he said, The Guardian reports."This is in no way an excuse.We alcoholics and we addicts are not responsible for our disease.However, I do take complete responsibility for my recovery and making amends.I get a daily reprieve from this disease and that comes from total abstinence."He admitted he "wasn't living" in the time leading up to his breakdown.

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The designer sat alongside Rabbi Barry Marcus of the Central Synagogue during the talk - a key figure in his rehabilitation - and spoke about coming to terms with his own behaviour in order to move forward.

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"I used to blame everyone for what happened, but now I bear no resentment.I have finally come to terms with what happened and what was my part in it," Galliano said, revealing that he was now on a "spiritual path"."God is in the driving seat, not me.Before it was self-will, but now it is God's will," he said, adding that he spoke to God "every day".

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Rabbi Marcus called on the audience to search their own faith before judging the designer, who now helms Margiela.

"That is not the Jewish way.We should show a little graciousness.I want to talk about forgiveness," Marcus said."I am asking because most people, apart from the angels among us, most of us have done something we regret."

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