'Father G' leads gang intervention

Priest promotes kinship between gang members

Father Gregory Boyle talks about his work with rival gang members,
saying that some "used to shoot bullets at each other. Now they shoot
text messages." (Photo: Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic)

Father Gregory Boyle told compelling stories about his work with rival gangsters at the Catholic Educators' Conference Feb. 15. He hoped to inspire the teachers there to be witnesses to kinship in their own communities.

"If kinship were our goal, we wouldn't be fighting for justice. We would be celebrating it," said Father Boyle. Having worked with gang members through Homeboy Industries for 25 years, he has seen a lot of rivalry and cries for hope.

Homeboy Industries provides services for gang members, including tattoo removal, legal services, and counselling. They also employ them at several social enterprises, including Homegirl Cafe, Homeboy Diner, Homeboy Bakery, and Homeboy Silkscreen.

"What is on God's mind? That you may be one," Father Boyle said. His goal is to help gang members change their lives and contribute to their families and to society.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.