What Is Justice?

In the Bible, justice is about much more than fairness or catching and punishing “bad guys.” Biblical, or restorative, justice centers focus on restoring everyone affected by wrongdoing—including the offender, the victim, and the community around them. It’s based on shalom, a Hebrew term encompassing peace, wholeness, righteousness, and harmony.

Justice Fellowship is the arm of Prison Fellowship Ministries that promotes the principles of restorative justice in the public square, advocating for laws and policies that reflect the human dignity and value of each person affected by the cycle of crime and incarceration. We envision a criminal justice system in which those who violate the law are held accountable and restored to their full potential, victims are respected and supported, and communities and churches are deeply involved in the work of restoration.

One of the most important places we need to see restorative justice is in the laws of our respective states and the country as a whole. Since 1993, Justice Fellowship has fought for important reforms like the Second Chance Act, the Prison Rape Elimination Act, and the Fair Sentencing Act, as well as legislation at the state level. But we’ve never fought alone. Friends like you step up to call your representatives, write letters, ask for meetings, and make informed decisions about criminal justice in your community and your state.

Would you like to be a part of establishing biblical principles of restorative justice in your community? Learn how by clicking here.