22 ~ Friday, August 16, 1996 — North Shore News Justice hasn’t always been blind From page 26 Bur, as has been repeatedly pointed out, the law is a blunt instrument, not a sharply honed blade. ‘This was emphasized by the use of such cliches as “slippery slope,” “domino theory,” “opening the doors.” An agitat- ed Peter C. Newman went so far as to say that if the state can mandate treat- ment of 4 pregnant woman for substance abuse, the Prime Minister could order therapy for all those benighted souls who don’t vere Liberal. A lot of people are angry because Clifford Olsen, under the “faint hope clause,” wants a parole hearing. Their “solution” is to change the law — for everybody, ignoring the fact that some convicted criminals can be genuinely rehabilitated. What we really need to make our sys- tem of Jaw conform to a system of jus- tice is to remove the blinders, study the many, many circumstances and particu- larities surrounding every case, and guid- ed by principles nor laws. make ad hoc decisions. That, it turns out, is the method of traditional peoples. Of Course, the obvi- ous rejoinder is that in substantial cases, there is a clash of principles. True, but we can at least get closer to a realistic and more effective application of princi- ples than the use of law now permits, We do not need statutes, judges, lawyers, and courts; we need sages, peo- ple who understand the (albeit chang- ing) values of our society, and who can apply them (albeit imperfectly) to partic- ular individuals with specific histories. Even if we had these sages, they could apply their wisdom only in the context of familiarity, So, we have not only to form a cadre of sages, we have to form cohesive communities in which they live. Moving toward this will not be easy. We can learn from Canada’s Native Peoples, but any time we strengthen community, any time we emphasize par- ticularity, any time we build understand- ing, we contribute to the transition. On the other hand, any time we make the law more blunt by mandating an “across the boards” approach — “three times and your out,” unalterable sentences, manifestations of an obsessive need of a once-and-for-all fixit — we undermine justice. NON-DENOMINATIONAL we SERVICE ST J0nN'S Gy THIS SUNDAY QED ANGLICAN CHURCH] 10°15... ussite! 986-1151 W. 13tn & Chosterfoa, Ninn” You Invites you to worship Sundays 4 Minister: lan Andrews _ Gara & 10am (Nursery & Sunday Schoo! at 10} 990 22nd Street |. West. Vancouver & to NOCNTINE PRAYERTIME MONDAY TO FRIDAY 11:00 - 1:09 . “ 922-7630} LYN VALLEY UNITED CHURCH, How are’ . ” . MOUNT OLIVET LUTHERAN CHURCH 1700 Mountain Hwy. N.Van. ~ Worship 19:00 am Bible Study: 14:15 am - Chitd care available ~, all moming : Pastor Randy Faro 987-8710 FIRST CHURCH UF CHRIST, SCIENTIST 714 - 2Cth Stroat, WEST VAN 922-2023 16 am Sunday Sarvics & Sunday School & pm Wednasday Testinony Childcare Provided “St. Agnes Church (Anglican) 530 12th Street East, North Vancouver 1 9870482 “phy Men. - Sat. 10-5 pm" p 185 East Keith Rd., NORTH VAN, 965-1144 11 am Sunday Service & Sundsy School } 3rd Sunday each rsanth 7:30 pm Sunday Service 7530 am Wednesday Testimony ZZ Childcare Provided.” nae naomi: 9 x West Vancouver Baptist Churc “a Christian coutinunity dedicated to celebrating and demonstrating “pe Christ's love on the North Shove” Summer Service ‘Time is #2°10:00 a.m. | FAMILY BIBLE SCHOOL inchides -'¢ Nursery, Children, Youth & Adult Classes. ursdays: Senior High (Gr. 10-12) meet at 7:30 p.m. days: unior High (Gr. 7-9) bi-monthly events we : Home Groups Tues. - 1-3 pm Questions? Call 922-0911 ye at q tg : ? UNITED. 3380 Lonsdale’ 985-491! Rev. Dr. Don Faris ¥ Sunday Schoo & Nursery THIS WEEK: “Has God Given Up?” Coveumied with Yor end 110 United churches, we joyfully praise the one God, Father, Son end Holy Spirit, and confess Jesus as Saviour and “Pastor E’ Harder * “The Plain Facts About Vain Follies” y : “Worship and Praise “10am. . Delbrook Baptist Church | 4 : | Wed 7,00 p.m. Midweek Prayer & Bible study ~ Pastors: Virgli Olson, jan Cooper & Jack Tsai. ~ f Lae nd the 0 Spe sr gute. letting at 3550 Mountain Hwy., 986-7400, 980.6545 ° Guest speaker Glen Ryland brings insights about life from Ecolesiastes.A ‘WEST VANCOUVER BIBLE CHURCH CEDARDALE CENTER {former elem: schoo!) rections: In West Vancouver, one block below freeway on Taylor Way. "515. W. 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Morning Worship “Final ceremonies” a family BBO on the 24th: 22rd Sireet, North Vancouver 984-6422 |. dain Us For Worship This Sunday: “9:15 and 11:15 a.m. “Pastor Floyd Gruneu ~ ,.. concludes the series: “The Courage io Put God First - Part lil” 5, Nursery and child care available © CHRISTIAN SCIENCE Resting Room.1353 Marina Drive, w.v. | hl ‘FIRST CHURCH OF CARIST, coleuTIST Reading Room 116 €, 14ih Strat, N.Y. > ‘“Presbyterlan'Chureh ° “2641 Chesterfield Ave., North Van. * 8:30 A.M, informal Worship y 1:00 A.M. _ NORTH LONSDALE | | SUNDAY WORSHIP | 16:30am 630 East 19th Street, N.Van.: : 988-6923 8:30 COMMUNION SERVICE | 11:00 AM WORSHIP & SUNDAY SCHOOL. _ Special Guest Speaker: | Paul Woodyard Pastor: Dan Cochrane“ Youth Director: Todd Wiehe Now registering for Pra-schsol 3.& 4 Program, Fai! ‘96. ~ Call 988-2163 phen Worship & Sunday Schoo!- Minister: Rev. Gordon Kouwenberg’ - Church: Please call us at 997-6800 | ST. CATHERINE’S | - Anglican Church.’ | 1052 RIDGEWOOD DRIVE NORTH VAN 885-0056 E'sunday 8:00am Holy Eucharist .. 9:46 am Summer Fun Program “& Nursery 19:90 am Moly Eucharist Rev, John P. Mash, Rector.” Summer Sundays - One Service at 10:00 a.m. - _ >» Pastor Owen Scot speaking © : “Redeemed ... By The Lord ... For The Lord”. ‘Summer Series ~ “Living Together & Liking It". "| Wednesday evenings at 7:20 p.m. : .s _ SUTHERLAND © _ BIBLE CHAPEL 3201 Mountain Highway | 997-2114 3 Sundiy School & Nursary Cave Minister Rev, Sharon Copeman: WESTLYNN BAPTIST 1342 Eost 27th, HV. =’ “9:30 am: SUNDAY SCHOOL ~ EVERY : ee