Welcome to the home of
Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative (JRJI)
So often our society wants simply to punish the perpetrator of a crime in the pursuit of vengeance and retribution. However, punishment on its own fails to address the need for healing, which benefits not only those involved in a crime, but the whole community that is also hurting. Furthermore, punishment on its own fails to recognize that the offender is also a victim and that we are all part of the solution. As a Jesuit psychologist in Germany recently reminded me: “the healing process is not easy; it’s easier to hold on to hate, to live with hate, and to be fueled by hate, but in reality...the only way to survive is to forgive.”
JRJI was established in 2009 to provide some balance to this punitive and legalistic approach and offer healing and hope of forgiveness to those who are affected by violence and crime in our society. Through the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola we provide a tool where people can start to find healing and forgiveness, and recognize that life has meaning and hope beyond the pain.
Your support in this Initiative, either through prayer or a financial contribution, will enable us to continue this Jesuit work and help restore hope to those who are searching for direction. This work depends on the generosity and prayers of friends, who share this common goal. If you wish to volunteer or give a donation, I invite you to share in the mission of healing and forgiveness for those who are incarcerated, their families, and the victims of crime.
In Jesus the Risen Prisoner,
Rev. Michael E. Kennedy, S.J.
Executive Director
JRJI was established in 2009 to provide some balance to this punitive and legalistic approach and offer healing and hope of forgiveness to those who are affected by violence and crime in our society. Through the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola we provide a tool where people can start to find healing and forgiveness, and recognize that life has meaning and hope beyond the pain.
Your support in this Initiative, either through prayer or a financial contribution, will enable us to continue this Jesuit work and help restore hope to those who are searching for direction. This work depends on the generosity and prayers of friends, who share this common goal. If you wish to volunteer or give a donation, I invite you to share in the mission of healing and forgiveness for those who are incarcerated, their families, and the victims of crime.
In Jesus the Risen Prisoner,
Rev. Michael E. Kennedy, S.J.
Executive Director
Mission Statement
Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative (JRJI) is a pastoral ministry of restorative justice that strives to heal broken relationships with those who are incarcerated and their families as well as victims of crime and their families through prayer, education, and advocacy. JRJI mobilizes constituencies to advocate for transformation of the justice system to become more restorative than punitive.
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Latest News
A serious look into an alternative to Cook County Juvenile Hall: A great article by the Chicago Tribune
"A Warrior of Light"
Please take a minute to read Fr. Mike's article featured in the Yearbook of the Society of Jesus, 2012 - Jesuits. Available in English and Spanish.
Please Donate
Any donation is greatly appreciated.
All donations are tax deductible. You can donate through PayPal or the traditional method of a check or
money order made payable to:
Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative
8501 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
United States of America
All donations are tax deductible. You can donate through PayPal or the traditional method of a check or
money order made payable to:
Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative
8501 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
United States of America
Visit our Online Store
You can now buy JRJI products online