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The schoolhouse shootings in Lancaster County, Pa., on Oct. 2, in which an armed man shot 10 young girls before killing himself, focused atttention on a close-knit Amish community that neither seeks nor enjoys the media attention. The Amish presented a picture of dignity, grace, and forgiveness for all the world to see.
In fact, the family of two of the victims – sisters who were both killed by Roberts – reached out to the killer’s family, even inviting them to the funeral.
The heightened emotions of the moment, and the extraordinary kindness and forgiveness of the Amish families affected, had an impact on even cynical reporters who have “seen it all.” ABC’s Nightline correspondent John Donvan, while attempting a live report on this remarkable act of forgiveness, broke down on the air and could not continue. Anchor Terry Moran took over and quickly went to a commercial break so both he and Donvan could recover their composure.
Donald Kraybill, professor at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania, and an expert on the Amish and Mennonite cultures, said that one of the ironies of the situation is that while violence and crime are extremely rare in Amish communities, “they are actually better prepared than most to deal with this type of situation. Their faith teaches them that this is a fallen world, and that when they die they go to a better place. It also teaches that things have a higher purpose. They accept the troubles of life with a spirit of humility.”
—Warren Smith, Evangelical Press News
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