More than two million people are incarcerated in prisons and jails across the United States. Like many Americans, most prisoners have never heard of Unitarian Universalism, and those who have non-traditional spiritual beliefs often despair of finding a religious community that will respect their beliefs and encourage their spiritual growth while they are incarcerated.
Prisoners now make up more than 10% of the CLF’s membership! Most of them heard about the CLF from other prisoners; some discovered Unitarian Universalism in a newspaper, magazine, or book. Every week, prisoners write to ask us: “I hear you’re a church where you don’t have to believe in God?” … “My cellie tells me you’re OK with pagans and Wiccans?” … “Can you send me anything about religion and being gay?”…
And every week, prisoners’ membership applications echo what UUs hear every Sunday during coffee hour: “I can’t believe I found a church that will let me believe what I already believe, and still help me explore and deepen my own personal spirituality” …
Through the generous contributions of CLF members and others, we can offer a free membership to any prisoner who chooses to join the CLF. Learn more » Thanks to generous contributions from CLF members and others, we can offer a free membership to any prisoner who chooses to join the CLF. Learn more » In recent years, we’ve invited our prisoner-members to write an Open Letter to General Assembly. Read their excerpts » Are you a Unitarian Universalist who enjoys snail-mail? Our prisoner-members would value corresponding with you. Learn more » The incarceration of one person affects a whole family. Read this personal story » Volunteers allow prisoners to experience our UU values in-person through worship services, discussions groups, etc. Learn more »
UU Spiritual Support for Prisoners
Sponsor a Prisoner Member
Our Prisoner-Members Write
Letter Writing Ministry
For Family & Friends of Prisoners
Volunteering at Your Local Jail
