Social Justice Clinical Pastoral Education
Social Justice Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), a groundbreaking program uniquely housed at the Minnesota Correctional Facility–Stillwater, offers hands-on training for faith leaders, seminarians, and incarcerated men, focusing on spiritual care and social justice. Accredited by ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care & Education, the program combines qualified supervision, hands-on spiritual care, and peer group reflection that enhances faith leaders’ ability to serve their communities. Social Justice CPE fosters connections between communities of faith and those in need, inspiring compassionate, skilled leaders that promote healing and justice.
This presentation will be led by Rev. Dr. Laura Thelander, Director of Racial Justice & Spiritual Care with Volunteers of America. An ordained pastor, Laura has more than 23 years of experience as a minister and providing spiritual guidance. She is an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Certified Educator Candidate with The Association of Certified Pastoral Education (ACPE) Spiritual Direction Certification. Laura has a Doctor of Philosophy from Princeton Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Olaf College.
Healing & Learning Through Connection
Every person has a story. Within the Social Justice CPE program, men who are incarcerated and faith leaders from the community unite on a shared journey of spiritual care, creating a transformative community where healing, growth, and understanding thrive. Participants develop skills and deepen their perspectives, enabling them to better support others. Through these powerful relationships, Social Justice CPE inspires individuals to effect meaningful change within their lives and communities.
Changing Lives
For those incarcerated, the path to hope and healing can be challenging, but with the right support, transformation is possible. As the only U.S. program offering Clinical Pastoral Education in a prison, Social Justice CPE provides unique opportunities for theological education and spiritual growth. This program transcends traditional education by fostering a supportive environment where faith leaders, seminarians, and men who are incarcerated collaborate, sharing stories and learning from one another. Social Justice CPE equips participants with the tools and confidence to rebuild their lives and envision a brighter future.
Read a recent article about this success of this program here.