Beyond the Bars: A Quaker Primer for Prison Visitors

by Keith R. Maddock

Overview

A primer is little more than a condensed introduction to a topic. As a self-employed writer, a volunteer prison visitor and a Quaker by conviction, my primer is deeply motivated though limited in scope. Other writers have more understanding and experience of the prison system, criminology and social services – and a few of these are referred to in the bibliography. I simply hope these reflections on my experience as a prison visitor will encourage others to consider serving in this difficult but very enriching ministry.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940156872114
Publisher:	Pendle Hill Publications
Publication date:	10/11/2016
Series:	Pendle Hill Pamphlets , #342
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	212 KB

About the Author

As a writer it has been an important aspect of my witness to share the high points and the challenges of passing through the bars with others. My written reflections are testimonies to spiritual growth which, in the Quaker tradition, are openings to the grace of God motivating us to act out of concern. Selections from this pamphlet have been adapted from articles published in other magazines and journals. I would like to acknowledge The Canadian Friend, which published an earlier version of “The Volunteer Principle,” The Anglican Journal in Canada, which published two articles (including You Won’t Forget Me, Will You?) in a transformative justice issue in 1997; Rittenhouse: A Transformative Vision, which included “Reflection on the Quaker Program” in their 1998 newsletter, and Companion, a magazine of the Conventual Franciscans in Toronto, who used material from which I adapted “The Spirit in Gaol,” and “What About the Sexual Offenders?”

Keith R. Maddock is a member of Toronto Monthly (Canadian Yearly) Meeting.