The following is a synopsis of the series on nonviolence held at St. Charles in the spring of 2001 and the summer of 2000. Entitled "From Violence to Wholeness," it is an 8-part series. The 2000 program attracted 23 participants.
For most of us, the term "non-violence" likely evokes images of Dorothy Day, Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Jr, or other great figures who loom larger than life. In a world where might makes right, these heroes defied injustice with seemingly superhuman peace and love. All too often, their incredible strength and integrity can seem beyond our reach, like an ear for music or a marathoner's legs.
Ken Butigan, an instructor at the Franciscan School of Theology and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, teaches otherwise. His seminar program, "From Violence to Wholeness," is designed to help anyone follow in the footsteps of these heroes. Through discussions, readings, role-playing, and other exercises, participants in his seminar learn ways to practice non-violence in their everyday lives -- not just to resolve personal conflicts, but also "to become genuinely human, and to be faithful to the Nonviolent God," as Butigan writes.
Sessions held in recent weeks here at St. Charles have so far been a smashing success. Facilitator Judith Kelly had anticipated a group of about 10, but 23 members have been attending on a weekly basis. Members of this large group have each enriched and challenged each other with their personal experiences and insights, and several participants have raved about the warm, inclusive atmosphere at the weekly meetings. Some recent comments include:
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