Reply ID: dw95
Reply to comments by Father John

Dear Father John,

Thank you for reading the information I share via the blog. Thank you as well for your comments and inquiries. I'm very sorry for the delay in responding to you; I was abruptly transferred the day after I received your comments from BTB, and it has taken some time to get things straightened out.

To answer your question about faith traditions and training, I am a Christian but I belong to no denomination. When I came to prison nearly 20 years ago, my only degree was an associates degree in emergency medical care. All of my other degrees were earned via correspondence programs over the years. My religious degrees, ordinations, and certifications are all through the non-denominational ULC. However, in the course of those studies, I've examined every major religion and most Christian faith traditions.

Today, although my degrees and ordination are not through them, I am a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Larger Fellowship. The CLF has a tremendous prison ministry, I agree with their social justice initiatives and beliefs, and I am able to practice my faith while working well with those of other faiths. CLF is a good fit for me.

While I do try to help other prisoners who may seek spiritual direction, I do not view myself as having any pastoral role. Much like Ralph Waldo Emerson, I do not disavow my status as a minister but I do not use my titles either. Instead, I serve and help others through the work that I do on a daily basis.

My ministry is one of justice. As a paralegal and so-called "jailhouse lawyer," I help others who have no help whatsoever to have a voice, to seek justice, to lay claim to their rights, and to stand for themselves. This is a ministry of hope for the hopeless, and a ministry of giving a voice to the voiceless.

I also help some study for their GED, counsel some who will listen about staying out of trouble and becoming productive in prison, and counsel addicts away from the stronghold in their life. MDOC recognizes none of this, but that does not matter. As long as people are helped, lives are changed, or some positive impact is made, then I've met my "ministry" goods.

My friend, I don't know if this answers your questions or tells you what you hoped to find out, but I'm open to continuing the conversation if you'd like to. We can do that via this blog or you can contact me offline at the address below.

Thank you for reaching out to me. And thank you for your devotion to ministering to prisoners.

Yours Truly,
Chuck
Charles Owens

Charles Owens #L5101
c/o SMCI
PO Box 1419
Leakesville, MS 39451