Closely connected to CMN’s mission are guiding principles that illuminate the way of proceeding for CMN. All of CMN’s efforts to end the death penalty and promote restorative justice strive to:
Uphold DIGNITY
In recognition that each of us has been created in the image and likeness of God and possesses inherent dignity and worth
Build JUST RELATIONSHIPS
In acknowledgement that we are all interconnected and that our faith calls us into right relationship with God, creation, and one another
Seek HEALING
In recognition that pervasive brokenness exists in individuals, communities, and systems, and that restorative practices and approaches can heal trauma, interrupt or break destructive cycles, and give rise to a new creation from that woundedness
Promote ACCOUNTABILITY
In acknowledgement that we are mutually responsible for one another, and that transparency and honesty are needed with ourselves and others
Enable TRANSFORMATION
In pursuit of a kind of justice that promotes individual, collective, as well as structural healing and change
Advance RACIAL EQUITY
In affirmation that all people are created equally by God, and therefore deserve to be treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their racial, ethnic, educational, and cultural backgrounds
In pursuit of CMN’s mission and vision, CMN affirms and supports diverse efforts toward life-giving and healing forms of justice, including current advocacy and social movements striving for:
- An end to the death penalty and systems of mass incarceration
- Racial justice and equity
- Responses to harm that honor the dignity and rights of victims and survivors
- Redemptive, reintegrative, and preventative approaches to addressing crime and wrongdoing
- Community-based violence prevention, trauma healing, and resilience
- Increased partnership and collaboration between our criminal/legal systems and the communities they serve
