Seminary at Sing Sing (by Jim Wallis)
The months of May and June are always a special time for school commencements. And, each year, I really enjoy my opportunities to give commencement addresses at universities and seminaries across the country. But the one I gave last week was very special indeed.
Last Wednesday evening, June 11, I was blessed and honored to give the commencement address at Sing Sing Prison. The New York Theological Seminary offers a program of theological study leading to the degree of Masters of Professional Studies, with all courses taking place inside the walls of the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York. In twenty-six years this extraordinary and courageous seminary training program has graduated hundreds who then go on to ministry, both inside the prison system of New York and back in the community when their sentences are finished.
I have often told the story of the first time I visited this unusual and inspiring program at Sing Sing. My book, The Soul of Politics, was being read by the students as part of their seminary curriculum, and I received a letter from the prison inmates themselves, inviting me to meet with them and discuss my book. It sounded interesting, so I wrote back to ask when they would like me to come. A young man wrote to me on behalf of his fellow Sing Sing students saying, "Well, we're free most nights!" He went on, "We're kind of a captive audience here!" The prison authorities were very accommodating and I got to spend several hours with about 70 guys in a crowded room deep in the bowels of the infamous penal institution.
The animated book conversation was one of the most stimulating and rigorous of any I've ever had. I vividly remember much of that discussion, and especially the riveting comment of one young man who said to me, "Jim, most of us at Sing Sing come from just about four or five neighborhoods in New York City. It's like a train. You get on the train in my neighborhood when you are nine or ten years old, and the train ends up here....at Sing Sing." But this young man had experienced a spiritual conversion inside of that prison, and was now enrolled in the New York Seminary program training pastors to work inside the prison system and to go back and work in those neighborhoods from which they had come. After the session that night, the young man came up to me to say goodbye, looked me in the eye, and said, "When I get out, I am going to go back and stop that train."
A few years later, I was in New York City to speak at a town meeting on poverty. Guess who was up front, helping to lead the meeting? I immediately recognized two of the young men I met that night at Sing Sing--Julio Medina and Darren Ferguson. Last week, Julio came back to the commencement at what NYTS calls their "North Campus," now as an illustrious alumnus who spends his days running a very successful drug rehabilitation program in NYC. Darren was being the newly installed pastor of a church in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Queens where some recent shootings had him out on the streets that night instead of at the Sing Sing commencement.
These are very special graduates. To get to where they were last Wednesday night, twelve men had to overcome so many obstacles. I told them, in my commencement address, that they "had an advantage." The advantage they have is in knowing what faith really means, how much it costs, and how it can completely change your life and the world. They know that faith is for the big stuff. And they know that if you have faith, even the size of a grain of mustard seed, you can move mountains. And that's what these men had to move to get to this place on a warm Wednesday night in the visitors' room inside Sing Sing prison. They got to take off their prison jumpsuits, and put on shirts, ties, and graduation robes to wear in front of their beaming and tearful mothers and fathers, wives and children, extended family, and so many friends.
Theo Harris was selected by his fellow students to give the "class reflection." He spoke of the "School of Hard Knocks" whose three core curricula were "street education, peer pressure, and ghetto economics." He said all his fellow class members had to go through the school of hard knocks before they got to go to this school of preparation for the ministry. Theo said he had learned "the greatest lesson of my life....that no one is beyond redemption. That is what sustained me, that is what motivated me, and that is what brought me to where I am today: redeemed." He then named each of his fellow graduates, observed their special gifts and vocations, and then concluded, "We have expressed our desire to make a meaningful contribution to our community. Now, all that remains is for us to go out among them, roll up our sleeves, and really make a difference."
It was a night of rich gratitude and profound hope. And while I have often been inspired by the faces of the young bright graduates facing me on brilliant spring days of school commencements, I have never felt more grateful and more hopeful than I did looking into the spiritually-chiseled faces of these redeemed graduates on a summer's night at Sing Sing prison. Thanks be to God.
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Comments
Powerful. Ministry in the prison setting is one of the great examples of the power of Christian conversion where the deep reach of scandalous grace shows up.
