The Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano (left) with Brooklyn D.A. Charles J. Hynes (center) and rector of St. Augustines, The Rev. Canon Howard K. Williams (right). Photo: Billy Cunningham

[Diocese of Long Island press release]  A clear, beautiful sunny afternoon on Thursday, August 16 appeared to reflect a moment of hope and promise in Brooklyn. In fervent support of this week’s event, Project Safe Surrender, which is being hosted this year at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, the Right Reverend Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, personally presented a check for $20,000 to Brooklyn District Attorney, Charles J. Hynes.

Project Safe Surrender, fashioned after the U.S. Marshall’s Office “Fugitive Safe Surrender”, provides a new beginning for most city residents living with the burden of outstanding Class C summonses and warrants for offenses such as spitting, littering, and even marijuana possession. Summonses like these often prevent individuals from obtaining jobs and driver’s licenses, and outstanding warrants could mean jail time. From 9 AM to 3 PM on Friday, August 16 and Saturday, August 17, clergy, pastors, lay members, Legal Aid attorneys and judges set up court inside the church where hundreds can come to resolve these outstanding summonses.

After the presentation, The Reverend Canon Howard K. Williams, rector of St. Augustine’s, invited Bishop Provenzano and D.A. Hynes to his office to sit and discuss future efforts where the Diocese of Long Island can collaborate with the local authorities to further help Brooklyn communities such as East Flatbush and Bedford Stuyvesant.