“Solo Dios tiene derecho a quitar la vida,” se lamentó David Ramos, de 51 años. Su hijo primogénito, José, había sido asesinado por la policía militar mientras protestaba pacíficamente por el fraude en las recientes elecciones presidenciales en Honduras. Mientras escuchaba a David y a otros hablar sobre las heridas y asesinatos de sus seres queridos, las lágrimas brotaron en mis ojos. Me dolía el corazón por sus pérdidas y por Honduras, que también es la tierra natal de mi cónyuge.

Note: In a very honest conversation, AFSC Prison Watch Coordinator, Bonnie Kerness, explores the different ways she believes one can experience sanctuary: in isolation, in groups and from within.

What is sanctuary, what is the definition? For me part of it is recognition. It is not only that we are housing an individual, it is that we recognize that individual. More broadly, it is about providing a safe space for impacted communities, including those inside prison. It is about giving them that space to speak, and giving them that personal recognition. 

Larry White and Russell Tucker served 32 and 23 years in prison, respectively. They tirelessly seek to reform the criminal justice system. Larry is the founder of Hope Lives for Lifers and a public speaker on prison issues and preventing recidivism. Russell works for Phoenix House, a drug rehabilitation and re-entry program that works on inner reflection and reform.

“Only God has the right to take a life,” lamented 51-year old David Ramos. His first-born child, Jose, had been killed by military police while peacefully protesting fraud in the recent presidential election in Honduras. As I listened to David and others speak about the injuries and killings of their loved ones, tears welled up in my eyes. My heart ached for their losses and for Honduras, which is also the homeland of my spouse.