Forgiveness and compassion on Encampment agenda

"Beyond Violence: Forgiveness, At-One-Ment and Compassionate Action" was the theme discussed by speakers and in workshops:

* During Saturday Mass, Steven McDonald, a New York City policeman who was shot and paralyzed in the line of duty, shared his story of forgiveness and healing. He was on patrol in Central Park on July 12, 1986 to prevent violence by teenagers against park-goers when he confronted three teens to ask what they were doing. One shot him in the head; he spent 18 months in the hospital, and the shooting left him a quadriplegic and forced him to use a ventilator.

Officer McDonald's Catholic faith enabled him to forgive the shooter, and he has been visiting churches, schools and community groups to discuss the importance of forgiveness in his family.

"Our faith has been very important to us," he said. "Prayer, Rosary and Mass became central in our lives."

There have been times when Officer McDonald has felt sad or despondent about his condition, but his religion has kept him going since the shooting.

"I felt a closeness to God that I haven't felt since childhood," he said. "Fourteen years later, I'm still sharing the story of the act of forgiveness."

Rev. Peter Russo, St. Bridget's pastor, was touched by Officer McDonald's words and praised him for his mercy. "He could have spent the rest of his life bitter and seeking vengeance," the priest said, but "he has forgiven and dedicated his life to peace and reconciliation."

* Sister Martha Alken, OP, author of "The Healing Power of Forgiving," gave the Saturday keynote and led a workshop on the principles of interpersonal forgiveness. She discussed how forgiveness is an unconditional, willful act that transforms people and gives them a way to share in God's healing power, and how Jesus showed people how to forgive.

"Jesus' healing action extended the saving grace of God to all creation," she said. "To choose to forgive takes on that long journey of seeing the injury, working through all the pain of it, letting go of it and being transformed by it."

* Gil Bailie spoke on "Violence & Religion: Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World." He is president and founder of the Florilegia Institute, which is concerned with today's cultural and spiritual crisis, and assessing its underlying dynamics and historical significance.

* Beatrice Bruteau spoke on "Mysticism and Social Transformation." She founded Schola Contemplationis, a correspondence network of contemplatives from many traditions, and the Fellowship of the Holy Trinity, a live-at-home monastic community.

* Rev. George McClain discussed "Contemplation in Action: Discerning Next Steps." He served as national executive of the Methodist Federation for Social Action for 25 years and currently teaches at Drew Theological School and New York Theological Seminary.

Full weekend

There was a concurrent Youth Encampment, "Becoming Peacemakers," featuring Officer McDonald; Rev. Keith Outlaw, who spoke on "Growing Up with Black and White Families;" workshops on moving beyond bias, stereotypes and racism; and a high ropes course.

Reaction

"I've enjoyed all the speakers, and their talks are intertwined," she said.

Laura Chester, a St. Bridget's parishioner, said Encampment 2000 was important because its impulse of ecumenical dialogue went beyond Christian religions to include other faiths and faith expressions, including mysticism.

"It's so important for people to come here from different walks of life," she said. "It's so important for us to really think about violence instead of being hit by it and becoming numb."

Success

"It's been spectacular," he said. "Each of the speakers looked at the problem of violence and encouraged intimacy with God, and they came from very different places. I think people are breaking the barriers of forgiveness."

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