No Images? Click here The Weekly is a rundown of news by the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission highlighting the week’s top news stories from the public square and providing commentary on the big issues of our day. ERLC and Prison Fellowship Support Prison Reform and Redemption BillEarly next week the House of Representative will be considering the Prison Reform and Redemption Act of 2017. This bipartisan bill, introduced by Rep. Doug Collins (R–Ga.) and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D–N.Y.), directs the Department of Justice to develop a risk assessment tool, use it to determine each prisoner’s risk of recidivism, and then provide reduction programs and productive activities to reduce that risk. The “recidivism reduction programs” would include either group or individual activities that have shown, based on research or empirical evidence, to likely be effective in reducing recidivism (i.e., the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend). The programs would be designed to help prisoners succeed in their communities upon release from prison, and include such activities as classes on morals or ethics, vocational training, faith-based classes or services, or restorative justice programs. ERLC, Prison Fellowship, and several other organizations are sending a joint letter to lawmakers encouraging them to “move this legislation forward through the House as soon as possible.” “Each year about 40,000 federal prisoners are released, but about half will be arrested again within three years,” notes the letter. “The revolving door of criminal justice is devastating to families and depresses economic activity in many communities. We owe it to the communities most affected by crime and incarceration to ensure that federal prisoners have the greatest possibility for rehabilitation while in prison and success upon release.” ERLC and Prison Fellowship believe federal prisons should provide opportunities for men and women behind bars to make amends and earn back the public’s trust. The regular use of risk assessment, individualized prison program plans, and opportunities for earlier release to community corrections promoted by this bill but will be a significant step in transforming the federal prison system. Passing this legislation will allow men and women in our federal prisons to return home sooner and better prepared to give back to their families and communities at their highest potential. If you are interested in supporting this issue, contact your elected officials and encourage them to support this bill. To learn more about the importance of justice reform, see the invaluable resources provided by Prison Fellowship. ERLC is thankful for the continued work of Prison Fellowship in helping to restore all those impacted by crime and incarceration and for their efforts in support of the Prison Reform and Redemption Act of 2017. This week on ERLC podcasts: Daniel Darling talks to Sam Allberry about engaging a secular culture. On the Capitol Conversations podcast, Matthew Hawkins talks to Herbie Newell, president of Lifeline Children’s Services, about opportunities and challenges facing adoption communities and how local churches can assist. On the Countermoves podcast, Andrew Walker talks to Tim Goeglein about the ten years since the death of William F. Buckley. And on the ERLC podcast, H.B. Charles Jr. shows how the gospel shapes racial reconciliation. Other IssuesAmerican CultureBackpage CEO Carl Ferrer pleads guilty to conspiracy, money laundering
Is marijuana legalization really linked to an increase in fatal car crashes?
Neb., Tenn. defund Planned Parenthood
Facebook enlists conservative help to resist privacy rules
BioethicsThe Future of the Pro-Life Movement Is in Africa
Abortion foes seize on chance to overturn Roe
Christianity and CultureNat'l Day of Prayer: Unity in nation, among churches
Supreme Court rejects anti-abortion pastor's appeal on noise
Personal touch drives churchgoer giving, study shows
Family IssuesChildren falling short in school? Blame parental break-ups
Health IssuesOver 95% of the world is breathing dangerous air, but the poorest are suffering the most
International IssuesSyrian Christians Face a Grim Dilemma
Boko Haram has abducted over 1,000 children, killed more than 2,000 teachers
USCIRF Issues New Report On Religious Freedom Challenges In Burma
Marriage IssuesWhat’s Wrong With the “Success Sequence”
Religious LibertyNew Jersey Supreme Court Says Grants To Churches Violate State Constitution
Army chaplain fights charge of unlawful discrimination
6th Circuit: Ohio's Cutoff of Non-Abortion Funding To Planned Parenthood Is Unconstitutional
Sexuality IssuesPromiscuous America: Smart, Secular, and Somewhat Less Happy
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