Posted by: Matt K | June 19, 2008 12:56 PM
thank you for this.
Posted by: nad2 | June 19, 2008 3:09 PM
Very moved by the idea of prison inmates preparing for the ministry.
I'd like some practical suggestions that I could pass on to a dear friend who has been in a federal prison for a long time. He has completely turned his life around and now does ministry to his brothers in prison, and clearly wants to be a minister when he gets out of prison. He is very intelligent, but has very little formal education, and I wonder what kinds of paths might be open for him. I really believe he has the spirit of God in him and he has a lot to offer.
Thank you for any guidance or suggestions.
Bob Oberg(oberg@objectinnovations.com)
Posted by: Robert Oberg | June 19, 2008 3:38 PM
For the last 30 years, Kairos Prison Ministry has been putting on three day "Cursillo" like courses in Prison. Curently, over 30,000 volunteers work in 32 states and 8 foreign countries, especially in Central America and South Africa, helping men and women to understand that, just because you are in prison, you can be redeemed.
Come join us. I have been a volunteer for 15 years and my reward has been greater than the costs.
Posted by: Preston Johnson | June 19, 2008 5:04 PM
For the last 30 years, Kairos Prison Ministry has been putting on three day "Cursillo" like courses in Prison. Curently, over 30,000 volunteers work in 32 states and 8 foreign countries, especially in Central America and South Africa, helping men and women to understand that, just because you are in prison, you can be redeemed.
Come join us. I have been a volunteer for 15 years and my reward has been greater than the costs.
Posted by: Preston Johnson | June 19, 2008 5:04 PM
It was good to be reminded of the terrific work being done at NYTS North Campus, a living refutation of the national trend in policies these past few decades.
Posted by: Greg Moses | June 19, 2008 5:27 PM
What an amazing and inspiring story. These men fall in the category of "Please be patient. God's not finished with me yet." p
Posted by: Anonymous | June 19, 2008 8:09 PM
Imagine that. A prison that actually performs rehabilitation. Sarcasm aside...I really love this story.
Posted by: Chuck | June 19, 2008 9:30 PM
This is a great article and a witnes to the fact that God does change lives. It flies in the face of vengence, violence and abuse of power by the state. I have seen much the same affect in the Kairos Ministry and applaud a Seminary with the courage and faith to take on this endeavor and applaud the courage and fortitude of the residents because I'm sure they took a risk in walking this path of faith.
Posted by: Ed | June 19, 2008 9:30 PM
Thank you so much for your article on "Seminary at Sing Sing." It truly made my day...a day that could use a little "making" after reading just the summary of the PHR report on just how our government has treated prisoners at many locations in our so-called "war on terror"!
I would love to know more about what courses are taught and what resources are available to the prisoner-students (like, books).
Posted by: Janice | June 19, 2008 9:48 PM
For a change, a Jim Wallis post I have absolutely
no problems with! (Watch for the sky to fall any
minute now!) Great ministry work is done in
prisons. Kairos has been mentioned; the youth
equivalent of that is Epiphany, which is also outstanding. And of course, Prison Fellowship has been doing excellent work for quite some time now,
even operating Humaita, a prison in Brazil
essentially run by inmates themselves.
Posted by: John G. | June 19, 2008 9:56 PM
I think that seminary in prison is a good idea. I worked in a prison for 2-1/2 years, and the men need something to motivate them when they get out. Prison is not reality --- has nothing to do with the real world. If they have something to "hang on to" when they are released, especially something spiritual, it might help. The ministry might also give them a goal for when they are released. Transitional housing, and transitional programs to help offenders transition from prison to reality are sorely needed. May I say God bless them, one and all. =)
Posted by: Anita | June 19, 2008 10:03 PM
Jim,
Thank you for reminding us of the wonderful potential of those most down-trodden in our society. As an elementary teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools I saw with great sadness these children who never had a chance. I am sorry they had to go through those years of dispair and violence and imprisonment. But I am so thankful that someone gave them the opportunity to learn and grow and become a blessing to others. They will do it in ways I never could! Praise the Lord!
