resolution

Caring for Victims of Crime

2016 Book of Resolutions, #5038

In the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates for his listeners the importance of caring for those who have been victims of crime. The way in which the Samaritan cares for the man who was robbed, beaten, and left for dead was specific as to the areas of need and lovingly generous. The Samaritan personally bandages his wounds, shares his wine and oil for healing, shares his animal so that the beaten man can ride to the inn, stays with him and cares for him during the night, and then covers all of his expenses while promising to return to check back in. Jesus defines a neighbor as the outpouring of mercy on this man by the Samaritan. For us to be neighbors today means that we must follow this example. We too must care for victims of crime.

Many people are victims of crime. Victims and their families suffer shock and a sense of hopelessness. In addition to financial loss, there is a spiritual and emotional trauma and often a lack of support and direction. Many victims feel frustrated because there often seems to be no provision for them to be heard. Their injuries are not redressed, and they are not always notified of the court procedures. Victims should have a greater voice within the criminal-justice system.

The United Methodist Church believes in healing through the ministries of restorative justice. As stated in the Book of Discipline, “restorative justice grows out of biblical authority, which emphasizes a right relationship with God, self, and community. When such relationships are violated or broken through crime, opportunities are created to make things right” (¶ 164H). Making restitution to those who have been victimized is at the heart of restorative justice. Judges and criminal-justice officials are urged to consider this when appropriate to help make victims of crime as financially whole again as possible.

For United Methodist congregations to effectively live out Jesus’ call to be a neighbor to those who are victims of crime there are strategic ways in which congregations can act. These include:

prayers by congregations for the healing of victims of crime and their families,
funeral assistance,
congregational care groups assigned to care for the crime victim,
participation in, support of, and utilization of advocacy groups for victims of crime,
referral to individual counselors and support groups that help crime victims as well as provide space for support groups to meet,
help for the victim to understand how the criminal-justice system works,
transportation getting to and from court,
child care for young children while the victim is in court,
good writers available to help the victim write their victim impact statement, and
financial aid to help those with financial losses or the losses that occur from missed periods of work.

Congregations can be advocates for the rights of crime victims. Victims of crime should know these rights include:

the right to participate and be heard at all phases of the criminal-justice process,
the right to be treated with dignity and compassion and respect by criminal-justice and church officials,
the right to be notified about the criminal case dispositions,
the right to disclosable information about the case, and
the right to request compensation that includes state victims compensation, restitution in the courts and paroling authorities, and civil-justice tort claims.

Therefore, The United Methodist Church calls for:

Congregations to embrace and care for victims of crime by identifying leaders and necessary resources both within the congregation and the local community;
Pastors and congregations to study the biblical basis of restorative justice and discuss how their church might engage in restorative-justice ministries. Some resources for this study include Changing Lenses: A New Focus for Crime and Justice by Howard Zehr, Ambassadors of Reconciliation: New Testament Reflections on Restorative Justice and Peacemaking by Elaine Enns and Ched Myers, Restorative Justice: Moving Beyond Punishment by Peggy Hutchison and Harmon Wray, Redeeming the Wounded by B. Bruce Cook, and Criminal Justice: Retribution vs. Restoration by Eleanor Hannon Judah and the Rev. Michael Bryant; and
The General Board of Church and Society to advocate for the recognition of the needs and rights of victims of crime.

See Social Principles, ¶ 164H.

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