Text from a letter from Senator Barbara A. Mikulski:

United  States Senate
Washington, DC 21510-2003

December 7, 2004

Mr. Harley Lappin, Director
U.S. Department of Justice - Bureau of Prisons
320 First Street N.W.,Room 654
Washington, D.C. 20534

Dear Mr. Lappin:

I write on behalf of my constituents, Elizabeth McAlister and Susan Crane, who have shared their concern regarding two members of their community, Sister Carol Gilbert and Sister Ardeth Platte, religious nuns of the order of Dominican Sisters. I am attaching a copy of their letter.

Sisters Gilbert and Platte were arrested in Colorado for acts of civil disobedience. They were subsequently sentenced and are serving their sentences in West Virginia and Connecticut, respectively. Prior to their act of civil disobedience, they had been living and working in Baltimore City. Ms McAlister and Ms. Crane explain that both nuns face three years of supervised release upon completion of their prison sentences. The Federal Probation Office in Baltimore has denied Sister Carol Gilbert's plan to return home to the Jonah House Community in Baltimore. The same result is expected when Sister Platte is released.

As members of the religious order of Dominican nuns, Sisters Gilbert and Ardeth have taken a vow of poverty, chastity and obedience. In 1995, they were missioned by their religious order to the Jonah House Community. Since their arrival, they have lived their faith by working on peace and justice issues, and by working with economically disadvantaged families through a food bank, running an organic garden, and providing retreats for those who seek spiritual sustenance.

The Sisters' faith-based work helping needy families in Baltimore is a great way to offer rehabilitation upon their release from federal prison. Sisters Gilbert and Platte pose no threat to the security of the nation and certainly not to the security of Baltimore. As "part of the community of Jonah House, they live and share community life in an impoverished part of the city, serving as caretakers of St. Peter's Cemetery and are generally fully engaged in sustaining life in a city with a 40% poverty rate.

I would appreciate reconsideration of your decision. These nuns have served their sentence and need to return home. They will be gainfully employed at Jonah House helping those in need. They can continue to be supervised by federal probation officers as they continue with their faith-based work in Baltimore City.

Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator