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Since its beginnings, ECS has maintained a commitment to individuals and families affected by the criminal justice system. ECS promotes restorative justice and reconciliation through pastoral care, education, information, referral services, and advocacy. ECS staff can also assist with training programs, conduct Bible studies, and serve as a resource for churches that wish to begin a justice or prisoner related ministry, especially in the area of prisoner re-entry.
ECS offers spiritual support to juvenile offenders through a full-time Chaplain at the Youth Study Center, a service provided under contract with the City of Philadelphia. ECS staff, along with a team of volunteers, facilitates worship opportunity, provides religious programming and delivers pastoral care to the young people at the center.
To get involved in criminal justice ministries through ECS, contact the Rev. Lynn McLaughlin, coordinator of restorative justice ministries, at lynnm@ecs1870.org. You can click here to view current volunteer opportunities. |
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WHAT IS RESTORATIVE JUSTICE? |
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The present system of crimminal justice in this country views crime as an act which violates a law. The offense is against the state or federal government, regardless of the harm done to another person. Jusice is achieved by establishing guilt and punishing the offender. The term that best describes this model of justice is retributive. The needs of the victim, and/or rehabilitation of the offender are not the primary concern of this process.
In contrast, restorative justice places concern for broken persons above concern for broken laws. Under this model, crime is viewed as an act which damages person(s) and relationship(s). Justice is achieved by repairing the damage done, and/or healing the hurt caused by the criminal act. Restoring victims, reconciling relationships, and re-directing offenders is a larger part of the justice equation than in our current system.
Restorative justice echoes the concept of "mishpat (justice)" found in the Hebrew Scriptures (or Old Testament) and is faithful to Jesus' message of redemption found in the Gospel.
For more information on restorative justice and crimminal justice reform, visit:
www.interfaithalliance.org
www.restorativejustice.org |
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