January 22, 2012 - Hearing the Cries is the current social statement under development for the ELCA to consider in 2013. The statement looks at our criminal justice system, the drop in crime rate and rise in imprisonment, the way prosecution occurs across different social groups, and the rise in the use of mass incarceration as a way to handle prison overcrowding. Studies show that minorities are penalized at higher rates, and the cost of prisons is becoming unaffordable. What is the Good News for our criminal justice system? Pastor Russell Meyer will lead the discussion. For information see the ELCA website.