Peace and Justice Shall Embrace

About the Book

This is a penetrating critique of our criminal justice and penal systems from the unique, firsthand experiences of its priest-prisoner author. His conclusion is that they are “sick, broken, rudderless systems that neither correct nor rehabilitate offenders, nor help or heal victims.” A compelling case is made—from practical, biblical and humane arguments—for moving from retributive-punishment models of seeking justice to restorative-rehabilitative ones.

Restorative justice actively involves victims, offenders and the community in a joint process of working toward healing, restitution, rehabilitation and reconciliation. Incarceration becomes only one option, rather than the foregone conclusion.

Specific proposals are made for reforming the justice, prison and parole systems. Examples of working models are presented. Evaluation tools and discussion guides are provided.

Christians will find rich meditative material and spiritual challenges, as the author plumbs the scriptures and Catholic social justice teachings for personal moral answers and principled civic policies. One chapter offers examples of what individuals, parishes and dioceses can and are doing to promote restorative justice. A cross-reference is included to the November 2000 document on criminal justice by the U.S. Catholic bishops.

Topics covered include: the relationship of poverty, race, mental illness and drug addiction to incarceration; capital punishment; the consequences of three-strikes and minimum-mandatory sentencing; the effects of politics on policy; inadequate legal representation for the poor.

About the Author

A. Companion is an incarcerated former Roman Catholic priest. Writing as a prisoner-theologian, he uses his own personal tragedy to advocate for restorative justice. In this book, he shares his personal experiences of prison and the criminal justice systems. His future plan is to establish a Christian transitional community to assist parolees.