Our mission:

Faith Behind Bars and Beyond strives to answer God's call to minister to God's people in prison and to those affected by incarceration. We are working to respond in four ways:

By building awareness of the needs of those in prison and their families.
By highlighting the efforts of people of faith "inside" and "outside" prison walls.
By encouraging communication, mutual support, and education for all those engaged in prison ministry.
By inspiring people of faith to join in this life-changing work.

The next Faith Behind Bars & Beyond meeting will be held on Friday, January 10, 2020 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 31 Main Street, East Haddam, CT.

Meetings begin at 10:00 AM and last until about noon. After meetings we usually go to a local restaurant for fellowship over lunch.

Currently scheduled 2020 meetings:

January 10, 2020
February 14, 2020
March 13, 2020
April 10, 2020
May 2, 2020 — Prison Ministry Forum in Hartford, CT
May 8, 2020
September 11, 2020
October 9, 2020
November 13, 2020
December 11, 2020

Would you like to know more about the needs of incarcerated people and their families? Ever feel the nudge of the Spirit to reach out to those in prison? Need a speaker for your gathering? We have information and resources for people who have an interest in prison ministry ... volunteers, spouses, children and parents, returning citizens, priests and pastors. Ask questions, request help, or express your opinions on the Contact us Page!

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Photograph of a cloudy sky above a prison fence

Faith Behind Bars and Beyond

"Remember those in prison as though you were in prison with them."

- Hebrews 13:3

See art by prisoners, returning citizens, and their families.

You can now see creative works by prisoners, returning citizens, and their families.

Please join our email list to receive more information. No spam, we promise!

There are details of the 11^th Prison Forum on the "Incarceration Imprisons the Whole Family" Page.

There are details of the 10^th Prison Forum on the "Addiction: What Can We Do About It?" Page.

There are details of the 9^th Prison Forum on the "Prisons as Asylums: The Mentally Ill and Incarceration" Page.

You can learn about the 8^th Annual Prison Forum on the "Re-Entry and Reunion" Page.

You can see details and pictures of the 7^th Annual Prison Forum on the "Hope on the Horizon" Forum Page.

News & Events

The 2020 Prison Ministry Forum (Faith Behind Bars and Beyond's 12^th Forum!) will be held on May 2, 2020 in Hartford, CT.

Please see the most recent details on our Prison Ministry Forum Page.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has sent an article full of prison-related information.

Please see the full article with links here: Southern Poverty Law Center article.

The Episcopal Public Policy Network issued an Action Alert.

Please see details and ways to take action on our Episcopal Public Policy Network news Page.

Charging poor people for Public Defenders?!

The Guardian published an opinion piece about some states charging for public defenders.

See more about the Starter Kit for Teaching and Learning About Mass Incarceration.

Full of resources related to incarceration, the Starter Kit is very suitable for both individuals and groups who are interested in today's prison reality.

Fr. Greg Boyle, peace-maker among gangs, was featured in a Public Radio interview.

Fr. Boyle is a Jesuit priest who is known for helping people rise from poverty and gang-related crime. Could his methods be applied by other leaders?

California's Proposition 47 Helps Reduce Incarceration, Prison Costs

California's Proposition 47 changed some crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. This will reduce the prison population, especially for drug crimes. You can see more information on the News & Views Page.