This pamphlet explores how Quaker faith re-shapes attitudes toward marginalized persons and bridges the chasm between those locked behind bars and those who enjoy the privileges of freedom. The friendship between Judith Favor and Rosie Alfaro -- women separated by class, race, religion, and prison walls -- is a testimony to the power of "Friending" rooted and grounded in the love of God, who "is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine. [Ephesians 3:20, NRSV]."

Friending Rosie on Death Row explores how Quaker faith re-shapes attitudes toward marginalized persons and bridges the chasm between those locked behind bars and those who enjoy the privileges of freedom. The friendship between Judith Favor and Rosie Alfaro – women separated by class, race, religion, and prison walls – is a testimony to the power of “Friending” rooted and grounded in the love of God, who “is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20, NRSV).”

Pendle Hill Pamphlet #470

This is a story about the redemptive power of respectful, appreciative, loving friendship. Judith Favor tells us about her long friendship with Rosie Alfaro, who is on death row in California. She shows, with many quotes from Rosie, how it evolved from a pen-pal relationship to in-person mutual support, appreciation, and love.
Judith uses friending as a special verb, to denote a nurturing, listening mutual relationship that can bridge deep social divides, shift racist, sexist, classist, and judgmental attitudes, open us to life-changing connections, and help us see that of God in the other and oneself. Friending is a matter of the heart, that builds respect, appreciation, forgiveness for oneself and the other, compassion and tender care. She quotes gratefully Michael Birkel on listening to those on the margin, the excluded and those who have suffered harm, for they have crucial insights. In this way, we can overcome our barriers, listen each other into being, and heal our hearts. It is a way to live our testimonies.
This pamphlet is wonderful for our times (and no doubt for all times), for it is our challenge to overcome our habit of judging, to open our hearts, and to come to see with the eyes of God. ( )