ON SCRIPTURE VIDEO LIBRARY
Gun Violence Prevention / Mass Incarceration
20 to Life: Prisoners Find A Purpose at Sing Sing
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The historical purpose of incarceration was moral rehabilitation, despite the punitive nature of many prisons today. At Sing Sing Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in Ossining, New York, select inmates are given the opportunity to rehabilitate and turn their lives around through education. New York Theological Seminary provides a 36-credit, intensive, Master’s of Professional Studies program focused on both academic knowledge and spiritual liberation.
Mass Incarceration; Justice for Returning Citizens Prison Education Prison Ministry Redemption
A Cycle to Fight Gun Violence
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Following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, a group of cyclists rode 400 miles from Newtown, Connecticut to Washington, D.C. to advocate for stricter gun control legislation. “Most Americans want to cure our gun violence epidemic,” said Monte Frank, whose daughter’s teacher was killed in the shooting of 26 at the school. “Here’s our message: Please put politics aside and get it done.”
American Faith Leaders and Gun Control Legislation Cycling and Advocacy Ending Gun Violence in Schools Gun Violence Prevention Interfaith Response to Gun Violence
A Life Behind Bars: Transformation Through Education
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Antoinne Murphy, while serving a sentence of 25 years-to-life at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, transformed his self-understanding and his life through education. Murphy earned a bachelor’s degree through Mercy College and a Master’s of Professional Studies from New York Theological Seminary. Through education, Murphy discovered his purpose and inherent worth.
Mass Incarceration Prison Education Prison Ministry Prison Reform Redemption
Combatting Bigotry: Incarceration and the Bible
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Rev. Dr. Harold Dean Trulear, the National Director of Healing Communities, discusses how to reflect upon and overcome biases against incarcerated individuals. The Christian scriptures present an ethical imperative to care for and support those affected by mass incarceration, and Trulear highlights the need for churches to extend hospitality to returning citizens.
Bias and Bigotry Families Impacted by Incarceration Jesus Was a Person Who Was Incarcerated Ministry with Returning Citizens Prison Ministry Returning Citizens
Evangelical Leaders Stand Up for Criminal Justice Reform
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On June 20th, 2017, 100 Christian leaders across the United States launched the Justice Declaration to reform the nation’s criminal justice system. Now, more than 1800 Christian leaders, from Catholic, Mainline, Evangelical, and other denominations, across the U.S. have signed on in support. Grounded in biblical values, these leaders aim to abolish the permanent underclass created by returning citizens by living out God’s call to justice and mercy.
Advocacy as Ministry Criminal Justice Reform Biblically-based Criminal Justice Reform Bipartsan Prison Reform Liberty to the Captives Redemption vs. Retribution Mass Incarceration Restorative Justice Tough on Crime Laws
Faith Leaders Unite Around Combatting Gun Violence
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Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, a coalition of religious leaders representing 40 faith groups, is dedicated to supporting legislative action that bans automatic weapons and ammunition magazines, requires criminal background checks for all gun sales, and criminalizes gun trafficking on the federal level. Vincent DeMarco, the national coordinator of the group, said Congress has “a moral imperative to enact life saving measures” and eradicate gun violence.
American Faith Leaders Community Safety Initiative Clergy-Led Gun Violence Prevention Gun Control Legislation Gun Violence Prevention Interfaith Response to Gun Violence
Project Return: Helping those Leaving Prison Make a Permanent Return to Milwaukee
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Mass incarceration robs communities across the US of their young men and women of color. After serving their sentence, are returning citizens free to pursue life, liberty, and happiness? There are very few open doors for people with a record. In Milwaukee, the US city with the highest percentage of its population behind bars, Project Return has been working to open doors for 34 years.
Barriers to Reentry Just Hospitality Justice for Returning Citizens Mass Incarceration Prison Ministry Reducing Recidivism Redemption
Project Return: Making a Difference in Milwaukee
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Project RETURN offers services and support to formerly incarcerated people living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Brian works with Project RETURN to connect formerly incarcerated individuals with job training and fatherhood seminars. Years ago, Brian was helped by a local pastor and today he gives back by mentoring youth in his community. Among the men Brian mentors is his younger brother, and the film features a turning point that illustrates the importance of strong male role models.
Unconditional Love Human Dignity Mentoring Male Role Models Spiritual Care and Guidance Youth Empowerment
PTSD: The Present Traumatic Stress of Gun Violence
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Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church on Chicago’s Southside urges the Church to be the voice for the poor and leaders in addressing the epidemic of gun violence in America today. Gun violence takes the lives of people in their community daily. It is a symptom of a larger epidemic of abandonment to which we contribute and then suffer from. Father Pfleger asks people of faith to address forgotten communities in crisis by advocating for comprehensive support that addresses violence and works to bring hope.
Addressing Violence to Bring Hope Care for Those Experiencing Disproportionate Impact Gun Violence Human Dignity The Impact of Systemic Injustice on Communities of Color The Moral Imperative to End Gun Violence
Walk With Them, The God of Second Chances
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Rev. Dr. Harold Dean Trulear, the National Director of Healing Communities, inspires congregations and faith leaders to live God’s message of second chances. He provides examples of how to support or “walk with” prisoners, returning citizens, and the families and children of those affected by mass incarceration.
Accompaniment Care for the Incarcerated citizens Children of the Incarcerated Mass Incarceration Prison Ministry Returning Citizens
Project Return: Making a Difference in Milwaukee
Play Video
Project RETURN offers services and support to formerly incarcerated people living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Brian works with Project RETURN to connect formerly incarcerated individuals with job training and fatherhood seminars. Years ago, Brian was helped by a local pastor and today he gives back by mentoring youth in his community. Among the men Brian mentors is his younger brother, and the film features a turning point that illustrates the importance of strong male role models.
PTSD: The Present Traumatic Stress of Gun Violence
Play Video
Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church on Chicago’s Southside urges the Church to be the voice for the poor and leaders in addressing the epidemic of gun violence in America today. Gun violence takes the lives of people in their community daily. It is a symptom of a larger epidemic of abandonment to which we contribute and then suffer from. Father Pfleger asks people of faith to address forgotten communities in crisis by advocating for comprehensive support that addresses violence and works to bring hope.