NCJ Number
197993
Date Published
April 2002
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This document describes the highlights of a discussion carried out between various faith communities and policy makers in the work of social healing.
Abstract
On April 8 and 9, 2002, 28 local clergy and lay religious leaders, senior public policy makers, and funders from a variety of government and private agencies came together for a symposium called “Massachusetts Faith in Action: Informing the National Debate.” The objective was to examine the contributions of various faith communities in social healing and how these experiences might help policy makers address concerns about public funding of faith groups. The experiences that were shared show that policy must always be placed at the service of persons and communities, not the other way around. It is need that must drive policy. Service is not a one-way street. Those served have much to teach service providers. Service providers discover in themselves an expanded humanity and a new sense of purpose by entering into a world with those that are identified as the problem. Part of the spiritual capital of any healthy community is a wisdom that reminds service providers that they must risk the unknown or changing how they work and with whom they work. It is possible that this Nation is at a new crossroads with regard to the understanding of the relationship between religion and secular society. Civic leaders need to recognize the value of involving faith groups in social service and criminal justice work. Successful partnerships are key, and must be varied and multi-leveled. The images of service need to move beyond charity and downtown services to include rebuilding neighborhoods and being flexible in the search for creative solutions. 3 appendices