Oklahoma made history on Monday with the release of nearly 500 persons from prison, 70 of which were women. The release is one step. Here’s the next: Oklahoma churches and communities have an unprecedented opportunity to welcome those people home. Will you seize it?
Oklahoma has had the unholy distinction of incarcerating more of their citizens than nearly any other state, and the highest proportion of women. The state has been working on changing that, and Monday’s commutation is one step in that larger effort. The 462 persons released that day were doing time for drug possession or other nonviolent crimes, and their sentences were commuted–reduced–on the recommendation of the parole board and by action of the governor.
The news reports focused on the joy and excitement the released women felt as they walked through the prison gates. Of course they were smiling! There is always going to be delight when the doors open, and to share that moment with friends who walk out with you? What a day!
When I look at those smiling faces, though, I think of the emotions right below the surface. I’ve talked with a lot of women making such a transition–usually with more prep time than Monday’s releasees had–and I find that their ready smiles mask deep questions and worry. “Will I be able to stay sober?” “What will it be like being back at home?” “Will my kids ever forgive me?”
From the news reports, it’s clear that some don’t have a home waiting for them. Their questions are deeper: “Where will I sleep tonight?” “Can I trust that person?” “How am I going to make it?”
This unprecedented movement by the Oklahoma corrections system creates an unprecedented opportunity for churches and communities across the state. Some of these persons will find their way into a church, this Sunday, or sooner, asking for help. Helping agencies and non-profits will surely see some of these persons, after their smiles have faded. How will we respond?
I wrote about this subject three years ago, after President Obama commuted the sentences of hundreds of federal prisoners. The questions there are no less true today. I worried then, as I do today:
We may find that it’s easier to celebrate the theory of commutation, and mercy, and justice, than it is to live out the relationships that we have the opportunity to form when justice brings her beneficiaries to sit next to us.
I’m less interested in handouts than I am in hands extended. Will we take the time to hear a person’s story, and to let them become one of “us”? We can be Ani DiFranco, in her song “Small World,” where a simple conversation eased a friend’s transition out of jail. “I was aware that, with every word spoken and shared, I could see her shaking subside,” Ani sings. I’ve gotten to have that kind of conversation with women shaking before they leave. It’s a powerful moment when we can say, with loving regard, “You’re going to be fine.”
The starting point for our welcome has to be relationship. As I say in Foolish Church, “The first and best thing we do as a church is enter into real relationships with real human beings” (p. 27). Will we?
Oklahoma, it’s your time. Show us how it’s done.
I am a U Methodist in Iowa and volunteer as part of re-entry team for women getting out of prison. It is called Women at the Well through the UMC working with women’s prison in Mitchellville. Fantastic experience. Inmate requests to have a re-entry team and is screened somehow by the ministry to find out if woman is really ready. The team commits to meet with a woman once a week for a year. A year is about right amount of time In early months so many issues are TBD and getting to know her and she is. Conversation evolves from being a mentor to being trusted friend. Both ways. So much laughing and testing what problem solving is wise or flawed. A place to be held accountable in love. Our client told us we were like an anchor she looked forward to meet with each week. She was ready to save herself with guides to hold her hand. We believed in her and she knew it. Knows it still. She called us the church ladies and over time we had so many victories and milestones to celebrate with her. We are waiting for another woman to be assigned. It is so worth it. Matthew 25 in action.
Loralea, it’s great to hear your witness to the Women at the Well reentry program. That’s through MY ministry! I’m the pastor of Women at the Well. We’ve been doing this great work of reentry through teams of people like you for many years. Thanks for sharing your experience!