A Different View of Justice

Murder victims family members speak out about the roles that love, compassion, forgiveness and mercy take in their healing journeys, and why they oppose the death
penalty and retribution.

Rev. Walt Everett

Will be the afternoon speaker at West Elkton Friends at 1:00 PM. All three will take questions after his presentation. Walts Story: In 1987, Walt Everetts son, Scott, was shot and killed. For almost a year afterwards, Walts emotional state moved from rage to depression. He found it difficult to even go through the motions of his work as pastor of a United Methodist Church. It was only at the sentencing when he heard Mike Carlucci express remorse for killing Scott that Walt felt God nudging him towards forgiveness. Walt describes this journey as the most difficult thing he has ever had to do.

is an organization that is led by murder victim family members which conducts public education speaking tours and addresses alternatives to the death penalty and speak across one area of the country one time a year. Journey "storytellers" are real people who know first-hand the aftermath of the insanity and horror of murder. They recount their tragedies and their struggles to heal and why they chose not to seek revenge, and instead select the path of love and compassion for all of humanity. Forgiveness is seen as a strength and as a way of healing. The greatest resources of the Journey are the people who are a part of it. Call 334-380-8344 for more info

Sunday, October 13, 2013 West Elkton Friends Meeting

147 Main Street, West Elkton, Ohio, 45070
9:30 AM Open Discussion with George White 10:30 Semi-programmed worship with SueZann Bosler Pitch- in (pot luck) lunch at noon 1:00 PM Discussion with Walt Everett

George White
Will lead the adult discussion at 9:30 AM Come for coffee and donuts and stay for a sit-down discussion half hour. Georges story: On February 27, 1985, George White and his wife were robbed and shot at the company warehouse, and his wife died. George was convicted of the murder of his wife, in what was ruled a grave miscarriage of justice by the later courts. He was given a new trial, and in 1992 the charges were dismissed. As a survivor of a violent crime, husband of a murder victim, suspect, accused, and an innocent man exonerated, George understands fully how easy it would be to advocate revenge. George says, "No amount of killing would restore Char to my family or take away the pain of losing her.

SueZann Bosler Charlie King

and

Karen Brandow
Folk musical storytellers

Will be the keynote speaker at the 10:30 semi-programmed worship hour. SueZanns Story: On December 22, 1986, James Bernard Campbell knocked on the door of the home of Rev. Bill Bosler, entered the home, and murdered Rev. Bosler and injured the ministers daughter, SueZann Bosler. SueZann survived the attack and later began to rebuild her life. In less than 3 hours of deliberation, the jury sentenced James Campbell to die by execution. Yet, on June 13, 1996, after 10 years and three trials, James Campbell's sentence was commuted to three consecutive life terms. One of the advocates for his life was SueZann who refused to let her voice be silenced for forgiveness, for grace, or for the kind of justice her faith says is possible and demanded. Hear how her commitment to forgiveness and James life changed both her life and his.

Charlie King has been at the heart of American folk music for half a century, joined by his partner, they will provide the music for the event. His songs have been sung by Pete Seeger, Ronnie Gilber, Arlo Guthrie, Chad Mitchell and Judy Small. Karen Brandow has been performing with Charlie King since 1998. While doing human rights work in Guatemala from 1986-1994, Karen studied voice, performance and classical guitar. She performs in English and Spanish.