In December 2020, we were thrilled to announce a new partnership between Central Synagogue and the Multifaith Initiative to End Mass Incarceration (EMI), made possible by the generosity of the Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation. Founded by the historic Atlanta communities of Ebenezer Baptist Church and The Temple, EMI is a national network of multifaith communities working to end mass incarceration. Central is proud to serve as EMI's lead New York partner in this work under the direction of EMI NY Regional Coordinator, John Ducksworth.

Mission: The Multifaith Initiative to End Mass Incarceration leverages the powers of U.S. faith leaders and communities to emphatically demand and act to end mass incarceration.

Goals: We engage congregations and their leaders to educate their communities and move them towards actions that end mass incarceration. We offer models and training in changing the narrative of incarceration and we lift up theologies of forgiveness, compassion, and justice. We lead faith communities in advocating for substantive change to public policy.

Vision: EMI organizes an effective moral witness against the laws, policies, and policing practices that contribute to mass incarceration, drawing upon ancient traditions, moral vocabulary, and institutional strength to address the depth of this human rights catastrophe. We employ these strengths to seed an alternative system rooted in love, mercy, atonement, restoration, and transformation that promotes human thriving equitably for all.

Meet John Ducksworth

John Ducksworth was born in Harlem in the Bronx and attended New York City Public Schools. He holds an associate degree from Dutchess Community College, a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from State University of New York, a master’s degree in professional studies from New York Theological Seminary with a concentration in counseling, and a master’s degree in public administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a concentration in management and organization.

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