You’ve probably heard more about what’s going on in our state’s prisons and jails than what’s happening in our youth detention centers. And just like the majority of prisons and jails in California, youth detention centers are mostly off-limits to family members, and other would-be visitors including chaplains.

But this hasn’t stopped Christian Science Chaplain Holliday from sending prayer and love to the many kids she normally sees each week. In this video you’ll get an inside peek at her work and why she loves working with the kids and staff.

During this challenge, you’re no doubt praying for the world. We’d simply like to remind you to include youth, like those you’re about to hear about, in your prayers. And certainly, if you like, feel free to share this video with your family and friends.

Building Bridges: Welcome to Our Interfaith Video Series

When Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus — and those in other faith traditions — share what they believe and why they believe it, good things begin to occur. For example sharing breaks down the walls of misunderstanding. And this in turn leads to greater tolerance. Which in turn leads to more inclusion and acceptance.

The point of this interfaith dialogue is to cherish the universality of God’s message and to rejoice that God blesses, informs and guides each of us.

Each of the video interviews presented in this series are approximately five to six minutes or so in length. We try to capture what’s at the heart of each theology so that you’ll be exposed to some basic knowledge that will make it easier to understand other faith traditions. Hopefully from there you’ll want to dig down even further and explore the richness and depth of the varieties of different faith traditions all around us. Perhaps you’ll consider visiting their church, synagogue, mosque or temple.

Interview with Rev. Dr. Charles Tinsley – Light in Prison Interfaith Series

Rev. Dr. Charles Tinsley is Presbyterian minister who serves as the Head Chaplain for Contra Costa Juvenile Hall in Martinez, California.

Have some insight to add? Want to leave a comment?

Join us in prayer regarding the issue of juveniles in solitary confinement.

From the National Council of Church’s statement on this issue:

The National Council of Churches applauds President Obama’s order banning the use of solitary confinement for juvenile offenders in the federal prison system. This ban comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s ruling that its 2012 decision banning mandatory life sentences for juveniles can be retroactively applied. We are particularly excited about this steady movement of reform that impacts juveniles and see these decisions as important steps toward creating a more humane and moral criminal justice system.

“This gives us great hope in our efforts to transform the broken criminal justice system from one focused on punishment and retribution to one focused on rehabilitation and restoration,” said Rev. Aundreia Alexander, Associate General Secretary for Action and Advocacy for Justice and Peace.

While we welcome the new restrictions on the use of solitary confinement to 60 days (down from a previous limit of 365 days), we question if this limit is still too long.

We invite you to pray about this issue and then take appropriate action if your prayers lead you to do so.

Click here to read the National Council of Church’s full statement

Click here to read President Obama’s Op-Ed on why we must rethink solitary confinement

Paul White, Director of Stronghold School Systems is a Christian Scientist who has worked with gang members, the homeless, and juvenile wards of the state.  In this video, Paul shares an inspiring story of a young hardened teen in California’s Youth Authority who learned first-hand the transforming power of Christian love.

Please share this story with anyone who could use a heart-warming pick-me-up this holiday season!

More stories of Light in prison: https://lightinprison.sharethepractice.org

Learn more about Stronghold School Systems here: http://www.strongholdschools.com

Related: Read a free book about Christian healing that may just change your life: Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures