Accord

Year Published:  1982   First Published:  1982
Resource Type:  Serial Publication (Periodical)
Cx Number:  CX2687

Abstract:  ACCORD is the bi-montly publication of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) for "victim offender ministries." The March-April 1982 edition reports on a semina held in Toronto Called "Rising Community" which brought together volunteers, support people, correctional officers, and ex-inmates, dedicating to assisting people who have been in jail.

The seminar noted that the language we use, "guard" and "inmate", betrays the bias of our current justice system which is based in the ancient Roman and Greek model of punitive reciprocation. Justice and punishment are equated. the seminar explored ways of challenging this mentality by finding ways of establishing peacemaking as an integral part of the system.

One correctional officer explained some of the stresses he experienced: rotating shift work; a disrupted family life; a confined work setting; a negative, non-productive atmosphere; and a career with little dignity or respect.

Another item in this issue reported on the 1982 Toronto Star Gallup Poll that shows little change in public opinion over the last 3 years about capital punishment. Almost 75 per cent of the population are still in favour.

ACCORD also presents reviews of films and books on prisons and the criminal justice system.