The Unkown World
Few Thoughts…
Most Canadians have few thoughts of the post court case for most Offenders. I think that most Americans are the same. Immediately after the crime is committed, when the offender is arrested, and while the person’s court case is on – we hear and think about it. Then when it is no longer news – we forget about all of it. We move on. The offender moves on to prison and its over.
Allow me to blow that Myth away – IT IS NEVER OVER!
The above statement of being over and moving on ....is not true for the Victim of the Crime, nor the Offender. Both move into a new world of adjusting to nothingness. The offender becomes a number in a massive system adjusting to his new realities that will be with him a long time. The Victim continues slowly through a new life filled with memories and nightmares. Many memories are ones that were built prior to the one horrific moment that they were made a Victim. The nightmares are endless at first as the split seconds flash back of that one moment when they became a victim – but then are added to by the horrors of the trial of the offender, the newspaper reports and all the rest of the things that keep the pain up front.
The public forgets and moves on but these people do not.
Into the Future…
Eventually all sentences come to an end in Canada. Eventually most Offenders will be released from prison when they have served all of their time. For some that will mean being released on Parole a few months (and possibly years) before the final date. For others it will mean completion of the full sentence. For a small few it may mean never getting out of prison. Unlike some of our American friends south of us, we do not execute anyone any longer. Perhaps we keep them alive to suffer forever – but for sure we do not execute anyone that was potentially and unjustly charged and convicted.
For the Victim of the Crime we leave them alone to suffer on their own. Some of these people find support and the care they will need. But none of these people every forget what happened to them.
What if someone is sorry…?
Unknown to most of the public – some men and women that have committed crime are sorry for what they did. The offender has started to come to grips with the fact that their actions long ago destroyed a family, a person, a life – and they are deeply sorry for what has happened. In fact there are only a very few that do not feel some kind of remorse for what happened.
What if someone (the offender) is sorry – how do they let the Victims know this is really true? How do they convey that sorrow and ask forgiveness when they are ready? Then finally – will they ever be able to tell that part of the story and express what they feel so deeply?
What if the pain of the Victim is still so great, that after 20 years they are still in hiding emotionally? When would – if ever, the Victim be able to ‘receive’ the apology?
The Developing Plan of Hope…
Within the great walls of CSC (Correctional Services Canada) there is a possibility of Mediation now. There is a process that has been developing. There is a possibility that Victims and Offenders can meet to allow the miracle of forgiveness to take place and the expression of repentance to be a reality.
Yesterday I heard this process clearly outlined. I listened to a gentleman by the name of Scott Harris, who is working directly with developing this part of the process. It is part of CSC’s departmental work for Restorative Justice. Though small at this time the work these of people has been effective in mediating between the two realities – the Victims and the Offenders.
It is difficult to describe what happens in a few words on this Blog – but I can say how impressed I am with what is being accomplished in this regard.
The Miracle Locally…
In our Peterborough area, where I function, there has been a quiet miracle that is gaining momentum. Through Peterborough Community Chaplaincy and its Chaplain, Dan Haley, this kind of Restorative Justice has been building for more than 8 years. God has lead Dan. And Dan is a very perceptive man – perceiving what is needed in each and every situation. With God guiding, he has taken pioneering steps leading to this restoring of lives – Victims and Offenders. And then through unique God timed, small but mighty miracles – both Victims and Offenders have come together in some situations to offer and receive forgiveness.
Am I surprised to know that Dan is part of a Restorative Justice committee in CSC? Not really. CSC has been aware of the remarkable work of Peterborough Community Chaplaincy for a long time. Dan is one of their Chaplains that stands out in a unique world filled with needs no one else will be able to touch.
My purpose in writing this short article today is two fold.
One – we need to all know that there is a better side to the Justice we have known all these years. There is a growing side of positive steps toward a healthier community that acts and lives out Restorative Justice.
Two – we need to be aware of the value of the Ministry locally of Peterborough Community Chaplaincy. Dan and his staff of one, Darrin Gaudreau, need our help today. I encourage you to reach out to PCC and support them financially and also with prayer. They are doing remarkable things right under our nose.
Hey Dan and Darrin – did you know we support you? Go for it guys – we are right behind you!!!!
Most Canadians have few thoughts of the post court case for most Offenders. I think that most Americans are the same. Immediately after the crime is committed, when the offender is arrested, and while the person’s court case is on – we hear and think about it. Then when it is no longer news – we forget about all of it. We move on. The offender moves on to prison and its over.
Allow me to blow that Myth away – IT IS NEVER OVER!
The above statement of being over and moving on ....is not true for the Victim of the Crime, nor the Offender. Both move into a new world of adjusting to nothingness. The offender becomes a number in a massive system adjusting to his new realities that will be with him a long time. The Victim continues slowly through a new life filled with memories and nightmares. Many memories are ones that were built prior to the one horrific moment that they were made a Victim. The nightmares are endless at first as the split seconds flash back of that one moment when they became a victim – but then are added to by the horrors of the trial of the offender, the newspaper reports and all the rest of the things that keep the pain up front.
The public forgets and moves on but these people do not.
