Prison & Jail Ministries
Overview
A collaborative ministry addressing justice issues within prisons, jails, and detention centers
The work of the Prison and Jail Ministries Initiative centers around inspiration, advocacy, and education, including:
- Sponsorship of Resolution GA-1723, “On Becoming Immigrant-Welcoming Congregations,” which was adopted as a Sense-of-the-Assembly Resolution at the 2017 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
- Sponsorship of Resolution GA-1525, “A Call to End Solitary Confinement,” which passed as an Item for Reflection and Research at the 2015 General Assembly.
- Educational workshops at General Assembly and other regional events.
- Participation in events such as Ecumenical Advocacy Days and the Interfaith Criminal Justice Coalition.
- A Facebook group to help members stay connected and up-to-date on these important issues.
Within this network of over 400 members, we convene a smaller Prison and Jail Ministries Peer Learning & Wellness Group to cultivate peer-to-peer learning, spiritual renewal, well-being and address systemic injustice.
Prison & Detention Advocacy Missional Partners
Much of this work cannot be accomplished without the collaboration and encouragement of our ministry partners: Reconciliation Ministry, Disciples Center for Public Witness, Disciples Justice Action Network, Disciples Home Missions, UCC Justice and Witness Ministries, and the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. Additionally, we’re pleased to work with ministry partners like Mission Behind Bars and Beyond, Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center, and UrbanMission.
Watch and Learn
Watch any of our educational webinars to learn more about prison, jail, and detention ministry. These videos are designed to encourage thought and discussion around topics such as criminal justice, mass incarceration, solitary confinement, immigration, and reform.