Restorative Justice
Parishioner Leads
Restorative Justice Circles: Bob Stump
Returning Citizens Committee Eric Nicoll & Bruce Cohen
Restorative Justice deals with the impact of harm on the person harmed, the perpetrator of the harm and the larger community. Restorative Justice uses the Circle format to bring healing and wholeness to people affected by harm. A circle is a versatile restorative practice that can be used proactively to develop relationships and build community. Circles give people an opportunity to speak and listen to one another in an atmosphere of safety, decorum, equality and confidentiality.
Beginning in 2015, our Restorative Justice team went through a two process of study, conversation, and prayer in order to learn more about it and how we might serve our parish and community. In November 2017, nine parishioners and staff attended a three-day training on the use of circles in restorative justice with Kay Pranis, a nationally prominent figure/trainer in the movement.
Members of Holy Trinity’s Restorative Justice team have facilitated several circle sessions for the parish. We led small group discussions during our Season of Discernment about the parish’s response to clergy sexual abuse. We also supported a group of Gonzaga High School faculty as they faced issues related to the abuse. The Holy Trinity Social Justice Toolkit series had us leading the small group discussions on action options for our parishioners. As the parish faced issues related to Covid-19, we helped collect feedback from parishioners and report it to the parish wide task force.
Currently, we are holding conversations among parishioners on how to promote racial healing for ourselves and others. Let us know if you are interested in joining these conversations.
In 2024, parishioners began active collaborations with the Frederick Douglass Project to bring parishioners to gatherings at the DC Jail. This work led to in-person dinners with returning citizens at Freedom House and Friends of Guest House.
Meetings/Events:
March 18: Returning Citizens Committee Meeting (Virtual)
March 24: DC Jail Visit with Frederick Douglass Project
Act:
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