IN THE DIOCESE

Why We Do Prison Ministry: by the Rev. Anne Williams

Christ Church in Cedar Rapids participates in Fresh Start Ministries which supports ministry in the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center and RISE. RISE consist of volunteers who help the newly released with immediate needs through an Adult Mentoring Program.

St. Timothy's in West Des Moines has a Re-Entry Team that supports a newly-released woman from the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women at Mitchellville. This team meets with the woman for an hour each week for up to one year to help her set and achieve goals for herself, confront successfully the myriad problems that face someone getting out of prison (e.g., employment, housing, transportation) and give her encouragement and support as she begins a new life. And at least once each year, Deacon Jeanie Smith organizes a small group (up to 10 people) to go out to the women’s prison at Mitchellville to worship with Women at the Well United Methodist Church, a church completely within the walls of the prison. Those who have been are struck by the amazing work that God is doing in this ministry.

Resolutions & Policies

General Convention resolution D004 addressing Mass Incarceration

Resources