ElderWisdom

Forgiveness in Community

 

During 2006-2007 my wife, Susan, and I spent the school year in Lancaster, PA. We had moved from Winnipeg, Canada and were eager to learn about the American mores and lifestyles. Lancaster is the center of Amish country. In the midst of our "culture shock" we heard of the shooting of the ten girls (5 killed; 5 wounded) at an Amish school. What a horrible shock came over us. This was only a few short miles from our residence. Soon it was an international news story. To see such a peaceful people brutally attacked left many appalled.

World renowned reporters beat a path to the Amish community. What was this group—with its horse and buggy ways—all about? Many stories could be told about the bizarre attempts by the media to infiltrate the community.

The Amish, although living "among the English" are really a totally separate community--but a COMMUNITY. They pull together and support one another in every aspect of their lives. Although this vicious shooting stunned outsiders, it was not only the violence that shocked a questioning world; it was also the forgiveness that came from the Amish. Most people were not prepared for this, this lack of accusation or vindictiveness.

The Amish community refused to hate what had hurt them. One Amish grandfather said to his family, "Do not think evil of this man." Others went to Mrs. Roberts' home (her husband was the shooter who killed himself after shooting the ten girls) bringing food and forgiveness, including a message, "Do not leave this area. This is your home, stay here."

When I read that of the 75 people at the shooter's funeral about 35-40 were Amish; when I read that some Amish brought food to the Roberts family; when I read that the shooter's wife was invited to the funerals of the girls, then I cannot but say, these people practice Christ's forgiveness. Yes, the hurt and frustration must still be there, and we have read a bit about that, but the foremost feeling is that of forgiveness. I believe Christ on the Cross was frustrated and probably hurt as he saw his disciples and the crowd. But he could still say, "I forgive."

 

I believe the forgiveness expressed by the Amish families is a response to their upbringing and community feelings. Their community teaches and practices non-violence. When violence from the outside tears apart their own families, the Amish draw on that long-standing inner peace and fortitude to say, "We forgive."

 

The world's media was shocked, dumbfounded. Is forgiveness such an infrequent occurrence? What is our reaction to similar events? Does not Christ teach all of us that forgiveness is required for true fellowship and community?

 

I hope and trust that I learned true forgiveness as I remember the quiet forgiveness demonstrated by those peace-loving people. I will long remember the image of the horse and buggy. May I also remember the forgiveness and community so aptly shown by the Amish of Pennsylvania.