“In the face of escalating violence, escalate love” is the motto of Dr. Jim McGinnis and his wife Kathleen.

The couple are on Island to serve as guest speakers at this weekend’s ‘Family as the Domestic Church’, the 6th Annual Assembly of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, Bermuda.

The two-day event started last night at Mount Saint Agnes Academy and continues today.

Workshops to be held over the course of the assembly will include: Consumerism and Christian Stewardship; Caring for God’s Creation; Racial Justice; the Richness of Diversity; and, Solidarity with the Victims of Injustice.

The McGinnises are the directors of the Institute for Peace and Justice in St. Louis, Missouri, an interfaith centre which promotes peace and justice through education, social action and prayer.

They are also the founders and international co-ordinators of the Parenting for Peace and Justice Network.

They have written numerous teacher and family resources, including ‘Call to Peace’, ‘Educating for Peace’, ‘Starting Out Right: Nurturing Young children as Peacemakers’ and ‘Celebrating Racial Diversity’.

Dr. McGinnis said participants at this weekend’s workshops can expect to be inspired and challenged.

“Participating parents and those who work with families will discover or re-discover some of the wonderful ways parents can assist God in the full faith development of children,” he said.

“We will explore ways to nurture a spirit of awe and prayerfulness in our children and to help our children appreciate more deeply what the Eucharist and confirmation are all about.”

The workshops today will focus on social issues.

“We will focus on ways to counteract rampant consumerism, ways to develop healthy racial attitudes in children and to be in greater solidarity with the poor,” Dr. McGinnis said.

“In addition, there will be special sessions for children and sessions in Portuguese.”

The organisers are inviting everyone, not just Catholics to attend the free workshops.

“This weekend, whilst this is mainly a Catholic event, is for practising and non-practising Catholics and others who are interested are welcomed to attend,” Dr. McGinnis said.

“Christians and Jews will find what we say challenging as well as consistent with their faith traditions. We apply the Scriptures to some challenging issues on racism, consumerism, poverty, caring for God’s creation and alternatives to violence and war.

“While we don’t expect everyone to agree with everything we say. We hope that all participants will all be open to the word of God in our midst and open to the portion of truth that each one of us brings to the gathering.”

To register either e-mail ccd[AT]northrock.bm or (292-1981.