By Christie Reed
Staff Writer
Wheat bread, butter, vegetable soup and trail mix. This simple array of food is the meal that introduces each of the six “Exposure to Non-Violence” lectures that began March 3 and continue through April 7.
The lectures take place each Friday at noon as a way to celebrate lent and “give an exposure to what non-violence really is,” said Jane Kirchner, campus minister and facilitator of the series.
The formally-titled series, ”Voices of Non-Violence: Alternatives to Violence,” is in fact a very informal gathering which does not bombard attendees with information, but rather opens up the door to non-violence.
“Non-violence may be as simple as not eating meat to writing letters as a form of protest,” said Kirchner.
Beginning each session with the simple soup and bread meal introduces the concept of peace to the mixed group of people of all ages that meet in the Chapel seminar room.
“By eating such a simple, vegetarian meal there is no controversial animal slaughter involved and it also sympathizes with those who hunger all over the world,” said Kirchner. “It is a very informal gathering and the arrangement of the furniture represents this.”
There are two small tables in the center of the room and chairs are placed in small clusters with no apparent pattern. Along the wall there is an inviting couch and folders filled with information from previous non-violent lectures and new information on the historical individual being highlighted that week.
Casual chatting and eating creates a comfortable atmosphere and the perfect starting point for Kirchner to give her brief introduction and information on the “voice” of the week. The six voices of the series include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton, Jesus, Mahatma Ghandi, Gene Sharp, Caesar Chavez and the mothers of the disappeared in Central and South America.
Each of these figures discussed in the lectures took an active and personally fulfilling measure against an injustice that did not include violence.
Exposure to these voices is given in the form of readings, handouts, music, videos and above all, discussion.
“With students of different backgrounds and elders from area Catholic churches there are so many feelings and experiences in the room,” said Kirchner. ‘“It is my intention to give them the opportunity to share and learn at the same time.”
“Since we are inundated with violence everyday,” said Kirchner referring to news programs and the current state of society. “It is very important to recall experiences of non-violence.”
On March 7 students gathered in and around Davenport Dining Hall to protest federal financial aid cuts by writing more than 800 letters to their Congressional representatives.
“Although most students didn’t think of it at the time, what they were doing was protesting an injustice non-violently,” said Kirchner.
The hour-long lectures provide the individual with a tidbit of non-violent knowledge and leaves additional information available to the attendee if he or she wants to do extra research on the voice or topic of the week.
“It is important to emphasize that these lectures are not like a homework assignment,” says Kirchner “It is not academics and it is not church, it is a perfect mixture of the two.”
The lectures provide the opportunity for those who want to take a peek at non-violent lifestyles, to do so while learning about topics that are still prevalent in today’s society, such as dealing with injustices, minor or major.
There are still four lectures left in the series, and they are open to the public.
Kirchner asks that each person who wants to attend should contact her by Thursday at noon each week, so she can prepare enough food and information for everyone.
“It is really hard to describe the setting or events that take place each lecture, you really need to experience it for yourself,” said Kirchner.
