prison-reformBrowse by Recently AddedTitleDateAuthorTopic Human Dignity ArticleWhat the Bible says about second chancesby Heather Rice-MinusIt was eight years before Chicago gym owner Luis Centeno told his clients and workers he had served time. Why? “Because of the constant rejection,” he says. Luis knew firsthand what it’s like to live in the shadow of a criminal history. Americans with a criminal record face 44,000 documented legal restrictions on things like Continue… Continue... criminal-justice-reform ArticleWhat Christians think—and what the Bible says—about criminal justice reformby Heather Rice-MinusToday, nearly 2.2 million Americans are in prison or jail, and approximately 70 million Americans have a criminal record. Prison Fellowship® believes the Church has a unique capacity and calling to respond to the crisis of crime and incarceration. That's why we hosted the Justice Declaration Symposium in Washington, D.C., an event that brought together Continue… Continue... Human Dignity ERLC Podcast EpisodeRemember those in prisonby Heather Rice-Minus, Julie Warren, Steven Harris, Thabiti AnyabwileAs injustices and inequalities have been exposed, there have been increasing calls to correct the criminal justice system and our prisons. What might Christians have to say to minister to those in prisons? What is our calling toward and for the incarcerated? At Evangelicals for Life, Steven Harris moderated a panel with Thabiti Anyabwile, Heather Continue… Continue... Poverty ArticleHow poverty skews justiceby Kate TrammellImagine being stuck in jail for weeks over a minor offense—not because you pose an immediate danger to society, but because your family cannot afford to pay the bail set by a judge. You have no income until your trial, your boss lets you go because of your prolonged absence, and your family suffers even Continue… Continue... Human Dignity ArticleWhy reform is still needed for former prisonersby Heather Rice-MinusNationwide, April is recognized as Second Chance™Month. Communities observed Second Chance Month 2019 with a wide variety of events. In Fayetteville, Arkansas, I joined a prayer walk called Road to Second Chances. There, I listened to brave men and women who once battled a cycle of addiction, incarceration, and brokenness but are finding their way Continue… Continue... Human Dignity ArticleYour church could be key to someone’s second chanceby Prison FellowshipAudrey still remembers the day she was called into her pastor’s office to receive some of the most discouraging news of her life. After becoming a Christian in prison, where she served time for a white-collar crime, Audrey returned to her community and joined a church with her husband Jeff. But members of the church Continue… Continue... Human Dignity Event MessageRemember Those in Prison: The Church and Criminal Justice Reformby Heather Rice-Minus, Julie Warren, Steven Harris, Thabiti AnyabwileHow can the church minister to those in prison? Steven Harris moderates a panel discussion on the church and criminal justice reform with Heather Rice-Minus, Julie Warren, and Thabiti Anyabwile at Evangelicals for Life 2019. Continue... prison-reform Capitol Conversations EpisodeA Story of Criminal Justice Reform: How the First Step Act Became Lawby Jeff Pickering, Steven HarrisIn the final days of the 115th Congress, a significant and bipartisan federal criminal justice reform bill was signed into law at the White House. The First Step Act, which sought both prison and sentencing reforms, enjoyed overwhelming votes in the Senate and House this past December. Yet the bill’s journey to passage was as Continue… Continue... prison-reform ArticlePresident Trump signs the FIRST STEP Act into law, ushering in a new era of Criminal Justice Reformby Emily Greene"My house is too quiet," Beth Strong says. "I struggle to make ends meet. Every weekend, I travel several hours each way to see my husband during visitation hours. My adult children and grandchildren are celebrating birthdays and other milestones while he is behind bars." Beth's life was turned upside down when her husband Continue… Continue... prison-reform ArticleWhat you should know about the FIRST STEP Actby Joe CarterUpdate: On Tuesday, December 18, the U.S. Senate voted 87-12 to pass the FIRST STEP Act. What just happened? On Wednesday President Trump announced his support for the prison and sentencing reform legislation known as the FIRST STEP Act. "Today I'm thrilled to announce my support for this bipartisan bill that will make our communities Continue… Continue...