Theology in carceral context
“What does it mean,” asks Willie Francois, “to cultivate leaders who are building power inside prison?”
Pastor and seminary educator Willie Dwayne Francois III; scenes from the 2022 commencement for New York Theological Seminary’s master of professional studies program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. (Francois: Daphne Youree Photography / Commencement: Tay Brauer Photography)
Willie Dwayne Francois III, senior pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Pleasantville, New Jersey, directs the master of professional studies program at New York Theological Seminary, which is the oldest master’s degree program offered by a theological institution in a US prison setting. The program is active in two New York State prisons: Sing Sing men’s prison and, as of last year, Bedford Hills women’s prison.
