A group of diverse individuals standing together in front of a brick wall posing for a photo with two women in the center holding a giant check

Transforming Lives Through Spiritual Care: SJ CPE Graduation Featured in Star Tribune

January 6, 2025

VOA MN/WI is excited to share a link to a Star Tribune article highlighting the recent graduation of our Social Justice Clinical Pastoral Education (SJ CPE) program at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater. This groundbreaking program exemplifies our commitment to reweaving the social fabric through spiritual care.

As the only accredited Clinical Pastoral Education program in the United States offered inside a maximum-security prison, SJ CPE fosters transformative learning by bringing together incarcerated men and outside students. This innovative approach not only trains individuals in interfaith spiritual care but also extends theological education to communities often excluded from such opportunities.

This article captures the profound impact of this work and the remarkable stories of resilience, growth, and connection that emerge from this unique learning environment. Featured in the photograph are three VOA MN/WI Board members and staff lead Rev. Dr. Laura Thelander. 

Pictured left to right: Lennell Martin, Melissa Bayne (VOA MN/WI Board Chair), Tito Campbell (VOA MN/WI Board Director), Dimitri Harrell, Laura Thelander (VOA MN/WI's Director of Racial Justice & Spiritual Care), Rich Scheibe, Mark Schulz, Sue Allers Hatlie, Tim Baugh, Ramone Vercher, Shawn Enoch, Peter Sop (VOA MN/WI Immediate Past Chair) and Dao Xiong. Not pictured but also deeply appreciated attendees included Rev. James Marshall and CEO Julie Manworren.

Photo credit: Rev. Angela Denker, a contributing columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune

Read The Article