Freeing the Cycles of Forgiveness: Prisons in Our Modern Age

Sermon delivered by Rev. Karen Mooney on July 30, 2017. Forgiveness, redemption, and atonement are concepts​ we wrestle with in our everyday lives. When someone is imprisoned, this cycle is truncated by systems built to thwart any real reintegration. Separated from community, there is little opportunity for reparation. Our ministry in prisons and jails is based on the radical notion that every person is worthy of respect and has the capability of completing this cycle of forgiveness. Learn how all of us are affected and how together we can offer hope and help. You can find out more about the UUPMI at UUPM.org. Rev. Mooney works with the Unitarian Universalist Prison Ministries of Illinois as they seek to bring UU faith and worship to incarcerated people. She is honored to offer circles of care for those living in prisons and jails and support all those affected by incarceration. Karen is a life-long Unitarian Universalist who learned the art of church from her very involved parents. She has been educated far and wide, working and playing, listening and walking with people. She loves that UU communities are places where you find people who are alive and seeking throughout their lives. Karen has worked as a chaplain, a congregational minister and a web platform manager. Each one was a joy and difficult for different reasons. The theme for July and August is what it means to be a community of connection. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith-development/soul-connections on our website.