Posted by: Jean Eittreim | June 20, 2008 1:52 AM
As unusual as it may seem, prison represents a "thin spot" ie a place where God is nearer.
Thank you for this story.
Posted by: Jerry Nail | June 20, 2008 8:50 AM
Dear Jim,
Thank you so much for your article bringing that wonderful program at Sing Sing to public attention. I am one of dozens of people in Kentucky working to expand Jail and Prison Ministry to be a channel of hope while they are incarcerated and to help "to-be-ex-offenders" see desireable options for their lives upon release. Sing Sing's Seminary gives up one more model to hold up.
Posted by: Sr. Dorothy Schuette | June 20, 2008 9:50 AM
Wallis -
Thanks for the article - get work being done there at Sing Sing. As the old song states, 'Little is much when God is in it!'. Makes me think about what our church could do with the county work house just 3 blocks away.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | June 20, 2008 10:06 AM
Thanks so much for this article. I have been so moved this month by the seminary graduation of my lesbian granddaughter, and knowing that she will be ordained without struggle or protest as a UCC clergywoman. I am just as moved by the graduation of these twelve men in Sing Sing. They truly know from their own experience the unconditional love and grace of our God . How wonderful that they have been given the opportunity to share in ministry the good news of the one who said Ï have come to bring liberty to the captives." Blessings and peace.
Posted by: Florence Davis | June 20, 2008 10:42 AM
What a wonderful idea, theological colleges in prisons. And nothing can be truer than the deeper the depth we have to crawl our way out of to find God (of course God is with us in the deepest places and is always there whether we are aware of it or not) the more gratitude and wonder is found. It sure beats learning to be telemarketers while in prison. Thanks Jim
Posted by: Lorraine | June 20, 2008 11:43 AM
Jim,
a very moving and inspiring post. Thanks.
Posted by: carl copas | June 20, 2008 12:13 PM
Thanks be to God, indeed.
Posted by: Tim S. | June 20, 2008 12:40 PM
Great post - thanks for continuing to be an inspiration.
Posted by: Greg | June 20, 2008 1:05 PM
What more powerful evidence do we need as to the power of the gospel, the real operation of the Holy Spirit, and authenticity of God's word than to observe or hear of these changed lives? Thank you for sharing this story, Jim!!
Posted by: Sam Fox | June 20, 2008 1:59 PM
I also was really moved by this post. I found myself sobbing in my office this AM-at work, no less. My daughter is incarcerated in Beaumont, TX. She is a Christian, who, like the rest of us, made some serious mistakes. I am so thankful that Jesus loves and forgives her-and all of us.
Posted by: Betty Ann | June 20, 2008 3:23 PM
Thank you Rev. Wallis for your wonderful report on the Sing Sing NYTS program graduation! For all who are interested, Julio Medina (the "illustrious alumnus" of the NYTS Sing Sing program mentioned by Rev. Wallis above) and his work are the subject of the PBS documentary "HARD ROAD HOME", which takes viewers inside the amazing, holy, incredibly challenging work at Exodus Transitional Community in East Harlem, NYC. For more info visit www.auburnmedia.org or www.hardroadhome.org.
Posted by: Joshua Olesker | June 20, 2008 4:46 PM
Thank you, Jim! Since I grew up in what we then called "a reformatory", a big part of my heart has always been with people who land in jail - not only because of what they did, but also because of what was done to them while they were growing up. Both my parents taught at three different South African Reformatories during the Apartheid time - for white boys, white girls and for colored boys. Besides being "house parents" in one of the hostels, my father was principal and my mother was a teacher. We got to know a number of the 'inmates' very well, knew their stories, and came to love them. Later three of them became part of our family, and one went into the ministry as did and do the Sing-Sing students you tell about... so the tears were streaming as I read this piece -- I could not but be touched deeply by what you wrote, Jim. It remains amazing what difference the love of God, through the hearts, minds and hands of people, can make in the lives of those whom our communities usually struggle to welcome back into their midst. I have difficulty understandng this attitude, because, do we not believe in the Lord who said that he had come for the sick, and not for those who are/or think that they are, well and healthy? Thank you again!
