A resolution calling for the release of Oscar López Rivera and Avelino González Claudio was overwhelmingly adopted at the UCC General Synod in Tampa on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 (see https://www.ucc.org/news/resolution-calling-for.html; Norberto González Claudio was not mentioned because the January 1 deadline for submitting resolutions was several months before his May 10, 2011 arrest took place). Rev. Linda Jaramillo (Executive Minister for Justice and Witness Ministries) provided an excellent educational workshop regarding the historical context and spoke about her visits at FCI Dublin (with Dylcia Pagán, Lucy Rodríguez, and Carmen Valentín) and at FCI Danbury with Alejandrina Torres; Carlos Alberto Torres wrote a compelling letter attesting to the UCC’s long history of support for the prisoners (https://www.ucc.org/justice/criminal-justice/letter-of-thanks.html); Norma López and youth from First Congregational Church of Chicago bore witness to this legacy through their presence at Rev. Jaramillo’s workshop; Catalina and Liza Torres did terrific advocacy and Liza spoke brilliantly on the floor of the Synod to move adoption of the resolution; Rev. Carmen Alicia Nebot, Rev. Jorge Morales (Conference Minister of the Illinois Conference), and Rev. Marilyn Pagán-Banks (Chair of the Council for Hispanic Ministries and Co-Chair of the Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries) also made powerful statements on the floor of the Synod. Revs. Sala Nolan (Minister for Criminal Justice and Human Rights for Justice and Witness Ministries), Rev. Candita Mattos (staff to the Council for Hispanic Ministries), and Rev. Dr. Nozomi Ikuta (Co-Chair of the Interfaith Prisoners of Conscience Project) also provided invaluable staffing and coordination. A really fine team effort!
Overwhelming Support for UCC Resolution urging freedom for Oscar and Avelino
