Daniel Berrigan, S.J. urged members of the Georgetown community to choose the path of reconciliation, justice and forgiveness as we consider the events of the past few months. Berrigan spoke on Nov. 20 in ICC Auditorium and was introduced to a standing ovation.
Berrigan, known worldwide for his anti-Vietnam protests and said that after Sept. 11 we should “focus our hearts and minds beyond the horrors of our world.” He said that Sept. 11 has made the hate that many people around the world feel towards the United States a reality for Americans. Berrigan said that the event has led to “the globalization of all problems,” and he underlined the need for the “globalization of solutions.”
Berrigan lives just off Broadway in New York City and said he was shocked by the violence and tragic loss of life of Sept. 11, but he also said America’s solution should not be retribution.
Berrigan emphasized that the United States must attempt to understand why these acts of violence occurred. He said he disagreed with the way the U.S. government and media have presented the terrorist attacks as witless, random acts of violence with no cause.
According to Berrigan, Sept. 11 was caused by “somebody in despair towards us,” and the source of this despair should be considered before America goes to war.
Berrigan said that globalization offered America unseen prosperity but it also had other consequences.
“The other side of globalization is that other people’s problems now concern everyone,” he said. “We have globalized all problems, now we must gloablize all solutions.”
Berrigan also offered non-violent alternatives to respond to the terrorist attacks. He said that if he had the power he would turn to the world court and the United Nations and help strengthen their power. This would open the United States to the scrutiny of the rest of the world which is important because “the sinner is not only out there.”
Berrigan gained recognition as a social activist and poet. He is a member of the Order of the Society of Jesus and was ordained in 1952. Berrigan’s adamant and often militant opposition to the Vietnam War brought him national attention and a three-year prison sentence for the destruction of draft registration files in Catonsville, Md. in 1968. Since his release in 1972, Berrigan has continued to be strong supporter of peace, not only by taking direct action, but also by publishing dozens of books.
Apart from his thoughts and meditations on the Sept. 11 attacks, Berrigan also addressed a wide variety of issues including the role of a Christian in a society that seems so geared towards violence, and the role of homosexuality in a Christian context.
“I hope that holy mother Church will correct the typos on the holy tablets and ordain women, cherish gays and love nature of which she is a part,” he said.
Berrigan said that he does not like the attention he recieves for his acitivism.
“I hope someday no one will be considered a hero or a fool simply for doing the right thing,” Berrigan said.
The lecture was sponsored by the Center for Social Justice, Teaching and Service.
