A Washington, D.C.-based criminal justice reform expert will launch a Lenten speaker series at Immanuel Episcopal Church with a presentation examining prison reform in the United States and abroad.

Andie Moss, founder and president of The Moss Group, is scheduled to speak at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 as part of the church’s special Lenten program, “Prayers of the People in Action.” Her presentation is titled “Prison reform: perspectives, dilemmas and the role of faith in action.”

Moss leads a nationally recognized consulting firm that works to improve safety, staff well-being and outcomes across correctional systems. Her work spans local, national and international levels and includes experience with corrections programs in Alabama.

“Andie is a national leader who is redefining what safe, humane, and effective correctional practice looks like,” said Jan Ingram, one of the program’s organizers. “Her advocacy for treating people with dignity — staff and incarcerated people alike — and her influence in shifting the field toward more humane, evidence-based models has made Andie and The Moss Group a much sought-after organization for prison reform consulting.”

Moss’ appearance marks the first in a series of Wednesday Lenten programs centered on the Episcopal Church’s Prayers of the People, specifically the verse, “For this community, the nation, and the world: For all who work for justice, freedom and peace.” Ingram said the prayers are a regular part of Episcopal worship and are intended to encompass neighbors and the wider world.

“We wanted this year’s Lenten program to show how we can put these prayers in action,” Ingram said.

The series continues March 4 with Paula Boyse, director of the North Baldwin Ecumenical Association, followed by environmental advocate Randi Evans on March 11. On March 18, Joe McDaniel, co-chair of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast’s Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation, will speak on the Africatown Truth and Education Initiative.

The Africatown Truth and Education Initiative is a project developed within the Episcopal Church to elevate the history and contemporary reality of Africatown, the Mobile community founded by survivors of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to enter the United States. The initiative promotes recognition, awareness and education about the Clotilda and the Africans who were trafficked on it, the founding and legacy of Africatown and the ongoing lived experience of Africatown’s descendants and community members. McDaniel’s program will focus on the prayer verse, “For the peace and unity of the church of God; for all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the truth.”

The final program, March 25, will feature Jeff Young and Andrew Williams leading an evening of singing well-known gospel songs.

Each Wednesday, a eucharist service will be held at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 5:30 p.m. The programs and meals are free and open to the public.

Those planning to attend are asked to notify the church by the Monday before each program. For more information or to RSVP, contact Ingram at (256) 324-0432.