Into the Future…
Eventually all sentences come to an end in Canada. Eventually most Offenders will be released from prison when they have served all of their time. For some that will mean being released on Parole a few months (and possibly years) before the final date. For others it will mean completion of the full sentence. For a small few it may mean never getting out of prison. Unlike some of our American friends south of us, we do not execute anyone any longer. Perhaps we keep them alive to suffer forever – but for sure we do not execute anyone that was potentially and unjustly charged and convicted.
For the Victim of the Crime we leave them alone to suffer on their own. Some of these people find support and the care they will need. But none of these people every forget what happened to them.
What if someone is sorry…?
Unknown to most of the public – some men and women that have committed crime are sorry for what they did. The offender has started to come to grips with the fact that their actions long ago destroyed a family, a person, a life – and they are deeply sorry for what has happened. In fact there are only a very few that do not feel some kind of remorse for what happened.
What if someone (the offender) is sorry – how do they let the Victims know this is really true? How do they convey that sorrow and ask forgiveness when they are ready? Then finally – will they ever be able to tell that part of the story and express what they feel so deeply?
What if the pain of the Victim is still so great, that after 20 years they are still in hiding emotionally? When would – if ever, the Victim be able to ‘receive’ the apology?
The Developing Plan of Hope…
Within the great walls of CSC (Correctional Services Canada) there is a possibility of Mediation now. There is a process that has been developing. There is a possibility that Victims and Offenders can meet to allow the miracle of forgiveness to take place and the expression of repentance to be a reality.
Yesterday I heard this process clearly outlined. I listened to a gentleman by the name of Scott Harris, who is working directly with developing this part of the process. It is part of CSC’s departmental work for Restorative Justice. Though small at this time the work these of people has been effective in mediating between the two realities – the Victims and the Offenders.
It is difficult to describe what happens in a few words on this Blog – but I can say how impressed I am with what is being accomplished in this regard.
The Miracle Locally…
In our Peterborough area, where I function, there has been a quiet miracle that is gaining momentum. Through Peterborough Community Chaplaincy and its Chaplain, Dan Haley, this kind of Restorative Justice has been building for more than 8 years. God has lead Dan. And Dan is a very perceptive man – perceiving what is needed in each and every situation. With God guiding, he has taken pioneering steps leading to this restoring of lives – Victims and Offenders. And then through unique God timed, small but mighty miracles – both Victims and Offenders have come together in some situations to offer and receive forgiveness.
Am I surprised to know that Dan is part of a Restorative Justice committee in CSC? Not really. CSC has been aware of the remarkable work of Peterborough Community Chaplaincy for a long time. Dan is one of their Chaplains that stands out in a unique world filled with needs no one else will be able to touch.
My purpose in writing this short article today is two fold.
One – we need to all know that there is a better side to the Justice we have known all these years. There is a growing side of positive steps toward a healthier community that acts and lives out Restorative Justice.
Two – we need to be aware of the value of the Ministry locally of Peterborough Community Chaplaincy. Dan and his staff of one, Darrin Gaudreau, need our help today. I encourage you to reach out to PCC and support them financially and also with prayer. They are doing remarkable things right under our nose.Hey Dan and Darrin – did you know we support you? Go for it guys – we are right behind you!!!!
~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~
If you would like to become active with the Peterborough Community Chaplaincy... you can do so in a number of ways.
1. Pray for this vital ministry - good things happen when we touch God
2. Become a volunteer - there are many ways you could get involved. If you contact Dan at danhaley@bellnet.ca he will help you to connect.
3. By becoming a Partner in this ministry and designating a $$$ gift many more will be encouraged. All gifts can be receipted through Peterborough Community Chaplaincy. Please make your cheques out to "Peterborough Community Chaplaincy" and forward it to
1. Pray for this vital ministry - good things happen when we touch God
2. Become a volunteer - there are many ways you could get involved. If you contact Dan at danhaley@bellnet.ca he will help you to connect.
3. By becoming a Partner in this ministry and designating a $$$ gift many more will be encouraged. All gifts can be receipted through Peterborough Community Chaplaincy. Please make your cheques out to "Peterborough Community Chaplaincy" and forward it to
Peterborough Community Chaplaincy,
Main office P.O. Box 235
Peterborough ON
K9J 6Y8
705-741-4172 (Office)
705-741-4833 (Fax)
Office E-mail ptbocommunitychaplaincy@bellnet.ca
Dan's personal e-mail danhaley@bellnet.ca
Web site http://www.ptbochaplaincy.org/
Main office P.O. Box 235
Peterborough ON
K9J 6Y8
705-741-4172 (Office)
705-741-4833 (Fax)
Office E-mail ptbocommunitychaplaincy@bellnet.ca
Dan's personal e-mail danhaley@bellnet.ca
Web site http://www.ptbochaplaincy.org/
New Beginnings (transition house)
953 Clonsilla Ave
K9J 5Y2
953 Clonsilla Ave
K9J 5Y2
Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
PCC is a non-profit organization and is able to issue taxable receipts.
Telephone 705-741-4172
PCC is a non-profit organization and is able to issue taxable receipts.
Telephone 705-741-4172
posted by Murray Lincoln at
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
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