Swords into Plowshares

The Reckoning

Mark your calendar (and set your Tivo) for Tuesday, July 14th so you can watch PBS's new documentary on the International Criminal Court (ICC): "The Reckoning."

The film should air at 10 pm in most areas, but check here to see your local listing.

From PBS comes the description:

"Over 120 countries have united to form the International Criminal Court (ICC) - the first permanent court created to prosecute perpetrators, no matter how powerful, of crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide. The Reckoning follows dynamic ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo and his team for three years across four continents as he issues arrest warrants for Lord's Resistance Army leaders in Uganda, puts Congolese warlords on trial, shakes up the Colombian justice system, and charges Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir with genocide in Darfur."

The Reckoning is one of the films in PBS's POV series.

Film reviews for peacemakers

Films are a good way for peacemakers to explore issues and engage people in dialog.

"Film Capsules" is a service provided by Dr. Edward McNulty that includes brief reviews of new films and DVDs, many of which deal with social justice themes, such as the current  "Crossing Over," a film on illegal immigration starring Harrison Ford. Issued monthly, the five or six reviews link each film to a Scripture passage. This is available for $15 a year. Receive a free sample of just "Film Clips" by contacting McNulty.

For those wanting longer reviews with discussion questions, "Film Capsules" is a part of McNulty's on-line journal Visual Parables, called by some a "treasure trove of information on film, Scripture and theological themes," available for $36.

McNulty, leader of workshops on film and social justice issues at six past Peacemaking Conferences, is the film reviewer for Presbyterians Today. Read his review of the NBC series "Kings."

The Power of Forgiveness

Through seven dramatic stories, the documentary, The Power of Forgiveness, explores what faith traditions and health sciences teach and live about forgiveness. The film combines character-driven stories of dramatic transgressions with those of more commonplace annoyances, examining the role that forgiveness can play in alleviating the resulting anger and grief and the physical, mental and spiritual benefits that come with forgiveness. The film includes Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, Nobel Peace Laureate Elie Wiesel on forgiveness in the Jewish faith; Azim Khamisa on forgiveness and Islam; Rev. James Forbes, pastor emeritus of Riverside Church in New York, on forgiveness from a Christian perspective. There are stories on forgiveness research, The Garden of Forgiveness in Beirut, Lebanon, building a Garden of Forgiveness at Ground Zero and the Amish teaching on forgiveness. Visit The Power of Forgiveness for more information and to order the DVD.

Men of faith look at the Belhar Confession

I had the privilege to attend the Native American Presbyterian Men's Gathering from October 31 through November 2. The gathering was held at Dwight Mission Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center in Eastern Oklahoma.

The theme of the gathering was Man of God, Man of Faith and focused on the story of Noah. Dr. Cecil Corbett providing the opening sermon and Dr. Henry Fawcett preached at the closing worship that included the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

A powerful film, Mile Post 398, was viewed and discussed. Mile Post 398 is about a Navajo man named “Cloyd” in his mid 30’s living in Kayenta, AZ who is dealing with his alcohol problem. One day Cloyd decides to turn his life around by quitting alcohol and making amends with his wife, son and family. Although Cloyd may think this may be easy, he soon realizes how hard it is to face his demons and deal with the unrelenting peer pressure of his so-called friends. The film utilized an all Navajo cast and crew and was filmed on the Navajo Nation.

Bert Tom led a workshop on Spiritual Vitality. Ralph Scissons led a workshop on Leadership.

My workshop focused on the Belhar Confession (PDF) from South Africa. The 216th General Assembly (2004) called the Presbyterian Church to study the Belhar Confession (PDF). The Office of Theology and Worship created a study guide on the Belhar Confession (PDF).

The 218th General Assembly (2008) called for the the PC(USA) to initiate the constitutional process to consider including the Belhar Confession in the Book of Confessions and report back to the General Assembly in 2010.

The Native American Presbyterian Men are taking seriously the call to engage with the Belhar Confession. They had many questions. I took lots of notes. And I will find out how people can have input into this process and when I do, I will pass it along.