Posted by: Annemie Bosch | June 20, 2008 8:39 PM
Oh this article was inspiring. A program that actually teaches restorative justice versus our nation's culture of retributive justice. Reading this gave me continued courage to keep speaking out on behalf of our nation's encarcerated citizens. Our incarceration rates along with vengance and fear based policies versus prevention, restoration, and belief in redemption are the shaming of America.
Again, thank you for this post and for addressing their commencement service.
Posted by: Christine Hamel | June 20, 2008 8:54 PM
The "Seminary At Sing Sing" (God's Politics by Jim Wallis) story made me tear up for a moment. Earlier today I went to a rather unusual graduation. I work as a case worker and an activist with homeless youth and young adults. One young man, now age 23, whom I have known since the age of 17 was one of the graduates. The school was a cullinary trade school for ex-felons and the graduating class was made up of only a dozen students. I have never, however, been to a more meaningful graduation. Each student had a story to tell. Each had lived a life that was so full of barriers, one could only marvel and respect that each of them had survived to tell the story, let alone be able to succeed in school. The young man I went there to support was literally homeless during the whole term-- sleeping on the subway, on the street, in abandoned buildings and once in a while with a friend or two who were generally not as motivated as he was. Yet he had somehow managed to make it to school every day. God was at that graduation today. I could see the divine spark of God in each of the graduates-- in each drop of their tears of gratitude for being given a chance, and in each drop of their tears of joy in their own and their classmates' successes. Most members of the class, despite being adults, many of them middle aged, had never had a graduation of any kind. The young man only had me there to support him at the cermony and he expressed over and over that he was so grateful I was there and for the direct services that I had provided him, like food, public transit fare, and professional clothing... Things that most people would take for granted and which I believe should be human rights. I tried to tell him how grateful I was to be there... how grateful I was to have had the privilage to get to know him and to work with him. He didn't seem to be able to hear me right then, but I will tell him again and again, over and over again until he does. Today, he was my angel who brought God's grace into my life.
Posted by: At Any Rate | June 20, 2008 10:17 PM
so pleased to hear that those who go inside to minister to the incarcerated, come out more blessed than they! Mr. Wallis, as the wife of one with whom you spoke that evening at Sing Sing, as well as a friend of Darren's, Thank you.
To have one come in with the respect and appreciation for the hard work these men have put forth, and with the faith you brought with you that night, changes the 'inmate' to a hu-man.
The oportunity for college education is transforming for these men. To have their convictions to go forth bringing healing to the society they'd once harmed taken seriously, and to be given the open door and tools their education provides to do so, is unimaginable
blessing. Couple this with a God encounter and the recidivism rate is near Zero!
Just FYI, there is a KAIROS OUTSIDE which ministers to the female relatives of the incarcerated, addressing the special emotional and spiritual needs of those who have an incarcerated loved one. I have been involved in the Mid-Hudson chapter for over 3 years and have seen miracles there also. Check out the website!
Posted by: Lauren Young | June 20, 2008 11:57 PM
so pleased to hear that those who go inside to minister to the incarcerated, come out more blessed than they! Mr. Wallis, as the wife of one with whom you spoke that evening at Sing Sing, as well as a friend of Darren's, Thank you.
To have one come in with the respect and appreciation for the hard work these men have put forth, and with the faith you brought with you that night, changes the 'inmate' to a hu-man.
The oportunity for college education is transforming for these men. To have their convictions to go forth bringing healing to the society they'd once harmed taken seriously, and to be given the open door and tools their education provides to do so, is unimaginable
blessing. Couple this with a God encounter and the recidivism rate is near Zero!
Just FYI, there is a KAIROS OUTSIDE which ministers to the female relatives of the incarcerated, addressing the special emotional and spiritual needs of those who have an incarcerated loved one. I have been involved in the Mid-Hudson chapter for over 3 years and have seen miracles there also. Check out the website!
