WorthyNews: Russell Moore, Ravi Zacharias, 100 Christian Leaders Sign Criminal Justice Declaration

[WorthyNewsBot]

Leading Southern Baptist ethicist Russell Moore, apologist Ravi Zacharias and nearly 100 other Christian leaders have signed onto a declaration that calls for restorative criminal justice reform in the United States and urges Christians to unite in opposition to the nation's 'misguided response to crime.'

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[Anonymous Aristotle]

The declaration reads:From the article. 

"Because the good news of Jesus Christ calls the Church to advocate (or "be a witness") for biblical truth and to care for the vulnerable, we, His followers, call for a justice system that is fair and redemptive for all. The Church has both the unique ability and unparalleled capacity to confront the staggering crisis of crime and incarceration in America and to respond with restorative solutions for communities, victims, and individuals responsible for crime.

Therefore, we make an urgent appeal to all who follow the Lord Jesus Christ to:

- 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 ofincarcerated 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."

 

 

 

The criminal justice system is long overdue for an overhaul. Mandatory minimum sentences were a bad idea even before the ink was dry on the policy outline itself.