Faith Perspective on Crime and Restorative Justice

(Download a PDF of this Call for Presentation’s Description.)

We invite you to participate in the 4th National Conference on Restorative Justice in Toledo, Ohio. The conference will convene at the University of Toledo’s Health Science Campus on June 19. 2013. Pre‐ conference activities on the evening of June 18, 2013 will kick off the three‐day event. The conference will bring together academics, educators, community leaders, grassroots activists, politicians, practitioners, judges, policymakers, faith leaders and concerned citizens to explore the use of restorative justice principles and practices to meet local needs. Given the relationship between the justice system and people of color, the holiday of Juneteenth is the appropriate date to start an exploration of Restorative Justice and Race.

Crime and fear continues to touch many lives today, and each can victimize us, isolate us, and even polarize us. As incarceration rates increase so have punitive measures. Putting more people in prison (including those living with mental illness and those with military experience) and putting people to death (33 states still have the death penalty on their books) has not served as a deterrent to crime let alone offer us the protection and security we all desire.

The “demand for justice” is typically expressed through such venues as politics and media, but what role does/can faith, play in regard to crime and justice. Consider the following questions through the lens of your religious teachings:

• How can we confront crime without claiming “justice” through revenge or retribution?
• How can victims of crime and the offender participate in the criminal justice system and not merely leave the process in the hands of the attorney, prosecutor and judge?
• How can we defend life without murdering yet another person?
• How can we protect and rebuild our communities impacted by crime?
• How can we restore our respect for law and life, and give shape to a just community where all can experience life with dignity?
• It is one thing to embrace the concept of restorative justice but it is another to live it. How will RJ impact the way we make decisions? The way we build relationships?

 

Presentations may fit into one of three programmatic options. These options are:

• Themed Panel Presentation (15-20 minute presentation on a panel with 3-4 other speakers on related topics);
• Dedicated Session (75 minute presentation by a single speaker or single organization); and,
• Round Table Discussion (75 minute period themed conversation with 3-4 panelists and moderator).

Track coordinators will develop specific panels, sessions, and discussions based on proposals selected from those submitted. All proposals must be submitted on-line through the conference website (www.restorativejusticenow.org). The following information is required: author(s), contact information (mail, phone, e-mail address), type of presentation, working title, and an abstract of 150 words or less.

Key Dates:
- Formal Proposal and Abstract (Extended deadline) March 22, 2013
- Notifications of Acceptance April 30, 2013

Complete the Call for Presentations Submission Form for Faith Perspective on Crime and Restorative Justice