Crime affects everyone. With nearly one in three adults in the United States having some sort of criminal conviction, odds are you know somebody who has been convicted of a crime, or suffered as a result of someone else's offense. And we all are paying more and more to lock men and women up for their offenses. Yet, with all the emphasis on incarceration, recidivism rates remain extremely high, as those who eventually leave prison struggle to reintegrate into society.
Prison Fellowship seeks to change our criminal justice system at every level so that it respects the inherent dignity of every person. We promote policies that help to create safer communities, that respect those who have been harmed by crime, and that bring about true transformation in the lives of those who have been responsible for crime.
FEATURED RESOURCES
FEDERAL CRACK COCAINE DISPARITY "MYTH-BUSTER"
This “myth-buster” document from Prison Fellowship seeks to offer clear answers to misconceptions about crack cocaine and crack cocaine crimes may emerge.
WHAT IS GOD'S VISION FOR JUSTICE?
God calls His people to seek justice. But given the complexities of our criminal justice system, how can followers of Jesus have a clear understanding of criminal justice issues and take action to promote peace and restoration?
To that end, Prison Fellowship is excited to release the Outrageous Justice small-group curriculum, designed to awaken Christians to the need for justice that restores.
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THE DRUG REPORT: A REVIEW OF AMERICA'S DISPARATE POSSESSION PENALTIES
The report analyzes the variation in penalties for possession of marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl under state and federal laws. Detailed case studies for each drug demonstrate disparities in how each drug is categorized and penalized. The report features ways that some states are creatively responding to drug possession through alternatives to incarceration.
LEARN MOREADDITIONAL RESOURCES
CHRISTIANS' ATTITUDES REGARDING CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
Read the 2021 summary of Prison Fellowship’s proprietary research on Christians’ attitudes regarding criminal justice reform.
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Read the 2019 summary of Prison Fellowship’s proprietary research on Christians’ attitudes regarding criminal justice reform.
Read the 2017 summary of Prison Fellowship’s proprietary research on Christians’ attitudes regarding criminal justice reform.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE ISSUES
Informative overviews about major criminal justice topics, including Prison Fellowship's position on each issue and relevant advocacy accomplishments. Under some topics, you will also find links to more in-depth Prison Fellowship resources, such as briefs, white papers, and testimony.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE TRENDS
Read Prison Fellowship's general primer on criminal justice issues, featuring statistics and suggested legislation guidelines.
Criminal Justice Trends
ADVOCATE TRAINING RESOURCES
If you share Prison Fellowship’s vision for justice that restores, you can deepen your engagement as an advocate using these resources designed to equip you to spread the word in your community and to influence your elected officials.
LEARN MORESTATE BY STATE RESOURCES
A new resource recently published by The Council of State Governments offers a web-based resource which provides data, resources, and strategies to improve justice reform in all 50 states.
LEARN MOREWHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE THAT RESTORES
Drawing from Biblical examples, former-prisoner-turned-pastor and advocate Quavadis Marshall provides an in-depth look at the Christian case for advocacy.
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DR. RUSSELL MOORE: ENGAGING THE CHURCH IN JUSTICE THAT RESTORES
In his keynote speech for the Justice Declaration Symposium 2019, Dr. Russell Moore shares why it is important for pastors to lead their congregations into prison ministry and justice reform.
READ MORESTATEMENT ON LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Prison Fellowship recognizes the vital importance of a fair criminal justice system that helps to restore the lives of people in prison even as they are held accountable for their actions. That’s why we are a leading voice for criminal justice reform, advocating for changes like the FIRST STEP Act, the Prison Rape Elimination Act, the restoration of Pell Grants to incarcerated learners, and many more pieces of legislation at the federal and state levels. We also work with correctional leaders to make prisons more rehabilitative and provide programs that help people transform their lives while incarcerated.
Prison Fellowship is not a legal aid organization and is not equipped to assist in individual cases. We do not offer legal representation, legal advice, character letters, parole support letters, or letters of support for applications for pardon or clemency.
ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE THAT RESTORES
If you share our vision for a justice system that restores all those impacted by crime and incarceration, please join our growing network of advocates by signing the Justice Declaration. Together we can inspire the Church, change the culture, and advance justice reform.
