Remembering the Jonestown Survivors

Today is the 30th Anniversary of the Jonestown tragedy, a moment in time when nearly a thousand lives were lost -- most as part of a mass murder/suicide. How many knew what was in the Koolaide, can never be known. But most of those residing in Guyana died. They left behind friends and family -- some members of the church still living in California. These are the people who most remember this event. They feel the loss most keenly. Among those still living is Jones' own son, Stephan.

Although most articles that detail this event do not mention the connection between Jones and my denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), it is something we must own. It is the dark side of a polity committed to freedom. We are survivors of that day as well and we dare not forget.

The November issue of Disciples World carries an essay by Graham Kislingbury of Albany, Oregon. In it he remembers his sister Sharon, who at the time would have been 22. She was a social worker to be, a person full of life and compassion. She came from a good family, yet was drawn into Peoples Temple because of its work on the behalf of the poor. She had gone to Guyana and seemed taken in by the work of Jones. She was among the 910 that died in Jonestown, having taken -- willingly or not -- the poison laced Koolaide. Kislingbury has been taking this message of remembrance to all who would hear, knowing that this is something we dare not forget.

And so, we remember those whose lives were lost and the families and loved ones left behind. May they find peace on this 30th anniversary. May we commit ourselves to pursuing a faith that embraces life and not destroys it.