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February 2015 Philadelphia Chapter of Pax Christi U.S.A.

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Echoes in Purgatory II, SCI Huntington

Echoes in Purgatory is a collection of writings by men who are serving a Life Sentence Without Parole. Read their words, then listen quietly and you will hear their cry for their God given “Right to Redemption.” …

Life without the possibility of parole is the other death sentence …

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Terrance Lewis, Lifers Inc. – DY-2759 How L.W.O.P. Affected Me … It is impossible with just a few words to outline the effects that this sentence has upon my life. But what I can say briefly, it has plunged me into an unyielding state of pure misery. Being subjugated to this reality, which deprives one of many hopes and cancels out many dreams, it becomes clear that the distinction between L.W.O.P. and SENTENCED to DEATH is: Death Row comes with a guaranteed single cell. We all have been, in some way, part of making a terrible mistake. But even after 20, 30 plus years of sincere regret and remorse, the BIBLE itself (Luke 11:4) as well as the QURAN (39.53) calls for redemption, but the voices that speak for our evolving society know of no forgiveness, but only greed for the DOLLAR that has been generated. Die to a terrible yet remorseful mistake.

George Yacob, Lifers Inc. – AM-5466 A life sentence in Pennsylvania is impossible to explain. But after almost thirty- two years, I’ve learned many more hate me than actually know me. No matter how much good I do or mature, only the terrible choices of my youth are remembered. Tragedies in their country, I’m held accountable. I have to forgive others, but I’m not forgiven. That’s some of my life, 24/7, 365 days a year. No vacations or holidays off, or retirement, that’s when I die. There are times I regret being strong enough to have survived this long.

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If you would like to comment or respond to a reflection, the envelope needs to include:

the man’s name, number,

SCI Huntington, 1100 Pike Street, Huntington, PA 16654-1112

The Mission of the Lifers Inc. is to secure legislation for parole eligibility for lifers, in accordance with the laws as they relate to other lifers nation-wide. We provide viable and adequate opportunities for lifers to become useful and productive members of society; …

Kevin Saleem Mines, AY-5941 President, Lifers Inc. P.O. Box 244, Graterford, PA 19426

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Catholic Peace Fellowship February 2015

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