Formerly incarcerated individuals face many obstacles in life upon their release from prison. In the past, many of us have used terms or labels that often foster a negative image of people who may already have challenges upon returning to their home or establishing a new residence in our community.

“Returning citizens” is far more enhancing than perhaps “ex-con,” “felon,” “fugitive,” or “on probation.”

Returning citizens may struggle with obtaining employment, finding suitable housing, managing physical health issues, and working through addictions and mental health issues.

On the other hand, returning citizens are tax payers, employees, and church attendees who may be sitting beside you on a Sunday morning. They have a history, as do all of us. We are all better people than the actions or decisions we made on the worst day of our lives.

The gospel message is of forgiveness; Peter asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Of course, Jesus tells him “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22 NIV). Although the disciples had been with Jesus for some time, they were still thinking in the limited terms of the law, rather than the unlimited terms of grace and love.

It is important to acknowledge employers, landlords, and so many other individuals and organizations and agencies who reach out and assist a returning citizen. Often it is you as an individual who can do so much behind the scenes to assist and welcome a returning citizen who has had a difficult past.

We recall the old adage: “But for the grace of God, go I.”

On Thursday, the Christian Social Concerns committee of United Churches of Lycoming County hosted a Zoom discussion entitled “Beyond the Bars,” which explored the realities of incarceration and ways to faithfully engage our returning citizens.

We are reminded of Hebrews 13:1-3: “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers…Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourself were suffering.”

James Foran, retired director of Faith Formation, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Yokefellow Prison Ministry board member and member of the Pennsylvania Prison Society