JOURNEY OF HOPE
Bess Klassen-Landis
In March 2008, Hanover Monthly Meeting released one of its members,
Bess Klassen-Landis,
to travel in the ministry for one year, as she brings attention and light to issues around
the death penalty by telling her story and sharing her original songs of hope and healing.
Bess Klassen-Landis experienced an opening of love and healing in her life around an issue
of deep pain and loss: the murder of her mother when Bess was thirteen. By speaking to audiences
in states with the death penalty, Bess has found that she can join her voice to the many who
are working to abolish the death penalty in this country. By being open and faithful to the
guiding of the Spirit, Bess shares her story wherever there are people who are in need of her
witness to the power of love and forgiveness. She understands from the depths of her own personal
experience that the way to healing is not to perpetuate the cycle of violence, but to find the
seeds of forgiveness and healing in one’s own heart.
Bess has worked with the Journey of Hope…from Violence to Healing and with state death penalty
abolition coalitions to establish her speaking schedule. During the fall she spoke at high schools,
colleges, churches, as well as at smaller venues in California, Ohio, Montana and Oregon. From
January through August, Bess spoke in Indiana, Ohio, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Michigan,
Pennsylvania and Missouri, which included speaking to legislators.
The responses to Bess’ ministry have been strong:
“The Spirit moves through you and has nurtured us and opened us up to be in touch
with the sensitivities,vulnerabilities within us.Thank you for your life-affirming
ministry and for sharing your journey with us.”
Rev. George T. Hubek, Religious Leaders Breakfast, Cleveland, OH
“Your strength is inspiring. My opinion of the death penalty has been swaying for a
few years. But with your story, I formed my own opinion and found the strength within
myself to stand up and do the right thing for all--and to not play God. Thank you for
everything you do to make the world a better place.”
student, Marist Catholic High School, Eugene, OR
“The story of your family tragedy and the long road to healing is one that touched me
and all in attendance deeply. I honor your efforts to get the word out about the reality
of capital punishment and the counter productive, destructive effect it has on all involved.
May you continue to heal and spread your crucial message to the world.”
Nameste, First Christian Church Eugene, OR
Click on the arrow to return to the Hanover Meeting page
Bess has worked with the Journey of Hope…from Violence to Healing and with state death penalty abolition coalitions to establish her speaking schedule. During the fall she spoke at high schools, colleges, churches, as well as at smaller venues in California, Ohio, Montana and Oregon. From January through August, Bess spoke in Indiana, Ohio, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Missouri, which included speaking to legislators.
The responses to Bess’ ministry have been strong:
“The Spirit moves through you and has nurtured us and opened us up to be in touch
with the sensitivities,vulnerabilities within us.Thank you for your life-affirming
ministry and for sharing your journey with us.”
Rev. George T. Hubek, Religious Leaders Breakfast, Cleveland, OH
“Your strength is inspiring. My opinion of the death penalty has been swaying for a
few years. But with your story, I formed my own opinion and found the strength within
myself to stand up and do the right thing for all--and to not play God. Thank you for
everything you do to make the world a better place.”
student, Marist Catholic High School, Eugene, OR
“The story of your family tragedy and the long road to healing is one that touched me
and all in attendance deeply. I honor your efforts to get the word out about the reality
of capital punishment and the counter productive, destructive effect it has on all involved.
May you continue to heal and spread your crucial message to the world.”
Nameste, First Christian Church Eugene, OR
Click on the arrow to return to the Hanover Meeting page