California Province Supports Bill for Incarcerated Youth

The California Province of the Society of Jesus is asking those in the state to join the province in a statewide Day of Prayer, Reflection, and Hope on August 22 to support Senate Bill 9, which creates the possibility for judges to review the juvenile sentence of life without the possibility of parole for certain inmates under very limited circumstances, allowing youth sentenced to life without parole a possible second chance.

Many in the province have come to know the reality that youth offenders in the state are regularly sentenced to life without the possibility of parole through the work of the Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative, headed by Jesuit Father Mike Kennedy and Homeboy Industries, headed by Jesuit Father Greg Boyle.

The province joins the California Catholic Conference and representatives from many other faith traditions on Aug. 22 to pray, meditate and reflect on healing for all those affected by serious crime. [California Province]