Taking a Stand for Restorative Justice

• Affirm that the God of the Bible is a just God: justice flows from God’s very character, and the works of God’s hands are faithful and just;

• Treat every human being as a person made in God’s own image, with a life worthy of respect, protection, and care; Foster just relationships between God, fellow human beings, and property, which will lead to human flourishing;

• Redouble our efforts to prevent crime by cultivating the “seedbeds of virtue,” including families, churches, neighborhoods, schools, and other sources of moral formation;

• Care for the physical and emotional wounds of survivors of crime, ensure their safety, and support their meaningful participation in the justice system;

• Take up the cause of the poor and vulnerable, ensuring fair access to education, economic opportunity, the social safety net, and, for those accused of crimes, the instruments of justice;

• Advocate for proportional punishment, including alternatives to incarceration, that protects public safety, fosters accountability and provides opportunities to make amends;

• Preach the good news of the gospel and proclaim that true freedom in Christ is available to all, including prisoners, recognizing that His atoning sacrifice covers all sin;

• Invest in the discipleship of incarcerated men, women, and youth, protect their safety and human dignity, and minister to the needs of families and children with incarcerated loved ones;

• Celebrate redemption in our congregations and communities by welcoming back those who have paid their debt to society, and by providing opportunities for all persons to reach their God-given potential.

They have also produced a white paper, “Responding to Crime and Incarceration: A Call to the Church,” that gives data, argumentation, and scriptural justification for these points.

You can add your support here.