Report of the Prison Ministry Director

Since my last report to you, the reach of CLF's prison ministry has grown to 190 prisoner-members with 100 of those prisoners corresponding with free-world pen pals. This marks a gratifying expansion since the Fall of 2003, when we had approximately 60 prisoner-members and 14 pen pal matches. I cannot express fully enough my appreciation of the CLF staff, who have administratively facilitated this growth.

Looking outward and forward, there are four aspects of the prison ministry that deserve your attention:

• First, the very good article about the prison ministry in the UUWorld last Spring has proven to be enormously helpful to the ministry. Not only did it arouse interest among UUs in this important work and spur a number of folks to become pen pals, but it also provided us with a great insert to include in our “inquiry packets” that are sent to prospective prisoner-members. We couldn't have a better demonstration of the CLF's commitment to prisoners' welfare.
• Second, our chaplain, Patty Franz, and I have facilitated the start of a prison ministry class at Starr King School for the ministry. Working with Patti Lawrence in Berkeley , a dozen seminarians have become pen pals and are learning about this specialized ministry.
• Third, it was my privilege to join in the work toward the passage of the Statement of Conscience on Criminal Justice and Prison Reform at General Assembly in Fort Worth .
• And finally, effective January 2006, the Rev. Patty Franz will move from California to become the new Director of the prison ministry. Patty is very experienced and devoted to the work and she has some great ideas for expanding and deepening the ministry. I have every confidence that she will be a dedicated and effective addition to the staff.

On a personal note, my decision after two years to leave the CLF's prison ministry – it's my experience that one never entirely leaves the CLF – is tinged with sadness and grows out of my need to devote more time and attention to my parish work. In addition, it has become clear that I am unable, in 6-8 hours a week, to give the growing prison ministry the attention it deserves. It is my hope that Patty, with your support, will be able to do this.

It has been an honor and a joy to be a part of the CLF's ministry.

Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Reis
Prison Ministry Director
September 20, 2005

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Last updated November 21, 2005