Parish to host social justice gathering

Encampment 2000 takes place July 28-30 under the theme of "Beyond Violence: Forgiveness, At-One-Ment and Compassionate Action."

Guest speakers include such experts as a New York City police officer who was shot and paralyzed in the line of duty, the founder of a live-at-home monastic community, and the author of books on forgiveness.

Countering violence

From the 1999 tragedy at Columbine High School to the recent attacks on women after the National Puerto Rican Day parade in New York City, violence seems to be getting out of control, Mr. Gardiner pointed out. Encampment 2000 will try to provide some answers to people's questions on how to forgive, act compassionately and live as Christ did.

"I think it's the experience of many people that as they rest more deeply in God, there's more overflow of love," he said. "Forgiveness leads to greater intimacy, which leads to compassionate action. You can't live and be Christian without forgiveness."

Policeman's view

Since 1988, he has visited school and community groups and presented programs that integrate his personal experience with readings on the theme of non-violence.

Mr. McDonald, who is Catholic, was promoted to detective investigator in 1995 and became a John F. Kennedy National Award Winner four years later; recently, he made a third trip to Northern Ireland to work on reconciliation between Protestants and Catholics.

Speakers

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

* Beatrice Bruteau, 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, on "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.

* Sister Martha Alken, OP, on "The Healing Power of Forgiving." The author of the book of the same name, she is completing her second book on self-forgiveness.

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

(Encampment 2000 and Youth Encampment are sponsored by St. Bridget's Church, the Albany diocesan Formation for Ministry Program, the Churches of the Roe-Jon Clericus and Fellowship of Reconciliation in Troy at Rosa House. For more information, call Maryann Schafer at 325-3707 or visit www.encampment2000.org.)

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