Churches call on government to join forces in fixing Britain’s broken justice system
An unprecedented alliance of Christian leaders is calling on the government to work in partnership with churches, communities, and faith-based organisations to tackle a failing criminal justice system.
In a new report titled Picking up the Pieces, the coalition outlines how Christian churches, charities, and volunteers have taken on roles once delivered by public services, supporting both victims of crime and those caught up in the justice system. The report acknowledges that the government has inherited a system in crisis and calls on ministers to invest in what works to make communities safer.
Nearly half the population of England and Wales identifies as Christian. Convened by the Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact), Picking up the Pieces reflects the shared values of the Church of England, the Catholic Church, the Quakers, the Free Churches Group, and others. Together, they urge the government to place victims’ needs at the heart of the criminal justice process, investing in initiatives proven to tackle the root causes of crime, many of which are already being delivered by faith communities.
Among its recommendations, the report shines a spotlight on three powerful but often overlooked opportunities for reform:
1. Supporting the children and families of prisoners
With almost 200,000 children in the UK affected by parental imprisonment every year, the report urges the government to honour its 2024 manifesto pledge to identify and support these often-overlooked young people.
2. Investing in restorative justice
Restorative justice is proven to help victims heal and reduce reoffending, delivering results at a fraction of the cost of prison. The churches call for a national rollout backed by government investment.
3. Empowering faith-based communities
Churches and Christian charities are already delivering transformational change, but need recognition and resources. The report proposes a £10 million small grants scheme, with up to £20,000 available for Christian and other faith-based projects, to harness this underused potential.
The Rt Rev Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel & Brighton and Liaison Bishop for Prisons, Catholic Bishops Conference of England & Wales, said that across the country, Christian churches, communities, and organisations, alongside people of other faiths, are working to support our criminal justice system at every level “and will continue to do so as part of their Christian call”.
“But the system is falling short of its purpose as a place for transformation,” said Bishop Moth.
“This report sets out a clear path for meaningful change. Our vision is of a society where all people can flourish, where being tough on crime and its causes is not about locking up more people for longer, but about creating a transformed society.”
The Rt Rev Rachel Treweek, Lord Bishop of Gloucester, Anglican Bishop to His Majesty’s Prisons in England & Wales, added that the report highlights the good work and dedication of Christians volunteering and working in the criminal justice system.
“They do extraordinary work coming alongside people in prison and families of both victims and offenders.” said Bishop Treweek.
“I long for a criminal justice system that is responsible, relational and restorative and that transforms the lives of both victims and offenders. This invitation to Government to work alongside faith communities is welcome and I hope and pray for many more transformed lives and communities.”
The sentiments of both bishops were echoed by CEO of Catholic prison charity the Prison Advice & Care Trust (Pact), Andy Keen-Downs CBE.
“Ordinary Christians are already doing extraordinary work in communities across England and Wales,” said Mr Keen-Downs.
“They provide mentoring, prison-based support, restorative justice, and vital services for victims, families, and people with convictions. This Government has inherited a system in crisis. However, we are urging ministers to act, not with words, but with practical investment and collaboration. By working together, we can ensure a safer, fairer society, where everyone in contact with the justice system is treated with humanity and dignity.”
The full report is available on Pact’s website at www.prisonadvice.org.uk/picking-up-the-pieces