A Restorative Justice Response to Clergy Sexual Misconduct

Restorative Justice: A Transforming Philosophy

As you review the following table describing the characteristics and qualities of restorative justice, you will begin to see how this philosophy might be implemented in response to clergy sexual misconduct. Moreover, you will see a reflection of our UU principles.

Retributive Justice	Restorative Justice
Focus on violation of laws or codes.	Violation of persons and relationships acknowledged.
Victim/survivor hurt ignored.	Ministry to victim/survivor is primary.
Safety of victim/survivor and second circle ignored	Safety of victim/survivor and second circle is a priority.
Silence. Secrets.	"Breaking the silence."
"Don't air dirty laundry"	Victim/survivor's story is heard and affirmed.
Organization and offender involved in official process.	Victim/survivor informed and consulted at key steps in official process.
Rush to conclude episode and avoid further unpleasantness.	Respect for a thoughtful, restorative process and time for healing.
Perpetrator punished, not included in the hope for restoration and healing.	Offender held accountable and given opportunity to offer restitution and sincere apology. (This is not meant to be a substitute for appropriate consequences for misconduct.)
Authority or officials respond based on laws and codes, determine guilt, then decide punishment.	All steps of process assessed for support of restorative justice for victim/survivor, second circle, and offender.
Determination of punishment concludes process	Success of process is measured by the healing and restoration that happens for all affected