Be Merciful

I’ve been meaning to start blogging again for weeks – but Jon Venables has brought me out of retirement.

It’s been like living in the dark ages these past few days as the baying crowds, led as always by the tabloids, have gathered with their pitchforks and spades, and rounded upon the wounded Venables', seeking for the kill.  In an uncharacteristic demonstration of leadership the Government yesterday decisively and unequivocally announced that ‘no’, Venables' identity would NOT be compromised and ‘no’, details of the reasons for his recall would NOT be released – because at the end of the day not only do they NOT have the right to know – but they also have no need to know.  The snarling press have given a whimper, and for now at least, have skunked away with their tails between their legs.  No doubt they will return.

I can barely remember when I was 10.  I was in primary 6 and Mrs Poole was my teacher.  There are other small fragments in there – but it was a lifetime ago; a different life.  I was a child.  I cannot begin to imagine what it would have been like to have to go through life constantly bearing the public shaming of what I had done way back then.

I can barely imagine what it must be like to go through life under a lie, with a false name and a false history, because if people knew who I really was (and what I had done when I was 10!) they would not only hate me, but some would want to kill me.  Knowing that even those who have come to like and love me the most only do so because they too believe the lie.  Living in daily fear of being exposed – or lynched.

So what have we learned this week about Jon Venables?  He’s been living in the North of England in a bed-sit by himself.  He’s been unable to form any meaningful relationships since his release.  Struggling to cope it has been alleged he can’t get through a day without drink and drugs.  All because of something he did when he was 10. 

Of course there are many who argue that what he did was so serious that he doesn’t deserve to ever move on.  That he should spend the rest of his life in custody.  But that is not justice – that is vengeance. 

Comments

[Christina Harris]

Its up to God to judge John Venables,but what he did to that little 3 year old boy, and at the age of 10!!!!There must have been some kind of evil in both those 10 year old minds,when you were 10 you were probabily more interested in football and playing with your friends.Put yourself in James Bulger's parents shoes,imagine what it would have been like for them,it's bad enough when adults commit murder but children!!!Dont get me wrong if John Venables walked into our church tomorrow I would welcome him because Jesus welcomes sinners,but I would still have a hard time understanding why they did it, but as I said it's for God to judge.

[Kim Miller]

There was talk for a while of Jon Venables being brought out here to Australia to start a new life. I don't know how likely that was, but the papers loved the notoriety of it.

I'm a prison chaplain setting up a pilot post release chaplaincy and am often coming up against the public opinion that serious offenders should not be released. Check us out at www.homeforgood.org.au