Evangelical leaders push for criminal justice reform

[hrmjustin]

By Adelle M. Banks

WASHINGTON (RNS) Evangelical Christian leaders are spearheading a campaign for criminal justice reform, calling for equitable punishment, alternatives to incarceration and a different take on the “tough on crime” language of the Trump administration.

“Our country’s overreliance on incarceration fails to make us safer or to restore people and communities who have been harmed,” said James Ackerman, CEO of Prison Fellowship Ministries, at a Tuesday (June 20) news conference at the National Press Club.

Joined by black, white and Hispanic officials of evangelical organizations, he introduced the “Justice Declaration” that has been signed by close to 100 religious leaders from a wide range of Christian denominations.

“The Church has both the unique ability and unparalleled capacity to confront the staggering crisis of crime and incarceration in America,” the declaration reads, “and to respond with restorative solutions for communities, victims, and individuals responsible for crime.”

http://religionnews.com/2017/06/20/evangelical-leaders-push-for-criminal-justice-reform/

[Jim__]

1. Prison should be the last resort.

And, even when it is the last resort, it should not be the absolutely brutal ordeal that a stay in the American penal system often is.

[AtheistCrusader]

2. Wait. Evangelicals are largely RESPONSIBLE for our incarceration nation mentality.

If they could let go of the war on some drugs, the whole thing can be neatly solved.
http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2109777-2,00.html

"Sixty-six percent of Evangelicals said all drugs should be illegal in a poll conducted in April 2016, and published August 4. Fifty-one percent of conservatives and 46 percent of “elders” (those older than Baby Boomers) agreed.

This position was at odds with the opinion of the majority of Americans and other practicing Christians. Only 32 percent of all Americans and 43 percent of practicing Christians said all drugs should be illegal. The vast majority of Americans, however, still say there should be some restrictions left in place, especially “hard” drugs."

They CAUSED THIS SHIT.

https://juicyecumenism.com/2016/08/08/poll-evangelicals-drugs-illegal/

[hrmjustin]

3. You certainly make a good point.

Now some are trying to undo the damage.