History

Overview

Effective April 1, 2005, the National Religious Affairs Association (NRAA), an affiliate of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ), became the National Alliance of Faith and Justice (NAFJ). Recognizing by implication that the National Religious Affairs Association would infer a single focus on faith or spiritual matters, the name was changed to more accurately define the organization’s mission and comprehensive purpose. It is the mission of NABCJ to act upon the needs, concerns, and contributions of African Americans and other people of color as they relate tot he administration of equal justice.

Initially established as the National Religious Affairs Committee of NABCJ in 2000, the original purpose of this body was to explore the value, involvement, and increase the interaction of communities and persons of faith with criminal justice officials. Prior to the official White House faith based Initiative introduced by the Honorable George W. Bush upon assuming office as President of the United States, the leadership of NABCJ realized that in communities most affected by crime, religious leaders and institutions played a crucial role.

More than any other time in this nation’s history, the faith community has been recognized for its partnership with government in social welfare programs which address crime and its consequences. NAFJ is committed to raise consciousness and develop strategies to train and motivate the collaboration of faith and justice in addressing some of society’s most pressing public safety needs.

Membership in NAFJ is open to all and is uniquely suited for persons who serve in both the faith and criminal justice systems.

NAFJ is based in Washington, DC. Its primary operations are facilitated by a President and Chief Operating Officer along assisted by a team of dedicated volunteers, each with years of experience as current or retired criminal justice and social work professionals.

Working closely with community stakeholders and decision makers, religious institutions and leaders, governmental agencies and officials, offender populations , their families, and victims of crime, the organization maintains partnerships and numerous programs. Among those offered are several demonstration projects, the annual oversight and commemoration of Justice Sunday, and three of the country’s most culturally competent and complete training courses designed to equip volunteers with specialized knowledge and training to mentor offenders, children whose parents are incarcerated, disruptive and violent youth, and to foster relationships between law enforcement and faith communities.