How can we even talk about abolishing prisons? First because prisons don’t work. This service will focus on the failures of the current prison system: it does not rehabilitate people in prison to prevent further crime or keep others in the community safe. Second, because we are true to our roots. Our UU ancestors called for abolition, and we are following in that tradition. Third, we also need to talk more about possible alternatives to prison.
Worship Leader Bio: Carol Orme-Johnson is a member of the working group coordinating our congregation study-action on Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation. Her passion for replacement of our broken criminal-penal system has developed over many years from monthly visits to an incarcerated woman, participation in the First U Decarceration Team, and volunteering with the West Philly Participatory Defense Hub (supporting people going through the criminal legal system). She moved to Philadelphia 7 years ago to live with her daughter Dolly Ferver and her family, joined First U within a few months, and has never regretted either decision.