Did you know that there’s a Unitarian Universalist congregation that consists entirely of incarcerated people? Could you imagine that there are nearly 2,000 Unitarian Universalists in prisons across the country?
If you’re not surprised, then you already know about the prison outreach, Worthy Now, that the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF) has been doing since 2017.
Both Unitarians and Universalists have throughout their histories sought to make connections with people across the country who might be seeking our religious community. In the 19th century both denominations had circuit riders who brought our faith to the western reaches of the US. Early in the 20th century, a “ministry by mail” was founded to deepen those connections.
Then in 1944 Rev. Frederick May Eliot, president of the American Unitarian Association announced the creation of the Church of the Larger Fellowship, “a church by mail. . .a church in the fullest sense of the word, a church which will serve isolated religious liberals wherever they live.” Its purpose was to both create connections to isolated Unitarians and to connect people to local congregations. Three years later the Universalists created their own CLF. At merger in 1961, the two organizations joined.
In the last six years CLF has built a powerful network of outreach and network with incarcerated people. They are engaged offering individual support for prisoners through a pen pal program. (Interested? More info here). Their Circles of Support offers community for those who are working with incarcerated populations (contact info). There’s also support and community for individuals who are able to engage in advocacy for individual prisoners.
As a year end gift, I’ve sent CLF $100 to help with the effort. Any donation will help to support subscriptions to the CLF’s mailed outreach to incarcerated people across the country, and I encourage you as you are able to send along a donation.
Unitarian Universalism is a saving faith for all people, and this outreach is a saving act offering connection, support, and care for people too often forgotten and isolated. Contribute online here, text 84-321, or send a check to CLF, 24 Farnsworth Street, Boston MA 02210.
May your new year dawn brightly!
I put the pen pal program on my list of stuff for 2024 – once I am moved!
Thank you, Reverend Linda, for these links, so others can have access to our practical faith and so we can contribute to CLF’s work/programs. Many good choices, and articles to educate us about current systems. I’ve sent CLF a donation. Stretching our thinking is time well spent!