Judith Hilbing, North American Co-promoter of Justice, Peace, and Care of Creation
Reports on the Sentencing of the Three Sisters
This is the letter Joao Xerri, OP, the General Promoter of Justice asked me to write after I attended the sentencing of the three Grand Rapids Dominicans.
July 27, 2003
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Friday's reading from 2 Corinthians tells us that we hold our treasure in earthen vessels. It speaks to us of the grace that has been, and will be, bestowed in abundance. How can we not believe it when we know with what care our three Dominican Sisters, Ardeth Platte, Carol Gilbert, and Jackie Hudson preach and live the spirituality of non-violence. Peace initiatives are always fragile as they compel us to speak truth in a volatile world. In the Dominican tradition, the three Grand Rapids Sister studied, prayed, and discerned before their prophetic action at the missile silo was possible. Then, supported and accompanied by community, they took steps to make their vision for peace and disarmament real.
On the morning of their sentencing it was easy to see that “community” was expanded to mean more than the Grand Rapids congregation. Of the over 350 people, who met outside the Alfred Arraj, U.S. Courthouse in Denver to pray and prepare, there were Dominicans, Franciscans, Sisters of Lorretto, Buddhist monks, Catholic Workers, members of Plowshare, Witness for Peace, Quakers, Pax Christi, friends and relatives. One of Jackies's relative noted, “Family gatherings used to mean holidays, baptisms, birthdays, and weddings. Now it has been extended to trials and sentencings.”
Philippe LeBlanc, O.P. and I had been asked to attend the sentencing in order to represent the International Commission of Dominican Justice Promoters. Because of commitments in Geneva, Philippe was unable to attend. So I carried letters and promises of prayers and support to the three Sisters from the International Commission, the Leadership of Dominican Alliance, and the Dominican Justice Promoters, who had attended the Elkins Park meeting, and so many more. Wearing my Dominican Congregational t-shirt enabled me to be approached by various persons with Dominican connections. The Sisters themselves were dressed entirely in black, wearing veils, and in the tradition of the women in black stood and sat in silence, mute in the courtroom.
They did speak in the prayer service before they entered the courthouse. Jackie said, “Well, today is the day. It holds many unknowns as regards the judgments/decisions of Judge Blackburn. Yet it holds many knowns: the continued presence of nuclear weapons – latest figures list the U.S. ownership at 10,455; a president in office who has stated publicly that he would use these weapons – in violation of multiple treaties, charters, conventions, and protocols; a national budget that would allow these weapons of mass extermination to be multiplied and present ones upgraded…” Ardeth said, “ With a vision for disarmament, a mandate to speak truth, and a mission to halt the sinfulness, illegality, and criminality being touted in my name, I march to the Drummer of my soul Who instills faith rather than fear, trust not hopelessness, and love instead of hatred.” Carol said, “I don't fear going to prison. I don't fear loss of freedom to move about. I don't even fear death. The fear that fills me is not having lived hard enough, deep enough and sweet enough with whatever gifts God has given me.”
Support came not only from within the U.S., but from England, Germany, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, the Netherlands, Nicaragua and Brazil. Judge Blackburn received over 1,000 letters testifying to the character and community service of the Sisters. Individuals acting in concert do make a difference. In this case, the solidarity communication had an effect on the “downward departure” that lessens a sentence, especially in the area of community support and service.
In the end Jackie Hudson received a sentence of 30 months, Carol Gilbert of 33 months, and Ardeth Platte of 41 months. Each has already served 7 months. The higher fines were lifted but each Sister must pay $200 and together make restitution of $3,080.04. The Sisters began their incarceration immediately, but as yet do not know their final destination for confinement.
Yesterday there was an ADOPT A MISSILE SILO day to heighten awareness of the illegal existence and dangers at the U.S. nuclear arsenal, particularly the 49 missile silos in Colorado, in solidarity with the three Sisters who have been sentenced for their peaceful and symbolic demonstration at one of the nuclear silos. The action will be non-violent, legal, and promote a peaceful image.
In so in closing, we return to Paul's letter today to the Corinthians about dying and rising and all the graced filled moments in between. I leave you with an image of a woman who approached me outside the courthouse, who grabbed my hands and with tears in her eyes said, “Forgive me. I am so sorry. I've never spoken out or came out before. I was too busy, too afraid, too confused. I am so sorry I did not help you (Dominicans). Can you forgive me? Paul would say, “that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.”
- Peace and thanksgiving,
- Judith Hilbing, OP
- North American Co-promoter of Justice, Peace, and Care of Creation