CHICAGO THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
February 19, 2021
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, Michigan 48909
Dear Governor Whitmer,
I am writing on behalf of Jamie L. Meade, #A232516, to lend my voice to his application for pardon or commutation of sentence.
I began correspondence with Jamie Meade two years ago after being introduced to him through Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright, Senior Minister of Woodside Church of Flint. I quickly became deeply impressed at Jamie’s ability to take responsibility for his actions, his educational accomplishments as well as his consistent actions to better his life and the lives of others.
Jamie’s efforts have inspired me to advocate for his admission to Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS) to pursue our Master of Divinity program. Jamie is now officially enrolled in our MDiv program and has completed his first second. Rev. Cowart and the congregation she serves have committed to assisting with fundraising efforts to support Jamie. The presence of Jamie at CTS is a tremendous asset to our student body. Many of our students preparing for ministry will be working as chaplains in various aspects of our criminal justice system. The ability for students to learn from Jamie is invaluable. And the commencement of his deeply invested.
Prior to joining the faculty of CTS, I spent 10 years as a local pastor. I have witnessed up close the challenges persons who are incarcerated face in changing their life. Jamie has a committed social support system and is deeply motivated. I believe Jamie’s life and will continue to be a success story that will touch the lives of many if released.
And as you can imagine, I am deeply concerned for Jamie’s life given our current pandemic. Our seminary is dedicated to producing leadership that will help shape society to be more just and more merciful. I humbly ask that you join us in this work by offering grace and mercy to Jamie.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach me at ****2486 or *******nger@ctschicago.edu.
Sincerely,
Rev. Christophe R. Ringer, PhD.
Assistant Professor of Theological Ethics and Society
Chicago Theological Seminary