SAINT PAUL, Minn. -- Parishes in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, along with churches of various faith backgrounds throughout the area, will mark Criminal Justice Sunday, on October 13, . Initiated by Archbishop Harry J. Flynn, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ) and volunteers of the Church of St. Stephen in Minneapolis, the day will focus on educating people throughout the Twin Cities and outlying communities about social justice issues linked to prison reform.

"Issues of criminal justice pose a moral and ethical problem that affects the entire community, one that has been ignored all too long," said Archbishop Harry J. Flynn, in announcing the special worship day.

Criminal Justice Sunday will provide churchgoers with statistics on the financial cost of incarceration and recidivism rates, as well as alternative theories involving restorative justice and rehabilitation rather than primarily punitive actions. Church services will include prayers, music, homilies or sermons, educational resources and action steps that deal with the issue of criminal justice within the U.S. The hope is that more people throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding community will see the need for reform in the U.S. criminal justice system and put their faith into action by working for needed changes.

The basis for Criminal Justice Sunday stems from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops' statement Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Criminal Justice. That statement includes an explanation of Catholic social teachings and related theology, and focuses on policy conclusions such as promoting crime prevention and poverty reduction and addressing addiction and mental illness as they relate to crime.

Members of the St. Paul Area Council of Churches, the Minnesota Council of Churches, the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches and the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition also are taking part in Criminal Justice Sunday.

Source: PRNewswire