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 last November passed a resolution to support development of a diocesan Healing Communities training sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council of Churches.
We now have such a training scheduled for Saturday, June 22, 1-6 p.m., at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Wilkinsburg, 600 Pitt Street, Pittsburgh PA 15221.
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 in powerful detail.
Congregations are encouraged to send a group of at least three leader/active members in order to effectively implement the model in their setting. A form with registration and more information is available here. Although the form indicates a 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 reached through email at s.strauss@pachurches.org or through phone at 717-545-4761.