Organization: The American University
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.catholic
Date:         Tue, 15 Dec 1992 00:50:44 EST
From:         Jim McIntosh <JIM@AMERICAN.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Asylum (sanctuary)
              14 Dec 1992 21:35:40 PST from <covert@COVERT.ENET.DEC.COM>

On Mon, 14 Dec 1992 21:35:40 PST John R. Covert 15-Dec-1992 0007 said:
>A few paragraphs later, in a section entitled "La communauti politique et
>l'Iglise", we are told that the mission of the Church is to use all means
>which conform to the Gospel and are in harmony with the welfare of all, even
>in matters concerning the political domain, when the fundamental rights of
>the individual or the salvation of souls requires it.  I interpret this to
>allow -- possibly even require -- laity and priests to chain themselves
>across the entrances of abortion clinics to defend the fundamental right
>of the individual to life (paragraph 2270, abortion), but to forbid them
>from harming anyone or damaging property.

A couple of years ago I was arrested at the Nuclear Test Site outside of
Las Vegas, Nevada. The rationale behind the arrest was that, by
regulation, the DOE is not allowed to explode any nuclear "devices" while
unauthorized people are on the test site.

The event was in organized by the Catholic Workers to commemorate Dorothy
Day's birthday. They worked with the Franciscans, who have a peace center
in Las Vegas (Pace e Bene, 1420 W. Barlett Avenue, 89106, 702-648-2798)
to call into question the violence of our society. We spent a few days in
prayers and in workshops. Those of us who were going to risk arrest spent
time taking non-volence training.

On the final day, after mass, we drove out to the test site and had a
beautiful prayer service. Then we marched down to the gate to the test
site. In small groups we stepped over the cattle grate. Some groups
prayed. As I recall, my group sang. We were warned to leave the test
site, and when we continued to sing we were arrested. We had the
satisfaction of knowing that for one brief instant we were able to stop
the testing of nuclear weapons and the destruction it causes to the
environment.

To my mind, this was a near-perfect form of protest. It was done in
coordination with the police so there was no violence, either physical or
verbal. A great evil was stopped, at least for a brief instant. People
risked imprisonment in order to stop the evil, which is a great way to
get people to take the next stop of commitment towards the cause. It was
done only as a last resort (there had been continual dialogue with the
test site people for some time about the evil done there).

And, above all, it was done in a religious context. It was done only
after prayful discernment. A number of priests and religious were
arrested, along with lay people; the local bishop sent a message of
support; and another bishop (Dom Helder Camera) was there to bless our
efforts.

Obviously, then, I think that risking arrest can be an effective form of
protest and empowerment. From my various experiences I have come up with
these conditions which govern my participation in an event:

    The evil must be great one.
    You must have love and respect for people on the other side.
    There must have been an attempt at dialog to resolve the issue
       without having to break the law.
    Your actions should be done prayfully.
    There can be no violence. If violence is commited towards you
       you must absorb it and not return it.
    You must be willing to suffer the consequences of your actions,
       even if it means imprisonment or worse.

Personally I would also add that you should cooperate with the
authorities, although some argue that any cooperation is cooperation with
the evil and those who maintain it. I would also add that respect should
be shown towards property, although those who have participated in Plow
Shares or who destroy abortion equipment disagree with me on this. I am
willing to debate the point, but I, myself, will not participate in any
destruction of property.

Finally, John, I think if you feel called to risk arrest in order to stop
the evil of abortion, you should take that call seriously... even if DEC
doesn't lay you off. What better way to spend your vacation than doing
the Lord's work? :-)

Jim McIntosh, SFO (jim@american.edu)
The American University
Washington DC 20016-8019 USA
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.catholic