Healing Communities Training Set for June 5

The Rev. Dr. Harold Dean Trulear, the founder of Healing Communities, a national program that helps congregations become Stations of Hope for those impacted by the criminal justice system, will lead a training session in Pittsburgh on June 5. For clergy and church leaders interested in starting a Healing Community in their congregation, it's scheduled from 1:30 - 5 p.m. at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

The training is co-sponsored by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania,  and The Foundation of HOPE. The United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, which partners with Healing Communities, said it offers "a framework for ministry to persons returning from or at risk of incarceration, their families, and the larger community. Healing Communities challenges congregations through mobilization of its existing resources to become “Stations of Hope” for persons affected by the criminal-justice system."  

The training covers: 

• Essential information and perspectives on the criminal justice system, current issues, and the impact of crime on victims, survivors, families, and perpetrators
• Relevant questions for reflection and discussion within congregations
• Tools, ideas, and resources for pastors and faith leaders to engage congregants
• Tools, ideas, and resources for congregation members, and dedicated time to develop a customized congregational action plan.