Letter writing for our brothers and sisters in prison

[Sister Theresa]

Does anyone know how I would go about writing letters to our brothers and sisters in prisons?

[TheKid23]

3 hours ago, Sister Theresa said:

Does anyone know how I would go about writing letters to our brothers and sisters in prisons?

Probably best to speak to your elders

[Parale]

3 hours ago, Sister Theresa said:

Does anyone know how I would go about writing letters to our brothers and sisters in prisons?

 

Could try:

 

https://jwtalk.net/topic/55372-writing-to-those-in-prison-as-a-family-worship-project/

 

[LeolaRootStew]

We were told to never send letters directly to brothers in prison unless you were part of an official group assigned to do that. The reason is we have to be very careful what information is put into letters because it's highly likely to be read by the police and we don't want compromising information to be revealed that could endanger our brothers or be used against them in court. I would ask your elders what arrangements there are. If there is an arrangement you will be given parameters about what to say, what language to write it in (I've heard to write it in your mother tongue), and what not to say.

[Tortuga]

On 6/21/2024 at 9:26 AM, Sister Theresa said:

Does anyone know how I would go about writing letters to our brothers and sisters in prisons?

What do you have in mind?

[Tortuga]

This was announced in our congregation this week, you should get the same announcement.

 

 FOR CONGREGATIONS 
1. Writing to Imprisoned Brothers: Many publishers have inquired about sending letters to brothers who are imprisoned for their faith. There is no arrangement for the branch office to provide addresses for these brothers or to forward personal letters, packages, or gifts to them. Thus, it would not be appropriate to organize groups or campaigns for the purpose of writing to imprisoned brothers unless instructed by your branch office to do so. 
2. We commend you for ‘keeping in mind’ our brothers who are imprisoned for their faith. (Heb. 13:3) In the first century, imprisoned brothers such as Peter and Paul were greatly helped by the prayers of fellow believers. (Read Acts 12:5.) May we never cease praying in behalf of our dear imprisoned brothers, trusting that Jehovah will give them the strength to endure!—Eph. 6:18; Heb. 10:34.

[Loopy]

Just now, Tortuga said:

This was announced in our congregation this week, you should get the same announcement.

 

 FOR CONGREGATIONS 
1. Writing to Imprisoned Brothers: Many publishers have inquired about sending letters to brothers who are imprisoned for their faith. There is no arrangement for the branch office to provide addresses for these brothers or to forward personal letters, packages, or gifts to them. Thus, it would not be appropriate to organize groups or campaigns for the purpose of writing to imprisoned brothers unless instructed by your branch office to do so. 
2. We commend you for ‘keeping in mind’ our brothers who are imprisoned for their faith. (Heb. 13:3) In the first century, imprisoned brothers such as Peter and Paul were greatly helped by the prayers of fellow believers. (Read Acts 12:5.) May we never cease praying in behalf of our dear imprisoned brothers, trusting that Jehovah will give them the strength to endure!—Eph. 6:18; Heb. 10:34.

That announcement was made last night in our congregation too.

[DancesWithWife]

1 hour ago, Tortuga said:

This was announced in our congregation this week, you should get the same announcement.

 

We had that announcement last night. Clear direction is given.

[Parale]

11 hours ago, Tortuga said:

Thus, it would not be appropriate to organize groups or campaigns for the purpose of writing to imprisoned brothers unless instructed by your branch office to do so.

 

10 hours ago, DancesWithWife said:

We had that announcement last night. Clear direction is given.

 

But it would can still be appropriate for individuals to write directly, under their own volition ?

[jayrtom]

2 hours ago, Parale said:

 

 

But it would can still be appropriate for individuals to write directly, under their own volition ?

If you know the adress you can do as you whish but I wouldn't call it "appropriate". The appropriate action would be to do this instead:

 

"In the first century, imprisoned brothers such as Peter and Paul were greatly helped by the prayers of fellow believers. (Read Acts 12:5.) May we never cease praying in behalf of our dear imprisoned brothers, trusting that Jehovah will give them the strength to endure!—Eph. 6:18; Heb. 10:34.

[DancesWithWife]

3 hours ago, Parale said:

But it would can still be appropriate for individuals to write directly, under their own volition ?

They probably could if they wanted. Getting names, addresses might be difficult too. Most of the letters would be heavily censored by the prison. If we don't know them personally, I feel prayers are the best choice. 

[truce]

Th letter was read at ours on Tuesday night. 

[Mike047]

The letter was clear. However, we have local prisons and apart from the brothers who are official prison visitors, other brothers, usually from their home congregation, visit from time to time. depending upon the purpose of their imprisonment, some also send letters, but these are all through private arrangement.

 

It may be that a whole new field of activity will open up, based on the August 2024 Watchtower, to include those in various places where access is restricted and the individuals are currently no longer members of the congregation.