The offender needs to be transformed into a contributing citizen of the community with a system of limits and support. Crime hurts the community. The community needs to express pain and anger to the one or ones who caused the harm. However, we need to take one step further by helping in the healing process. We need to understand and address the causes of crime to prevent future occurrences.
Restorative justice opens the opportunities for personal and community transformation.
This transformation cannot be mapped, planned or put into a program or structure. Nevertheless, it can be encouraged and nurtured. United Methodists have the will, the vision, the opportunity and the responsibility to be advocates for systemic change. Expectations are high for the faith community to lead the way in practicing restorative justice. We need to own and advocate a vision of restorative justice.