Locked in Solidarity

The Church and the Incarcerated

I’ve been on the other side of the bars, and not because I was innocent. I made choices that put me there. Choices that hurt people, that hurt my family, and that hurt me. But what I’ve learned is that redemption isn’t just about serving time—it’s about transformation. And that transformation doesn’t happen alone.

When I was incarcerated, I saw firsthand what it means to be forgotten. I saw men give up hope because no one on the outside still saw their humanity. But I also saw something else—I saw the power of faith, of community, of people willing to stand in solidarity with those who had lost everything.

Locked in Solidarity isn’t just about acknowledging those behind bars; it’s about walking with them, believing in their potential, and proving that no one is beyond redemption.

The idea behind Locked in Solidarity is profound yet simple: Free people focusing on those who are not free. When the church partners with the incarcerated, when people of faith see the imprisoned not as numbers but as neighbors, transformation begins—not just for those behind bars, but for entire communities.

Faith and Incarceration

The statistics tell us a hard truth—over 2 million people are incarcerated in the United States, making it the country with the highest incarceration rate in the world. But what those numbers don’t tell us is the human story: the cycles of poverty, trauma, and systemic failure that land people in prison and keep them there.

A study from the Pew Research Center found that 76% of formerly incarcerated individuals will be rearrested within five years of their release. Why? Because the system focuses more on punishment than restoration.

This is where the faith community can step in—not just as an afterthought, but as a force for healing and reintegration.

Many churches engage in prison ministry, but Locked in Solidarity is more than that. It’s about long-term commitment, systemic change, and relational transformation.

Here’s what it can look like when done right:

1. Direct Engagement with the Incarcerated

Churches, faith groups, and volunteers can build relationships with inmates through:

• Weekly Bible studies and faith-based mentorship programs inside prisons.

• Letter-writing campaigns that remind incarcerated individuals they are not forgotten.

• Family support initiatives that help loved ones stay connected during incarceration.

  
  

2. Advocacy and Criminal Justice Reform

It’s not enough to minister inside the prison walls—we need to change the systems that keep people trapped in cycles of incarceration. The faith community can:

• Advocate for sentencing reform, especially for nonviolent offenders.

• Provide assistance to gain employment opportunities.

• Partner with legal aid organizations to assist incarcerated individuals with fair representation.

  
  

3. Reentry Support and Second Chances

Reintegration is one of the hardest parts of post-incarceration life. The church can play a crucial role by providing:

• Job training and employment opportunities for returning citizens.

• Housing support and mentorship programs to reduce homelessness.

• Faith-based counseling and trauma recovery programs to address the emotional wounds of incarceration.

  
  

When the faith community embraces "Locked in Solidarity," the impact reaches far beyond prison walls. Research from Harvard’s Institute for Social Policy shows that strong community and faith-based support reduces recidivism by 40%. That means fewer repeat offenses, fewer broken families, and safer communities.

Empathy is at the heart of transformation. When we see the incarcerated as brothers and sisters instead of criminals, we shift the narrative from one of condemnation to one of hope.

A Princeton University study found that formerly incarcerated individuals who received structured community support were 45% more likely to secure stable employment within their first year of release. When churches and local organizations provide mentorship, job placement programs, and family reintegration efforts, these individuals find not only economic stability but also a renewed sense of purpose.

This directly impacts public safety, as gainful employment and emotional support significantly reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Communities that embrace reintegration instead of isolation see lower crime rates, more productive citizens, and a stronger sense of collective well-being.

Beyond the economic and legal advantages, faith-based reentry programs foster deep generational healing. Studies from the National Institute of Justice reveal that children of incarcerated parents are at an increased risk of dropping out of school, developing mental health challenges, and eventually entering the justice system themselves.

However, when churches and community members stand in solidarity with returning citizens—providing counseling, parenting support, and advocacy—these cycles of trauma and crime can be broken. A formerly incarcerated parent who finds stability and community support is far more likely to rebuild relationships with their children, setting a new foundation for future generations.

Moving Forward

If we want to create lasting change, it starts with action. Here are three steps any church or faith community can take today:

1. Educate the Congregation

Many people of faith don’t realize the full extent of mass incarceration’s impact. Host discussions, invite formerly incarcerated speakers, and bring in experts on criminal justice reform to educate the community.

2. Build Relationships, Not Just Programs

True transformation happens through relationships. Encourage one-on-one mentorship, prison visitations, and sustained involvement instead of just one-time outreach events.

3. Advocate for Systemic Change

Faith without works is dead. Get involved in policy advocacy, legislative initiatives, and community-led efforts to change laws that perpetuate mass incarceration.

I’ve lived it. I’ve seen how incarceration isolates and how faith restores.

Locked in Solidarity is more than a concept—it’s a mission. It’s about recognizing that justice is not just about law and order; it’s about redemption, healing, and second chances.

We are called not to judge, but to walk alongside. Not to condemn, but to restore. And in that restoration, not only do the incarcerated find freedom—everyone else does too.

Keep building your community stronger,

-Troy Rienstra

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