We are proud to announced the formation of the new EJUSA Evangelical Network. It is comprised of Evangelical leaders – from across the nation and political spectrum – who seek to transform the justice system by promoting responses to violence that are rooted in the values of racial equity, healing, public health, and restoration.
“Evangelicals are active in a lot of criminal justice reform campaigns,” said Shari Silberstein, Executive Director of EJUSA. “In our work with Evangelicals on the death penalty, we consistently heard that they wanted to advocate for something, and not just against broken policies. Our Evangelical Network provides that affirmative platform for future advocacy.”
“I created EJUSA’s Evangelical Network because my faith calls me to speak out for a justice system that reflects our beliefs: that everyone is created in the image of God and should be treated with respect and dignity,” said Heather Beaudoin, who directs Evangelical outreach for EJUSA. “Our guide comes from Micah 6:8 ‘And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’”
Founding members of the EJUSA Evangelical Network include:
- Rob Schenck, Faith and Action
- Shane Claiborne, Red Letter Christians
- Lynne Hybels, Willow Creek
- Joel Hunter, Community Resource Network
- Eugene Cho, Quest Church
- Ken Wytsma, Kilns College
- Gabriel and Jeanette Salguero, National Latino Evangelical Coalition
See the full list of founding supporters on the new EJUSA Evangelical Network website.
In their statement of support, signers proclaim, “We may not agree on all the details, but we stand united in the belief that our justice system should recognize that every person has immeasurable value and that every individual should be treated with respect and dignity.”
