Prison Reform

Limit the Use of Solitary Confinement in Prisons and Jails

Statement •
February 25, 2014 ...

The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), representing more than 45,000 congregations from 40 denominations, as well as nondenominational congregations, evangelical organizations, schools, and ministries with millions of constituents, commends Chairman Durbin, Ranking Member Cruz, and the Subcommittee members for holding this important new hearing. The Subcommittee’s 2012 hearing brought to light important evidence on the …

Alternative Punishment for Nonviolent Crimes

Evangelical Leaders Survey, Survey/Poll •
November 1, 2013 ...

“Evangelical leaders see sky high incarceration rates as bad for the economy, bad for those imprisoned and bad for families,” said Leith Anderson, President of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). “For nonviolent offenders, other types of sentencing have the potential to be more effective in the long run.” Evangelicals have a particular concern for …

Unjust Prison Phone Rates

Statement •
August 8, 2013 ...

The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) represents 40 denominations with more than 45,000 congregations, many of which are involved in serving prisoners and their families. A recent NAE survey found that 95 percent of our evangelical leaders have visited a prison, and many have overseen ongoing prison ministries. In the biblical creation account the family …

Support for Smarter Sentencing Act

Statement •
August 1, 2013 ...

Dear Senators Durbin and Lee: As a diverse group of faith-based organizations, we are writing to voice our support for the Smarter Sentencing Act (SSA), a bill that advances more effective and just criminal sentencing. The current federal prison system’s population and cost has significantly expanded over the past several decades. In 1980, the federal …

Evangelicals Go to Prison

Evangelical Leaders Survey, Survey/Poll •
June 1, 2013 ...

“I knew that evangelicals were engaged in prison ministry, but I was surprised to see just how many leaders have been personally involved,” said Leith Anderson, President of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). “It demonstrates the evangelical conviction that God offers redemption and reconciliation to all, regardless of what they have done.” Many leaders …

A Christian Case for Affordable Prison Phone Rates

Article •
November 30, 2012 ...

Persons who are incarcerated face severe constraints on their mobility, communications and potential for developing healthy relationships. In part, this is by design: Prison is a form of punishment, and is meant to be a deterrent to unlawful behavior. But being sentenced to serve time behind bars does not erase the human dignity that derives …

An Evangelical Perspective on Criminal Justice Reform

Article •
October 11, 2012 ...

There is no whitewash; the full range of human depravity is on display. Murder, rape, armed robbery, abuse, slavery, betrayal, adultery, violence, greed, deception — it’s all there. The Bible is clear that all human beings are sinners and, apart from Jesus Christ, are incapable of reaching their God-given potential. Evangelicals are also people known …

Statement on the Use of Solitary Confinement in Prisons and Jails

Statement •
June 15, 2012 ...

The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), representing 40 denominations with 45,000 congregations, as well as evangelical organizations, schools, and ministries with millions of constituents, commends Chairman Durbin, Ranking Member Graham, and the Subcommittee members for holding this important hearing on solitary confinement. The NAE has long advocated for the humane treatment of prisoners. We recognize …

NAE Applauds Prison Rape Elimination Standards

Press Release •
May 23, 2012 ...

“The widespread rape and sexual abuse of prisoners is an affront to the nation’s moral fabric,” said Galen Carey, NAE Vice President for Government Relations. “These very important prison rape standards should have come sooner, but we’re grateful they are here now.” The prison rape standards include a ban on routine pat-down searches of female …