The Lopez Restorative Justice program will screen a documentary film, “Burning Bridges,” at Grace Church Parish Hall on Thursday, March 3 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. A question period will follow and refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.

Restorative justice is a process where all parties with a stake in a particular offense come together to collectively resolve how to respond to the aftermath of the offense and its implications for the future. More than 40 Lopezians turned up at the first presentation on Lopez last fall by experts Paul McCold and Beth Rodman. So great was interest at that event that a group formed to organize a two-day workshop on Lopez in November. Seventeen Lopezians received certification at this training.

That group has been honing its skills with role plays as well as planning how to best apply restorative justice principles to difficult issues arising in the Lopez community, whether a conflict in the school or some other community setting or a criminal activity – any situation where people seek justice and healing.

“Burning Bridges” begins with news stories about the arson of an historic wooden covered bridge in Bucks County, Pa., and the eventual apprehension of six local, college-age men who set the fire. The highlight and focus of the film is actual footage of a restorative justice conference, and it concludes with television news coverage after the sentencing. Questions about restorative justice will be taken after the film.

The event is sponsored by the Lopez Restorative Justice Program. For more information, contact Polly Ham or Steve Horn at 468-2129 or Carol Steckler at 468-2138.