Faith Communities Pray for Criminal Justice Reform

Faith communities across the nation and as far away as Kenya and Iraq prayed this week for reform of U.S. criminal justice. Nearly 90 faith communities in 24 states, the nation’s capital, Puerto Rico, Kenya and a U.S. service member in Iraq participated in the National Day of Prayer for Criminal Justice Reform on Februry 7th.

Among the people of faith participating in this effort were members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Baptists, Catholics, Disciples of Christ, members of the Church of God in Christ, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Mennonites, Methodists, Nazarenes, Presbyterians, Unitarian Universalists, members of the United Church of Christ, and members of non-denominational churches. There were also several organizations whose ministry is criminal-justice-related.

"Jesus’ times of prayer were consistently followed with caring for the most vulnerable in his society,” said Bill Mefford, Director of Civil & Human Rights for the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, who took the lead in coordinating this effort. "Likewise, as his followers, we know that our day in prayer for criminal justice reform will launch us into missional action to create a genuinely new system."

Mefford emphasized that faith communities throughout the United States and even across the world, came together because they know the U.S. criminal justice system is broken. “What we need is a system where victims are cared for, public safety is maintained, and emphasis is taken off of retribution against the accused and is focused instead on restoration back into society and reconciliation with those who have been hurt,” he said.

Three pieces of legislation are important to criminal justice reform this year, according to Mefford. They are the following:

1. Pass the National Criminal Justice Commission Act: This legislation will mandate the creation of a commission to study every aspect of the U.S. criminal justice system and then make recommendations for legislative fixes, Mefford explained.
2. Eliminate the Sentencing Disparity between Crack and Powder Cocaine: “We are advocating for change in the sentencing for possession of crack cocaine, which is currently 5 years for 5 grams, to be raised to equal the sentence given to powder cocaine, 5 years for 500 grams,” Mefford explained. “Those who carry these small amounts of dangerous drugs are in need of treatment and not mandatory long prison sentences.”
3. Reauthorize the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Act: “We are advocating for the removal of youths from the adult criminal justice system,” Mefford said.

The next step in the awareness campaign, which is still in the planning stages, is a week of "Faith in Action to Support Our Youths." The week will begin March 29 and will include conference calls, direct call ins, and possibly meetings with members of Congress in their districts.