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.
Examine the Restorative Justice resources at the Framingham Conference Center and on the world wide web.
Download a "Be a Restorative Justice Congregation" flyer.
Preach a sermon that focuses on restorative justice and healing. (Read two samples: Fred Anderson's original; Mike Rich's revised version.)
Pray for God's restorative justice in your church and community.
Conduct a restorative justice Bible study in your church during Lent (or in any season).
Invite representatives of the MACUCC Restorative Justice Task Team and the Massachusetts Restorative Justice Coalition to speak in your church.
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 |
|
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 |
|
* Points are given per event, item, or action
Points
Notes: