'Every War Has Two Losers' to be shown at Bethany Seminary.

"Every War Has Two Losers," a film by Haydn Reiss based on the journals of poet William Stafford, will be shown at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., on March 27 at 7 p.m. The film features commentary on Stafford's poetry and peace witness by nine contemporary poets.

Stafford was a Church of the Brethren member and the author of more than 60 volumes of poetry and prose. He was a conscientious objector during World War II, and did a term of Civilian Public Service. He then taught at Lewis and Clark College in Oregon. He won the National Book Award in 1963, became Poetry Consultant of the Library of Congress (a position equivalent to poet laureate today) in 1970, and became Poet Laureate of Oregon in 1975. He also received a Shelley Memorial Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and a Western States Lifetime Achievement Award in Poetry. Brethren Press published one of his books of poetry, "A Scripture of Leaves" (order for $12.95 plus shipping and handling, call 800-441-3712). He died in 1993.

In addition to the 30-minute film, the evening will feature a presentation by Jeff Gundy, professor of English at Bluffton University. Gundy also is a poet, author of "Walker in the Fog: On Mennonite Writing," and 2008 Recipient of the Dale W. Brown Book Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, given in honor of the former Bethany professor and a leading peace theologian in the Church of the Brethren.

Gundy's presentation will focus on the subtlety and wisdom of Stafford's pacifist poetry and his many "intricate moves" toward peace and justice in both his writing and his life. Local Stafford scholars and enthusiasts also will share commentary, and there will be opportunity for dialogue with the audience following the film.

This event is free and open to the public, with sponsorship by the Baker Peace Fund of Bethany's Peace Studies Program. View a trailer of the film at everywar.com.

-- Marcia Shetler is director of public relations at Bethany Seminary.

Source: 3/11/2010 Newsline Extra