Restorative Justice Week 2009

Interfaith leaflet 2009

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Restorative justice has been described by many people and communities. The Department of Justice Canada defines restorative justice in the following way:

"Restorative Justice is a way of viewing justice that puts the emphasis on repairing harm caused by conflict and crime. In this approach crime is understood as a violation of people and relationships and a disruption of the peace of the community. It is not simply an offence against the state. Restorative Justice is collaborative and inclusive. It involves the participation of victims, offender, and community affected by the crime in finding solutions that seek to repair harm and promote harmony." Also see "Restorative Justice – What is it?" available at http://www.ccjc.ca/restorative_justice.html

Human Needs?

Basic human needs are not being met when people who have been hurt cannot express their anger, sadness, loneliness, betrayal, desperation or helplessness. Although not everyone experiences the same hurt, being understood and helped with finding resources or tools to get through a tough situation should be a given in a community like ours.

Islam : "One of the five pillars of Islam is 'Zakat' which represents giving to charity to benefit the poor and the needy." (Wolverhampton Multi faith calendar 2009 1)

Zoroastrianism: "God is worshiped as supreme and it is believed that everything he created is pure and should be treated with love and respect." (Wolverhampton Multi faith calendar 2009)

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." - Proverbs 31:8 (New International Version)

• How can we make sure that those needs are being met?
• Where can victims and offenders get help?

Restorative Justice? How does that relate to communities responding to human needs?

Within the context of our faith communities, when someone has caused harm, who is held accountable, and by whom? In a situation where a crime has been committed, the offender must be held accountable for his or her actions. Restorative justice provides an opportunity for the offender to take responsibility and realise the impact of his or her behaviour. It is by listening to victims' stories and needs that society can learn, grow and change.

Wicca: "Wiccan morality is largely based on the following statement [in Old English]: "an it harm none, do what ye will". This is usually interpreted as a declaration of the freedom to act, along with the necessity of taking responsibility for what follows from one's actions and minimizing harm to oneself and others." ( Wiccan Rede )

• Should we limit the responsibility to the offender only? Why? Why not?
• How can we change things?

Communities coming together

Do we, as a community, not also have a responsibility to provide a place, a direction, and resources for that healing process restorative justice encourages?

All members of a community have specific interests in common such as safety, love, compassion, and justice.

Baha'í: "Central to the Baha'í faith is unity, as well as the removal of barriers of race, gender and belief. The Baha'i faith integrates with everyday life. It is very much a religion filled with guidance on how to live to create a better world for everyone." (Wolverhampton Multi faith calendar 2009)

Think of people you know who fall into these categories:

• What kind of lifelines do victims need?
• What kind of lifelines do offenders need?

Using information to help others

Several support groups, organizations, and resources exist within communities. These look at social issues and important questions regarding restorative justice.

Native Spirituality: "{...} Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others {...}" – Great Spirit Prayer

Restorative justice is not only a process that can be used with victims and offenders; it also has value in our homes and neighbourhoods. It is an approach that can benefit everyone and can be used when any type of harm has been done in any type of situation.

Hinduism: "Many Hindus aspire to the same ideal that one should give much yet take very little."

(Wolverhampton Multi faith calendar 2009)

Share your understanding of justice through your faith perspective or tradition and how you see it can teach us to respond to human needs by emailing CCJC at

mcarrara@ccjc.ca or CSC at landrymi@csc-scc.gc.ca

For information on how to obtain other materials on Restorative Justice Week 2009, please visit our website www.ccjc.ca/restorative_justice.html

This leaflet was prepared by the Church Council on Justice and Corrections (CCJC) and representatives from supporting denominations in collaboration with the Correctional Service of Canada.

Please take a moment to provide us feedback on materials we prepared for RJ Week 2009 by completing a quick survey available on our website: www.ccjc.ca/restorative_justice.html

1 http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/ community_living/faith/calendar.htm