Some News Regarding the Halt Solitary Confinement Act in Erie County
Dear Friends,
Our own St. John’s-Grace member, Steve Hart, is the Chair for the Western New York Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement. Members of St. John’s-Grace, St. Philip’s, St. Paul’s Cathedral and VOICE Buffalo are active in the Campaign The Campaign has been working to encourage our State Assembly and Senate to pass what is known as the HALT (Humane Alternatives to Long-Term) Solitary Confinement Act.
We had some positive news this week that the proposal to limit the period of solitary confinement is gaining momentum in our Erie County Legislature. Sadly, there have been unacceptable abuses in the Eire County Holding Center. Steve Hart and Jerome Wright gave testimony this week and I encourage everyone to uphold them in prayer as we keep in mind our Collect for Social Justice.
For Social Justice
Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us
grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace
with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom,
help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our
communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For more information, please see the article from WBFO.