Since 2012, PCU has administered the interfaith project confronting racialized mass incarceration called Justice Not Jails. For the past year, we have been working to develop what we call "Beyond Bars" congregations, which are re-entry friendly places for formerly incarcerated persons where they are supported, can share their stories, and where people of faith can become involved in advocacy against the mass incarceration regime in our country.
JNJ is collaborating with the African Methodist Episcopal Church to focus on racism, mass incarceration, re-entry, and faith at their annual "Lay Witness Night." You don't have to be AME to participate in the event; I'm not, and I'll be one of the respondents!
One of the reasons PCU decided to take on mass incarceration in the first place was to promote faith-rooted solidarity across race and class lines. While there are many facets to this work, a key component for churches is supporting formerly incarcerated persons and publicly proclaiming that we want to hear their stories and walk with them in the long healing process.
This next Friday will help equip faith communities in how to do this work, whether through assisting at re-entry fairs in your area, helping people re-register to vote, supporting them as they look for employment, and being a witness against the shame and silencing that our culture places on those we otherize as "the criminal."
The event will be from 7-10 p.m. at the LAX Hilton with a "Resource-A-Thon" and reception to follow from 10-11 p.m. This will be a great chance to get re-inspired to continue the work many of us are already doing, or to have our hearts strangely warmed for a new ministry of compassion and solidarity.
This is what the way of Jesus looks like: walking with those wounded seeking healing and mutual transformation. I look forward to seeing others on the journey!
Moving beyond bars,
Timothy Murphy
Executive Director