Posted by: Lauren Young | June 20, 2008 11:58 PM
Thank you, Jim, for this wonderful story. Wow, it is amazing what God can do and does always. I hope and pray that the men in this program in Sing Sing, continue with their ministry when they are released, and that more such classes are done at Sing Sing, and produce more fine men of God. Again, thank you.
Posted by: Jean Anderson | June 21, 2008 1:14 AM
In so many prisons throughout this country education departments and college providers are working to provide opportunities for people who are incarcerated. They are the unsung heroes whose real satisfaction comes from such seeing such graduation ceremonies. There is nothing more powerful than seeing a person get a GED and then a college education in prison. Your story was very powerful Thanks Jim, for reminding me that God can always do something good with any situation. Praise God for those who have this opportunity and those who are blessed to serve in this way.
Posted by: Lin Smallwood | June 21, 2008 9:48 AM
This is one of the most inspiring stories I hae ever read un asny Christian publication. It is encouraging that God is doing miracles even today!! It makes me feel that we worship a truly awespme God!!! Keep up the good work!!!
Posted by: Charles N. King | June 21, 2008 2:57 PM
The graduation reminds me of the need for the church to affirm not only the seminary behind bars but the church behind bars. Many, many Christians in prisons need the recognition, visitation and the communion that Jim provided on a weekly basis as Christians in prison grow in discipleship and service. Such communion needs long term support and constant help. Such prison ministry comes when church members minister "with" prisoners, not"to" prisoners. There is a movement known as prison congregations of America www.prisoncongregations.org
It seeks to establish mainline congregations with inmates in prisons. It provides a means for members of main-line churches to visit, volunteer, and provide transition companionship; is ecumenical in its approach; it is an effort to "partner" the inmate church with the "outside church;" it provides emotional and spiritual support, it gives ownership to inmates and thus creates growth in responsibility, leadership development, and cooperation.The success of the seminary is due in part with the some of the very characteristics of the prison church. Pray that more prison churches are developed such as the one to be started in Michigan in July. Pray that after more prison churches are established with the costly discipleship and money of the "outside" churches that the graduates of prison churches and seminary will teach us in the "outside seminary and churches." Thanks, Jim for the great lesson of visiting and being visited by forgotten prisoners who will sit at the head table of heaven. You have answered the question all of us should be asking ourselves: Tell me about the last time you visited someone in prison and how has that visit informed your ministry.
Posted by: Richard Rienstra | June 21, 2008 3:04 PM
re-read this article again as a Dad whose son has been accepted to Seminay starting this fall. PTL my son received a full scholarship to Seminary so all four years are paid for.
blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | June 21, 2008 8:00 PM
Jim please see my resume below. i would like to penpal or e-pal with an inmate in sing sing and contribute to the seminary you are offering there. Any paid positions available? please let me know.
david reedy
______________________________________________
David Lynn Reedy 220 E. Dudley St.
Maumee, Ohio 43537
Ph# 419-819-8321 pasturedave@yahoo.com
________________________________________________________________________
Work Experience
Office Manager: Sales Campaign and Promotion (Work form Home/Set own Hours
David Nelson Enterprises, Ltd., Part Time
Supervisor: Dave Nelson
616 McIntrye Ln. Maumee, Ohio 43537 6/20/04 to present
A to Z Home Care: In Home Health Care (Full Time and On Call)
Chris Creamen Adminstrator/Supervisor
255 Commerce Rd.
Perrysburg, Ohio 6/3/05 to present
Care at Home: Home Health Care (Part Time and On Call
Chris Creamen Supervisor
255 Gradolph, Toledo, Ohio 43612 1/05 to 6/2007
Reason for Leaving: Company sold to A to Z Health Care
Richmeier Therapeutic Home Night Security (Full Time) 6/04 to 10/05
Kyle Richmeier: Supervisor
2810 Moffat Toledo, Ohio 43615
Reason for Leaving: Look for day time work
Anghel’s Home Health Care: CNA (Full time and On Call)
Jerri Angel: Supervisor
6424 E Sunshine Rd. Springfield, Mo. 12/90 to 6/04
Reason for Leaving: Moved to Ohio
Assemblies of God School: Teacher (Part Time) 8/90 to 6/04
Andrew Sands: Principal
3628 E. Cherokee St.
Springfield, Mo. 65763
Education
Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Springfield Mo.
