Becoming a Restorative Justice Congregation

Welcome to the foundational stage of the Becoming a Restorative Justice Congregation program. Use the suggestions here and the links on this and our other Restorative Justice pages to earn points toward recognition as a congregation that seeks to bring restoration of right relationship between affected persons, responsible parties and communities into the full life and mission of your church.

  • Review carefully, with prayerful discussion, the Resolution on Restorative Justice that was passed by the delegates of the 200th Annual Meeting on April 25, 1999 in Worcester, Massachusetts.

  • Pray for God's restorative justice in your church and community.

  • Talk with the Chief of Police in your city or town to explore the developing of a Restorative Circle Program for youthful offenders.

  • Pray to become a part of Micah's magnificent vision! (Micah 6:8)

 

EDUCATION

POINTS

TOTAL

Watch a video about Restorative Justice  

  1*

 

Read a book about Restorative Justice  

 2*

 

Participate in a Restorative Justice Workshop

3

 

Hold a Restorative Justice Bible Study  

4

 

Have someone give a Restorative Justice sermon 

2

 

Host a talk or discussion on Restorative Justice with someone from the local Police Department or a local Restorative Justice organization  

3

 

Host the Just Peace Players at your church  (financial assistance avail)  

2

 

 

COORDINATION AND ORGANIZATION

 

 

Form a Restorative Justice Team

 4

 

Adopt a Restorative Justice covenant    

 5

 

Have a celebratory dinner every 20 points

2*

 

 

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

 

 

Find a mentor from the MACUCC Restorative  Justice Task Team or a local Restorative Justice  Organization     

3

 

Attend Restorative Justice Training 

3

 

Conduct a Circle in your congregation using a low level conflict

4

 

Practice Restorative Justice in your community

5

 

 

ADVOCACY

 

 

Read this session's Restorative Justice Bills (SD1001/HB1313)

1

 

Call your state rep or senator about the RJ bills

1*

 

Write a letter to your state rep or senator about the RJ bills

2*

 

Email your state rep, senator or friends to support the RJ bills

1*

 

Post your support on Facebook or other social media

1*

 

Write a letter to the editor about the RJ bills

2

 

Attend the legislative hearings about the RJ bill (not yet scheduled)

5

 

Testify or submit written testimony about Restorative Justice

8

 

Join the Criminal Justice Policy Coalition (CJPC) email list

1*

 

* Points are given per event, item, or action

Points

  • 20 points – Level 1
  • 40 points – Level 2
  • 60 points – Level 3
  • 80 points or more – Level 4

Notes:

  1. Other events, items, or actions can earn points. We encourage creativity and actions customized for your setting. Write a brief description and estimate the points based on comparison with other criteria.
  2. Points begin accumulating each Easter Sunday morning for one entire year. Reports from each congregation are encouraged at every Conference meeting in the spring or early summer.