In preparation for Pope Francis’ visit to D.C. in less than two weeks, I gathered with several faith leaders for a press conference this morning to bring attention to the issue of criminal justice reform.
I was joined by Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington; Monsignor John Enzler, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington; Jonathan Reyes, executive director of Justice, Peace and Human Development for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; Rev. Maidstone Mulenga of the United Methodist Church; and former prisoner Rudy, who participated in Catholic Charities’ Welcome Home reentry program.
We met this morning to publicly commit to #WalkwithFrancis through our respective ministries. #WalkwithFrancis is an initiative of the Archdiocese of Washington to welcome the pope by committing to follow his example of prayer and service.
Shortly after being named pope, Francis washed the feet of incarcerated youth. Putting his faith into action again and again, he has inspired not only Catholics, but also the world. As a Christian organization, Prison Fellowship is passionate about the biblical mandate to "remember those in prison," but criminal justice reform is an issue for which every person in our country—regardless of faith or political affiliation—should advocate.
By standing together with the other faith leaders and remembering the lives of the millions behind bars today and the children growing up without them, I hope we inspired D.C.—and the rest of America—to embrace a more restorative approach to punishment.
Blessings,
Craig DeRoche
Justice Fellowship
Prison Fellowship Ministries
Justice Fellowship
44180 Riverside Parkway
Lansdowne, Virginia 20176 United States
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