Journey Toward Forgiveness

Subtitled “From Rage to Reconciliation," Journey Toward Forgiveness explores a topic that--for many--is unthinkable: forgiving another person responsible for a devastating loss in their lives. And the losses are not softballs: the video features interviews with parents who have lost children to horrible murders, terrorist activities, and drunken recklessness; victims of racial violence; and those suffering from traumatic encounters. Somehow, almost inexplicably, these people found the courage to forgive those responsible, and here they talk about the strength they gained through these acts. Although each person's religious faith clearly plays a role (this was produced for the National Council of Churches by the Mennonites), this documentary transcends particular religious convictions. Particularly chilling (and inspirational) is the interview with Bud Welch, whose daughter was killed in the domestic terrorism of the Oklahoma City bombing. After drowning his sorrows in alcohol in reaction to the tragedy, Welch eventually decided not only to forgive those convicted in the bombing, but also to meet with, and embrace, Timothy McVeigh's parents to commiserate (as he put it, the three of them are “in this” for the rest of their lives). A courageous look at a stance that seems almost counter-intuitive, but reminds us of the greatness of heart humans are capable of, this portrait of people who chose to walk the less-traveled road of forgiveness is highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)