April is proclaimed as Second Chance Month...for returning citizens who have been incarcerated.
The Second Chance resolution "recognizes that every person has dignity and value. Redemption and second chances are American values."
The language we use around talking about people who have a criminal history is important. We want to speak Biblical language. That means we don't label people or diminish people with our words. The correct term to use is "returning citizens." Perhaps it is more Biblically true to say, "Returning Image Bearers." And, of course, we would want to give Image Bearers a second chance...or even multiple chances. We ourselves stand in the mercy and grace of God...needing every single chance He gives us.
If you are interested in learning more about Restorative Justice versus Punitive Justice, you can access Prison Fellowship's web page. There, you can read about the Justice Declaration and sign on-line, if you so choose.
This declaration talks about Biblical ways for Justice to happen.
All of this is important because we have people in our community who have a 'history' and yet are diligently trying to move forward in better ways. Let us promote and celebrate redemption...for God's glory!
The Second Chance resolution "recognizes that every person has dignity and value. Redemption and second chances are American values."
The language we use around talking about people who have a criminal history is important. We want to speak Biblical language. That means we don't label people or diminish people with our words. The correct term to use is "returning citizens." Perhaps it is more Biblically true to say, "Returning Image Bearers." And, of course, we would want to give Image Bearers a second chance...or even multiple chances. We ourselves stand in the mercy and grace of God...needing every single chance He gives us.
If you are interested in learning more about Restorative Justice versus Punitive Justice, you can access Prison Fellowship's web page. There, you can read about the Justice Declaration and sign on-line, if you so choose.
This declaration talks about Biblical ways for Justice to happen.
All of this is important because we have people in our community who have a 'history' and yet are diligently trying to move forward in better ways. Let us promote and celebrate redemption...for God's glory!