Justice Reform Resources for Volunteers and Churches
JUSTICE REFORM RESOURCES FOR CHURCHES
Our criminal justice system is broken. It often neglects the needs of victims, exacts revenge instead of enforcing accountability on those who've caused harm, and fails to make our communities safer. It’s time for a new approach.
Your church can advocate for a criminal justice system that upholds restorative values so that communities are safer, victims are respected, and those who have caused harm are transformed.
Your church can advocate for justice that restores today! Here are some ways to get started.
LEARN
Did you know that 1 in 3 American adults has a criminal record, which limits their access to education, jobs, housing, and other things they need to reach their potential? Learn how your church can help unlock brighter futures for the 70 million people who've repaid their debt to society.
ADVOCATE
Your church can help elected officials embrace justice reform. Learn more by visiting our Second Chance® Sunday Church Toolkit or start today by signing the Justice Declaration to join our growing network of advocates. Together we can inspire more Christians to take a stand and advance justice that restores.
STUDY
God calls us to seek justice, but the criminal justice system is complex. You're invited to take part in our free Outrageous Justice small-group curriculum, designed to give Christians a clear understanding of how to address crime and incarceration and promote restoration for all those involved.
VOLUNTEER
You can help change hearts and minds in your church, community, and the halls of congress. Partner with Prison Fellowship to develop strategic relationships with lawmakers, write letters to the editor, host an event or small group, and more.
THE JUSTICE DECLARATION
Followers of Christ have a unique responsibility and capacity to address the crises of crime and overincarceration in America. Will your church take a stand for justice that restores?
Are you interested in getting your church involved in justice reform but don't know how? Want to learn more about what your church can do? Watch Prison Fellowship’s webinar: How Can My Church Advocate for Justice Reform?
RESOURCES KIT FOR CHURCHES
Are you a church leader who wants to inspire your congregation to get involved in criminal justice reform? We're here to support you every step of the way, starting with these carefully cultivated tools and free resources:
Responding to Crime and Incarceration: A Call to the Church
Outrageous Justice small-group curriculum
Toolkit to host a Second Chance Sunday at your church
And more!
The Justice that Restores resources can help your church get started. It includes a small-group curriculum and helpful articles. These resources will inform and inspire you as you take steps to be actively engaged in criminal justice reform.
WHAT IS "JUSTICE THAT RESTORES"?
• Justice that restores prioritizes and respects victims by providing assistance, validation, restitution, information, protection, and participation.
• Justice that restores compels responsible parties to make up for their harms and advocates for a just process, proportional punishment, a chance to make amends, a constructive culture, and opportunities to earn trust and closure.
• Justice that restores enables communities to facilitate justice through education, acceptance, support, civic participation, and safety.
