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'Realms of Forgiveness' events to explore forgiveness, reconciliation, healing
The University of Oregon School of Law is co-sponsor of the two-week series of events that will feature keynote addresses by the father of a murder victim and by a former gang member.
Editor's note: For additional information about the presenters, including biographies, or to arrange interviews contact Credence Sol, 541-346-1665, or csol@uoregon.edu.
EUGENE, Ore. -- (Feb.11, 2008) -- The Conflict and Dispute Resolution (CDR) program at the University of Oregon School of Law and the Community Mediation Service of Eugene will co-sponsor a program on forgiveness, reconciliation and conflict resolution during a series of events in February and March.
"Realms of Forgiveness" will feature presentations, workshops, panel discussions and short films on the topic of forgiveness and reconciliation. The events will take place from Feb. 22 through March 7.
"Settling disputes in court may lead to justice, but it seldom results in healing," said Tim Hicks, CDR director and coordinator of the "Realms of Forgiveness" project. "The primary goal of appropriate dispute resolution is to reach healing and justice when that is possible. This project will explore the potential of forgiveness and acceptance of personal responsibility in that process."
Azim Khamisa, whose 20-year-old son Tariq was shot and killed by 14-year Tony Hicks (no relation), will deliver a keynote address on "Restorative Justice: A New Paradigm for Social Transformation." Hicks was the first juvenile in California to be tried in adult court on a felony. Khamisa joined with Hicks' grandfather to create the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, which aims to teach children to choose nonviolent solutions to problems. Khamisa's talk will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts, 868 High St.
Aqeela Sherrills, executive director of the Community Self-Determination Institute and a former gang member, will deliver a keynote address on "Wounds to Warriors: Healing the Trauma of Social Violence." In 1992, Sherrills brokered a peace agreement between rival gangs the Bloods and the Crips. Sherrill's talk will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Shedd.
"Realms of Forgiveness" will be anchored by an exhibit of The Forgiveness Project's 'The F Word: Photos and Stories of Forgiveness,' at the Fenario Art Gallery, 881 Willamette St.
Additionally, Mark Umbreit, founding director of the Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking at the University of Minnesota, will make a presentation on "The Paradox of Forgiveness: What Family Survivors of Homicide Have Taught Us" beginning at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 1, at the Shedd.
The series also will include a workshop on interfaith reconciliation, a presentation on the role of apology in the forgiveness process, the role of forgiveness in dealing with the climate change crisis, and a panel discussion on the subject of forgiveness and healing. A schedule of events can be found at http://conflict.uoregon.edu/forgivenessevents.html.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of 62 of the leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. Membership in the AAU is by invitation only. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.
Contact: Credence Sol, 541-346-1665, csol@uoregon.edu
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