Uplifting Incarcerated Voices in the Synod on Synodality
In 2021, the Church embarked on a two-year process of listening and dialogue, calling upon members to reflect on a theme that “is decisive to its life and mission.” This process—known as the Synod on Synodality—serves as a moment for the Church and Her members to contemplate and discern together with special attention to the needs of the world around us. Among all those invited to give input, Thrive For Life has been working hard in partnership with other organizations to uplift the voices of our incarcerated brothers and sisters in this dialogue, bringing their needs and reflections to the attention of the Holy Father in Rome.
Back in 2018, Pope Francis invited all Catholics to participate in the Global Synod 2021-2023. He explained, “[t]he purpose of the Synod is not to produce documents, but to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, give strength to our hands.” By convoking this Synod, Pope Francis is inviting all the people of good will—regardless of faith tradition—to participate. Special care should be taken, he said, to involve those persons who may risk being excluded: women, the handicapped, refugees, migrants, the elderly, people who live in poverty, Catholics who rarely or never practice their faith, and many others often cast to the margins.
In close partnership with Call to Action Metro NY , Thrive For Life is working together to include the many voices of the incarcerated in the Synodal Process. Throughout the last several months, our Spiritual Care team has sent 100+ questionnaires to our brothers and sisters incarcerated throughout New York State to invite their contributions to this worldwide conversation happening in our Church. Our partners are giving an unprecedented platform to these voices at a crucial time of change in our world where we are called to walk with the excluded in hopes of rebuilding the fractured human family. In these reflections, people have been voicing what they believe are ways the Church can better serve those in prison, improve chaplain services for religious people, and how the Catholic Church can help with the reform of the criminal justice system at large, especially as it relates to racial injustice. Our brothers and sisters’ participation is very important for the Church of today and of the future. Responses to these questionnaires and reflections from people we encounter behind the walls during our retreats will be sent to Rome to aid the Holy Father in his discernment and leadership of the Church as he seeks to bring grace to all people.
We are grateful for our collaboration with Call to Action Metro NY and our faith community partners that give voices to those who are often silenced. We also thank the many prison chaplains throughout the New York State Department of Corrections & Community Supervision who have played an integral role in facilitating these conversations behind the walls. To learn more about the Synodal Process, please visit www.synod.va/en.html.