NBA Launches Restorative Justice Initiative

What does justice mean for our communities today? At NBA, our commitment to equity and healing calls us to reimagine justice- not as retribution, but as restoration. Restorative Justice (RJ) centers healing, accountability, and reconciliation for all involved. This year, we are starting a new Restorative Justice initiative providing a fresh approach to RJ practices and education.

“I see the positive effects of Restorative Justice work most noticeably in a men’s state prison where I facilitate social-emotional learning classes,” shares Rev. Nora Jacob. “Many incarcerated individuals want to change and make amends but don’t know how. The simplified answer is this: It’s an inside job. When we understand and acknowledge how we were hurt in earlier times, how we learned unhealthy ways to act out our anger, helplessness, or fear — then there’s choice and self-empowerment to change. To promote reconciliation. Isn’t that what Jesus was all about?”

The Restorative Justice Initiative aims to foster dialogue about second chances and support community justice efforts. Rev. Jacob is NBA’s Restorative Justice Consultant for this renewed effort. This year, we are launching a new initiative to enhance RU practices and education for prison ministry workers and congregation members across the denomination.

“Our Community Engagement work on Justice Initiatives aims to to shift the focus from punishment to restoration and reconciliation,” adds Rev. Angel Luis Rivera-Agosto, NBA’s Community Engagement Senior Coordinator for Justice Initiatives. “This approach integrates healing, accountability, dialogue, and communal action into the justice system.”

“Restorative Justice recognizes that ‘hurt people hurt people,’” says Rev. Jacob. “We all have been hurt, and have hurt others to lesser or greater extents. The practices of restorative justice promote greater understanding, reconciliation, attention, and healing for all involved, instead of retribution, revenge or neglect.”

This initiative is just beginning but builds on years of work by NBA in Prison & Jail Ministries, including contributions from retired staff member Rev. Dean Bucalos. For the last five years, NBA has hosted a Prison & Jail Ministries Peer Learning and Wellness Group, now in its third cohort, connecting leaders in spiritual care and advocacy with current or formerly incarcerated individuals, their families, as well as impacted communities.

Cohort members continue to raise awareness through the experiences of pastors and chaplains like Rev. Dan Netting and Rev. Al Beasley. “My role is to create a safe space for inmates to process their actions and take accountability- legally, spiritually, and emotionally,” remarks Rev. Netting, a chaplain in Western Virginia. Rev. Beasley, a chaplain in Arizona, adds, “Owning up to transgressions is essential in restorative justice. Acceptance of responsiblity is the first step towards mending the damage done.

Efforts are underway to organize presentations and participatory events centered on second chances, aiming to foster discussions on restorative justice practices and values that promote reconciliation and reintegration. “The Disciples are a ‘movement for wholeness in a fragmented world,'” Rev. Jacob noted. “I’m grateful to be part of NBA’s outreach to the congregational leaders who promote healing and peace.”