At a time when one out of every 28 Pennsylvanians are under criminal justice system control, whether in prison, jail, on probation or parole, it is likely that every congregation has members impacted by crime or the criminal justice system, whether as victims, accused, offenders, or families of people in all those groups. Shame and stigma often isolate those affected, preventing them from seeking help. How can congregations create a culture of safety and support for those who need it?
Our diocesan convention passed a resolution last November to support development of a diocesan Healing Communities training with the Pennsylvania Council of Churches.
A training workshop is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Church of the Holy Cross in Homewood, 7507 Kelly Street, Pittsburgh PA 15208.
The Healing Communities training, a proven national model, equips congregations to become stations of hope by building relationships of healing, redemption, and reconciliation. Here is a link that describes the results of this training workshop in powerful detail.
Congregations are encouraged to send a group of at least three leaders/active members in order to effectively implement the model in their setting. Although the usual cost of $25, it will be free for Episcopalians. It is open to all, and no one will be excluded for inability to pay.
The training will be given by the Rev. Sandra Strauss, Director of Advocacy and Ecumenical Outreach for the PA Council of Churches. She can be contacted at s.strauss@pachurches.org or 717-545-4761. The registration deadline is September 30. A flier with the registration form is available here. Registration is also available here.