A Record of Imprisonment
The United States has 5% percent of the world's population, and 25% of the world's prisoners. The number of people being released from prison each year has increased correspondingly.
This guide, developed for an interdenominational Christian audience, explains the Healing Communities model which seeks to engage congregations in the restoration and healing of their members who have been affected by crime and incarceration. The model seeks to transform hearts and minds by creating a sense of inclusion, reducing stigma and shame, and building networks of support that start in houses of worship and expand to the community at large.
Beyond ministering to those in prison, churches can help reduce the stigma and shame of being involved in a criminal case, or having a family member arrested and imprisoned. By creating a welcoming and healing environment, congregations can help their own members who are accused of crimes, incarcerated, or coming home from prison; their families; the victims of crime and their families; and the larger community.