7. Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries.----Responding to the mandate of Jesus Christ, biblical principles, and the General Conference concerns for criminal justice and mercy ministries, the local church is called to minister to persons in prisons and jails (offenders), families of prisoners, and victims of crime and their families. To fulfill this ministry responsibility, the local church shall form a Committee or Council on Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries to: (1) raise the awareness and generate involvement of the congregation; (2) explore and implement ministries to these persons; (3) promote criminal justice concerns; and (4) become a catalyst for change of society and reconciliation of persons.
The committee would be accountable to the Council on Ministries or Administrative Council, and it may relate to the Global Ministries (mission outreach) or evangelism (witness) work area. The chairperson would serve as a member of the councils and related committee. Three or more persons may compose the committee or council on prison ministry.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22132-LC-264.7-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference