Prison Ministries
Why become involved in Prison Ministry or Criminal Justice concerns?
~ Jesus said: "I was in prison and you visited me." (Matthew 25:36)
~ Jesus, himself, was arrested, imprisoned, convicted, and sentenced to death.
~ One of every 12 Oklahoma adults have been in prison or on felony probation. (According to a 2007 study reported by the Oklahoma Bar Association.)
~ Since early times, Jesus followers' have taught: "Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them." (Hebrews 13:3)
~ As Episcopal Christians today, we promise in our Baptismal Covenant..."to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being." (Book of Common Prayer, Page 305)
The Diocese's Commission on Prison Ministry serves as a network and resource for equipping our congregations in the community:
~ To Learn about the needs of victims and offenders and their families, the causes and conditions of incarceration in our State, and the problems facing prisoners reentering society, in order to make a positive difference.
~ To Participate in or support St. Patrick's Community of Prison Congregations - a network of Clergy and Lay Ministers who facilitate worship services and programs inside ten Oklahoma Prisons, together with the Inmates who worship with St. Patrick's and engage in outreach behind the walls.
~ To Reach out to families and friends of the incarcerated; and
~ To Engage in these ministries in collaboration with our Ecumenical Ministry Partners - that is, Evangelical Lutherans and United Methodists in Oklahoma - and in solidarity with other Christians and those in the community who care about these issues.
For more information, please contact the Rev. Nancy Brock, Diocesan Prison Missioner and Priest to St. Patrick's Community, directly via email at NBrock@epiok.org.
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