North Carolina group wins Restorative Justice Award

by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE — The Presbyterian Inter-Racial Dialogue of Winston-Salem, NC, has been named recipient of this year’s Presbyterian Church (USA) Restorative Justice Award.

      For 12 years, the six participating congregations in Salem Presbytery that make up the dialogue have worked together to break down barriers between races in their community through dialogue, hands-on mission projects and a theatrical performance designed to promote discussion on race matters.

      The six congregations are Dellabrook Presbyterian Church, Grace Presbyterian Church, Highland Presbyterian Church, Lloyd Presbyterian Church, Parkway Presbyterian Church and Trinity Presbyterian Church.

      The Restorative Justice Award was established in 1991 to recognize Presbyterians who are making outstanding contributions to direct-service ministries or to advocacy for change in the criminal justice system in the United States.

      Restorative justice is defined as “addressing the hurts and needs of the victim, the offender and the community in such a way that all — victim, offender and community — might be healed.”