California Catholic Conference - Restorative Justice

Restorative Justice

Restorative justice is an approach to justice that repairs the harm caused by criminal behavior. It invites victims, offenders and the communities that have been impacted to participate fully in the healing process. Restorative justice uses methods such as victim/offender mediation, victim assistance, ex-offender assistance, sentencing circles, restitution and community service to achieve its goals.

The California Catholic Conference:

advocates for restorative justice policies within the state's criminal justice system
promotes allocating resources for restoration, education, healing and personal accountability
supports diocesan staff and chaplains who care for the spiritual needs of the victims of crime, the incarcerated and their families

Our US Catholic Bishops connect restorative justice practices with the Church’s teachings. In their statement on crime and justice, Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration, they write, "We are convinced that our tradition and our faith offer better alternatives that can hold offenders accountable and challenge them to change their lives; reach out to victims and reject vengeance; restore a sense of community and resist the violence that has engulfed so much of our culture."

It is the goal of the California Catholic Conference Restorative Justice Committee to continue to implement this calling and statement through our work and through a dedicated website, RestoreJustice.com. We believe that "together we can educate society and promote restorative justice."

To learn more about restorative justice from a Catholic perspective, visit RestoreJustice.com a site that offers stories, resources and hope for anyone impacted by the criminal justice system. RestoreJustice.com is made possible by a grant from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development at the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops.

Related Resources:

INFO@CACATHOLIC.ORG