LIFE
by Fr. Bill Van Oss
Last evening I attended a gathering of LIFE (Lee Interfaith for Empowerment) along with a great group from St. Michael’s. LIFE is a broad group of people from several churches in Lee County who come together to work for justice through systemic change. St. Michael’s has only officially been a part of LIFE for less than a year, and we have about 15 people actively involved already.
LIFE members work together for policy changes in a way that is not confrontational but is clear, persistent and direct. For Christians who embrace a baptismal covenant that asks “will you strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being?” LIFE gives us a way to put that promise into action.
The gathering was a wonderful celebration of some of the accomplishments LIFE has recently achieved. To highlight three of them:
- The sheriff’s office received an award for training all of their officers in crisis intervention with people experiencing a mental health concern. This was an initiative that LIFE effectively advocated for with the sheriff.
- LIFE advocated for a program of civil citations rather than arrest for juvenile offenders who commit petty offenses. We learned that several hundred juveniles have been kept out of jail (and having an arrest record) as a result of this change in policy.
- LIFE continues to work on the important issue of affordable housing and has successfully helped to establish an affordable housing trust fund to keep the affordable housing ball rolling.
I am grateful to Anne Kimball, other leaders from our parish, and all who are involved in LIFE. People of faith coming together to do good in our community are making a big difference. If you would like more information, please contact Anne at 239-454-2854 or abkrak2@ gmail.com
Peace,
Bill+
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