SHOULD Robert Thompson and Jon Venables be released from detention? Their killing of James Bulger in 1993 was certainly a terrible crime. But is it now time to release these two young men in the hope that they are reformed and can now lead a useful life in society?
It is easy to understand those who say that they should never be released. It is also easy to understand James Bulger's father when he says that he will hunt them down if they are released. But, understandable as these views are, should they prevail or should we give the two a chance of a new life?
At the time of the killing, John Major said: "We must condemn a little more, and understand a little less." But is it now time to say -- "They have served their time, they should now have a new chance of life."?
I would not like to be the person who has to make the final decision. It is one of those decisions that only history will prove right or wrong. Should we trust that the two are now repentant of their deed and will now no longer harm anyone?
In this matter of trust, there are never any guarantees. All we can do is use their best judgement in this particular case. There will always be a risk, but trust is about risk, and if we think we can have trust without risk, we are living in 'cloud cuckoo' land.
Guarantee
We would all like to live in a risk-free society where we could guarantee success and safety. But, where people are concerned, this is not possible. If we say we will not allow Thompson and Venables to go free until there is no risk, then we would simply wait for ever.
No doubt someone will say to me --"It's all very well you talking like this, but you haven't lost a child in this terrible way." That is true. But then the law always says that those closest to a crime are not the best judges.
I hope that one day James Bulger's parents will come to a point where they can forgive. No one can demand this from them but, for the sake of their own lives and wellbeing, they will never move on until they can come to this point.
But to those who cry for blood when they are not family or friends, I would say that society can only be based on judicial forgiveness. Revenge solves nothing.
We can't just trust people when they don't make mistakes and when they don't commit crimes. We must learn to forgive and give people the second chance. One day we might need to ask for the second chance ourselves.
Let us not deny these two young men their freedom out of hand. Let's pray for those who have to make the decision that they may be granted the wisdom they need. This is a case where nothing but the Wisdom of Solomon will do.
Michael Williams
Vicar of Bolton Parish Church
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