At the 28th Session of Annual Conference, resolution 21.10 Mass Incarceration and Restorative Justice passed. It was resolved that the Bishop appoint a committee of 5 to 7 people to join in the efforts with other United Methodists and the General Board of Church & Society to end mass incarceration by becoming actively involved throughout our Annual Conference by educating members and becoming involved in ministries and opportunities for:
- Sentencing reform
- Ending prison privatization
- Developing just re-entry programs
- Increasing participation and opportunities for in prison ministry
Click here to download the presentation materials from the first prison reform talk. If you are interested in getting involved in prison reform, contact Billie Fidlin, Director of Outreach Ministries at bfidlin@dscumc.org.
The Death Penalty is Broken and Must Be Abolished
Although the death penalty continues to exist in many states, and executions continue to happen, it is agonizingly clear that the system is broken and must be abolished. The United Methodist Church and the Desert Southwest Conference are strongly opposed to the death...
Companies Hire People with Felony Convictions!
It is encouraging to learn that this list of several national companies, and others, will hire people with felony convictions. Please share this list with anyone who may benefit from the information.
FROM THE PULPIT – Oppose the Death Penalty Now!
Rev. Jim Ek recently preached a powerful sermon on the death penalty at St. Matthew UMC, Mesa. He encouraged everyone to write to their governor and representatives to support commuting death sentences of prisoners on death row in order to save lives now. A video of...
Thou shalt not kill
While many countries in the world have eliminated the death penalty, the United States has not, yet a growing number of individual states have taken steps to halt or suspend those sentences. Our religious heritage simply leaves no question about our role in the...
Exploring the Death Penalty – Annual Conference Luncheon
Time to register! The deadline is Thursday, June 8, 2023. We are taking registrations for the Annual Conference luncheon on looking at the death penalty. There will be facts, information from Sister Helen Prejean, and a lively discussion. Lunch is in the same room as...
Prison Reform Task Force Notes
August 24, 2022 at 1 pm In attendance: Paul Bullis, Jim Ek, Patty Ek, Billie Fidlin, Bethany Lambrecht, Rae Lathrop Next meeting: Wed., Sept 28 at 1 pm. Zoom info will be sent prior. Paul opened the meeting in prayer. Rae Lathrop (Las Vegas) joined our team. She...
