Restorative Practices

Restorative Practices in Churches & Faith Communities

For many involved in Faith Communities, ideas of forgiveness, healing, reconciliation justice and equality are so central to their ideals of practice that it seems like RP is a “hand in glove” fit for Churches and Faith based organisations.

The struggle comes when, as humans do, we fail to properly live out those ideals. For those in Faith communities who hold high expectations for themselves, and at least equal expectations for the conduct of others or organisations, the sense of shame can be overwhelming when those expectations are not met. The personal impact and even traumatic pain and harm of disharmony and conflict in Faith communities can be extremely impactful and significant.

This can make the importance of Restorative Practices and true Reconciliation even more relevant.

Restorative Practices does not sit in the place of or act as a replacement for “Faith”. RP sits beside Faith and is best described as a practical set of skills and processes to assist people of Faith to live in community, and to live out their values authentically.

One clear advantage people of Faith can have is the expectation of growth and development. They are often familiar with the experiences of change and growth as they grow in their Faith, so it is less of a surprise when they are supported to grow personally through their experience with RP as well.