Prison Ministry Network enters hiatus October 2017
While significant ministry to prison inmates and formerly incarcerated people continues in many places throughout the Synod and the Synod remains committed to this important work, the Network in its existing form no longer seemed to be meeting the needs of the ministry community. Informal networking and relational connections continue to be fostered through the Synod's efforts, but in order to allow energy and enthusiasm to flow most effectively around this ministry area, the formal network has been temporarily disbanded. Should a formalized network become helpful to the facilitation of these shared efforts again, the Prison Ministry Network will be gladly re-formed.
The Prison Ministry Network works to assist persons formerly incarcerated into welcoming communities.
Our work includes focusing on the pre- and and post-release re-entry process of persons into welcoming communities. Anyone involved in prison ministry in New England, New Jersey and New York, or anyone interested in starting a prison or re-entry ministry is welcome to join us.
More about the Prison Ministry Network:
AwarenesS
To inform Presbyterian congregations and other communities of faith throughout the Northeast that there is a growing movement to improve and reform our current criminal legal system with regard to preparing formerly incarcerated persons for re-entry, and that faith communities can take an active role in the process.
Education
To educate these faith communities and other like-minded agencies and community groups about the current state of the criminal legal system and the urgent need for reform. The Prison Ministry Network also educates groups on how to organize and engage in community activities and actions around these issues. Read our report from the Network's first gathering.
Advocacy
To advocate for reform of the criminal legal system with people in the pews as well as on the local, state and federal levels, and share strategies for advocacy. While this does not imply formal lobbying of state and federal legislative bodies, it does imply making individual, congregational and other group voices heard in support of improvement of the current criminal legal system.
Direct Service
To share best practices among agencies and congregations, which provide support to persons in prison and their families during incarceration and upon re-entry into the community. Read Cass Shaw's blog entry on extending and receiving welcome in prison ministry.
Supporting Leadership
Enlist, support and welcome the leadership of formerly incarcerated persons in all of these activities.
Prison Ministry Network
Want to know more? Write to Kent McKamy.