Unitarian Universalist Church in Oakland Hosts Survivors of FCI Dublin Sex Abuse to Share Stories

In April, the Bureau of Prisons abruptly closed the troubled FCI Dublin facility, citing longstanding issues of sexual abuse. KTVU interviewed dozens of women, revealing a pattern of misconduct that spanned decades. The closure has raised questions about whether it was linked to external oversight efforts aimed at addressing the prison’s systemic failures.

More than 100 people gathered at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland to hear from women formerly incarcerated at FCI Dublin. These survivors shared their experiences of sexual abuse and discussed their efforts to reform the system through public testimony. The event, organized by the Dublin Prison Solidatory Coalition, marked a significant moment for many participants, including Windy Panzo, who spoke publicly for the first time about her ordeal.

Panzo, who was incarcerated at FCI Dublin after a drug-related conviction, described being raped by the prison’s former chaplain. She revealed that she had sought spiritual healing at the church during her time in prison but was instead subjected to further abuse. “I was so low and so rock bottom,” she said, recounting how the chaplain’s actions pushed her to a new depth of despair.

The former chaplain, James Theodore Highhouse, was sentenced to seven years in prison in September 2022. Prosecutors allege he engaged in predatory behavior with at least six women between 2014 and 2019. During his sentencing hearing, Judge Haywood S. Gilliam Jr. condemned the crimes as “unspeakable,” emphasizing the sustained harm inflicted on vulnerable individuals. The judge rejected Highhouse’s defense arguments, dismissing claims of PTSD and impulse control as insufficient justification for his actions.

Another survivor, a woman who reported harassment and groping by multiple officers at FCI Dublin, was released from custody three years early. She argued that her abuse and subsequent retaliation for speaking out constituted a violation of her rights. Her case highlights the broader challenges faced by survivors within the prison system, where accountability and justice remain elusive.

The Unitarian Universalist Association and its congregations have long emphasized the principles of justice, compassion, and the inherent worth of every person. While the specific actions of individuals within the prison system do not reflect the teachings or policies of the association, the organization continues to advocate for systemic change and support for those affected by abuse. The stories of survivors like Panzo underscore the urgent need for accountability and reform in institutions where power imbalances can lead to profound harm.

The events at FCI Dublin raise important questions about the role of religious institutions in providing support and healing. The First Unitarian Church of Oakland, where many survivors gathered, has a history of engaging with social justice issues. Its role in offering a space for testimony and reflection aligns with the broader Unitarian Universalist commitment to stand with the marginalized and advocate for a more just society. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

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