M. Div. Pastoral Ministries (3.85 GPA) 1992
M.A. Counseling
Southwestern Assemblies of God College, Waxahachie, Tx.
B.S. Missions 1987
Minor: Sociology/Religious Education of Children and Youth
Professional Training
Praying with the Mystics: prayer and spirituality.
Washington Church, Toledo, Ohio, 2006-2007
Spiritual Formation Training: Phase One 05-06
Trinity Episcopal, Toledo Ohio,
End of life Issues: St. John Hospital, Springfield, Mo. 99-04
Clinical Pastoral Training: Lester E. Cox Hospital, Springfield, Mo., 92-93
Ministerial Experiences
Associate Pastor
Benton Avenue A. M. E. Church Springfield, Mo. 4/95-6/04
• Developed ecumenical and race relations outreach.
• Children’s sermons and outreach. Christian Education and Youth Director.
• Board of Christian Education VBS and Church budget.
Noteworthy Accomplishment: Established and organized the first ever religious themed Martin Luther King Jr. Day Service, begun in 1997.
Pastoral
Greenwood and Mt. Grove Church of the Brethren Mt. Grove Mo. 9/89–4/95
• Sunday Morning services. Children’s sermons, education and VBS
• Organized multi-church outreach events and recreational activities.
• Added Adult elective Sunday School Classes.
Volunteer Services
Prison Ministry Federal Medical Prison Springfield, Mo. 8/90 -- 6/04
• Performed weekly church service
• Taught weekly Labach literacy tutoring classes.
Rescue Mission Springfield Victory Mission Springfield, Mo. 7/90 – 6/04
• Volunteer Cook, Served Meals, Clean up
• Holiday Gift Basket; Children’s Ministries Outreach, Back to School Projects
• Lead Bible Study Overcomer’s Anonymous, Volunteer Pulpit Supply
References:
David Nelson, employer
616 McIntyre Maumee, Ohio 43537 Phone: 419-893-7166
Georgia Burton lay leader Benton Ave AME Church
1208 N. Hillcrest Springfield, Mo. 65802 Phone: 417-869-0111
Kyle Richmeier, Friend of 22 years and past employer
2810 Moffat St. Toledo, Ohio 43615 Phone: 419-944-4002
Posted by: david lynn reedy | June 24, 2008 1:49 PM
I am very proud to say that I am the wife of one of the graduates that graduated that night on June 11th 2008 at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. I am very proud of my husband. God has been faithful and has carried us through the tough times. I really enjoyed Jim's speech that night. Thank you for coming. I have also been to a Kairos outside retreat and my husband has also participated in Kairos inside. It changed our lives and it was one of the stepping stones that prepared us to go to Sing Sing's educational programs such as Hudson Link-Mercy College and NYTS. My husband received his a BS degree at Sing Sing through Mercy College and his Masters at Sing Sing through NYTS. They have an excellent program and thank God for it. Thank you for all the wonderful postings of encouragement.
Posted by: Mary Streeter | June 27, 2008 6:50 PM
Very good article. The prison population and their families are very important. Some time ago I ran into a former student of mine, Stanley Ratliff, who I taught in middle school on the West Side of Chicago. He told me that he was an ex-convict. While in prison, he got a degree in music. He and another student started a program called Hope House, a half-way house for ex-prisoners, to try to help avoid further incarcerations by teaching marketable skills. Stanley formed a gospel men's choir consisting of former convicts. Stanley won the Jefferson Award, for volunteer services, in Chicago. He was then chosen to represent Chicago in Washington D.C. for the finals of the Jacqueline Kennedy Volunteer Award and was one of the winners. Stanley and his wife, Antoinette, then formed Celestial Ministries, which tries to keep families of present prisoners in contact with their families. Stanley and volunteers teach classes on music, dance, and the arts to the children of these families. He's talked me into doing academic tutoring for the program. It's really fun and interesting.
Posted by: Mary Cray | June 29, 2008 11:07 PM
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