The Worthy Now Prison Ministry is a life-saving, life-affirming ministry of the Church of the Larger Fellowship.
We believe that every person is worthy of love and justice just as they are. We believe that no one is disposable. This includes our beloved who are among the nearly 2 million people incarcerated in the United States. The membership of CLF includes a growing number of incarcerated Unitarian Universalists from around the United States. This ministry works to overcome the isolation and dehumanization of our prison system, and this is labor-intensive. We are glad to have the support of thousands of people around the world for this ministry.
Be A Part of Our Worthy Now Ministry!
We also rely on hundreds of Unitarian Universalist volunteers, who serve as pen pals and state allies, send annual holiday messages from around the world, and champion the Worthy Now ministry in their local congregations
The carceral system in the US dehumanizes and isolates people every day.
It exists as an instrument of punishment in a world that needs more redemption, more repentance, and more repair. Our ministry works hard to overcome that dehumanization and isolation by connecting people in beloved community.
Over half of the membership of CLF is currently incarcerated.
Many of our members found Unitarian Universalism through word of mouth in prison. Many of them have become the targets of violence and intimidation in their facilities because they have theologies and identities that marginalize them. The existence of a religious home that accepts them for all of who they are is, for many, a rare piece of good news we are happy to share.
Words of WelcomeA responsive reading from the Newton UU Fellowship (a group of CLF members incarcerated in Newton, Iowa)
We gather, as one community with many beliefs, following many paths, all with unknown destinations.
As one, we seek to be treated fairly.
Justice is possible only with love for one another.
The heart in your chest pulses with life as does mine.
Equity in our humanity is the design of nature.
Each step we take on our journey allows us to explore who we are.
Transformation stops only when we refuse to advance.
As believers in a multitude of thought, we embrace the challenges of acceptance.
Pluralism is celebrated through respect for individuality.
Through recognition of the effects of our actions we govern our words and deeds.
Interdependence allows strength in numbers with caution toward selfishness.
In the spirit of unity, we vow to give as much as we receive.
Generosity is measured in thought, attention, gift and assistance.
Every soul who seeks our community will be given the opportunity to become themasterpiece that nature intended. With this vow we open our hearts to the love of oneanother in this place.
Accountability to our incarcerated members calls us to work for abolition.
We hold a vision of a society in which no one is caged, in which all people are treated with humanity and respect, and in which prisons are not necessary because everyone has what they need to flourish.
What we provide for our incarcerated members
Every week, incarcerated people write to ask us: “I hear you’re a church where you don’t have to believe in God?” … “My cellie tells me you’re OK with pagans and Wiccans?” … “Can you send me anything about religion and being gay?” … “I am a transgender woman locked up in a men’s prison–am I welcome in your church?”
And every week, our membership applications echo what UUs hear every Sunday during coffee hour: “I can’t believe I found a church that will support me as I explore and deepen my own personal spirituality.”
We Need Your Support
We rely on the support of thousands of donors to continue this life-saving ministry. This staff-intensive ministry costs us about $300 per member to provide at a bare minimum level. The ministry we would like to offer would cost about double that.
Few of our incarcerated members have the resources to be stewards of their congregation, though they would like to. Because they are legally enslaved, we do not require financial contributions from these members. It is a moment of significant pause to hold a $20 check sent in from a member we know is earning $0.20 an hour at their prison job.
Can you help?
Do you know someone who is incarcerated and would like information about the Church of the Larger Fellowship?
We would be happy to send an information packet to your incarcerated beloved.
Alternatively, you can encourage them to reach out to us in writing to:
Worthy Now Info Packets
Church of the Larger Fellowship
24 Farnsworth St
Boston MA 02210