Center for Public Justice

05/27/2026

The words and metaphors we choose have the power to shape public thought more than we realize. Even if inaccurate, terminology can have a very real impact on legislation.

Mary Lauren Veazey and Rosalind Niemeier conclude our Juvenile Justice series by examining how language affects juvenile justice policy.

"How we speak about children affects public perception and policy, and may even reinforce the very behavior it seeks to deter."

There is extensive research proving rehabilitative approaches are effective in reducing youth crime, and yet that evidence stands in tension with current policy proposals.

To read more, visit https://bit.ly/49rk3RA

05/22/2026

Civil society—especially the church—must strive to care for and protect adolescents who lack stable family systems.

Continuing our Juvenile Justice article series, Keira Konson examines how organizations like The House DC walk alongside vulnerable youth with accountability, compassion, and hope.

As President and CEO La Wonda Violet explains, asking “why” questions after an arrest often reveals “a piece of the young person’s story unexplored in a court of law but essential to their flourishing and future success.”

“The House DC offers a tangible model for the church to imitate in a world where a 14-year-old may soon find themselves in an adult prison system.”

To read more, visit https://bit.ly/4uXhTRU

05/20/2026

There is currently proposed legislation that would "lower the age at which a minor may be tried as an adult for certain criminal offenses in the District of Columbia to 14 years of age."

Dionntai Holyfield is a husband, father, and graduate of Wheaton College. He was formerly incarcerated at age 16, for a total of 16 years, after a prosecutor successfully argued that he should be tried as an adult.

Part 2 of Naomi Thompson's article explores Dionntai's perspective on the D.C. CRIMES Act and debates surrounding adult sentencing for minors.

To read his whole story, follow the link in our bio or visit cpjustice.org/articles

05/18/2026

What does faithful preaching look like in a world shaped by injustice, division, and deep spiritual need?

Many pastors feel the tension between preaching the gospel faithfully and engaging questions of justice, politics, and public life wisely.

The Preaching Reformed Fellowship equips pastors to connect theology, public witness, and congregational life with clarity and courage. Through retreats in Washington, D.C., mentorship, webinars, and small-group learning, participants explore how preaching can help communities imagine and practice care for the whole world.

PRF is designed for pastors asking practical “how” questions:

• How do we preach about justice faithfully?
• How do we form congregations for public discipleship?
• How do we connect theology to real-world challenges from the pulpit?

This is not partisan training. It is pastoral formation rooted in theology, discipleship, and public justice.

The fellowship offers space for learning, collaboration, spiritual formation, and practical ministry development alongside other pastors navigating complex cultural realities.

Applications are now open. Deadline: June 15, 2026

Learn more or register at: https://cpjustice.org/preaching-reformed-fellowship/

Pulpits can be politically contested places. Many people come to worship eager to hear if their pastor will reiterate their side’s latest political talking points and are ready to protest if they don’t. The result is that pastors are exhausted, weary of doing good, and even confused about what t...

05/14/2026

In 2006, a prosecutor argued that 16-year-old Dionntai Holyfield should be tried as an adult. The charge carried a possible prison sentence of three to 18 years. He received the maximum sentence.

Two years into his incarceration, Dionntai became a Christian. After his release, he married, became a father, and graduated from Wheaton College.

In Part 1 of this conversation, Wheaton student Naomi Thompson sits down with Dionntai to discuss juvenile prosecution, incarceration, restoration, and what those experiences taught him firsthand.

Part 2 will explore his perspective on the D.C. CRIMES Act and debates surrounding adult sentencing for minors.

To read about this story, follow the link in our bio or visit cpjustice.org/articles

05/08/2026

It's proven that young minds change and grow quickly, and because of this, youth offenders are consistently rehabilitated. But the D.C. CRIMES (Criminal Reforms to Immediately Make Everyone Safe) Act would drastically limit rehabilitation outcomes for young offenders.

Aiden Magee continues our Juvenile Justice series by explaining the implications of the D.C. CRIMES Act, including the potential influence its passing would have beyond our nation's capital, and how "effective rehabilitation should be the ultimate goal."

Read the whole article: https://cpjustice.org/what-grace-demands-a-case-against-the-d-c-crimes-act/

05/08/2026

CPJ serves faith leaders, community advocates, students, pastors, government workers who want to take steps toward a shared vision of public justice.

When you pray, share, and give today, you invest in a shared vision of serving God, advancing justice, and transforming public life.

Contribute by giving today at cpjustice.org/give or go to the link in our bio.

05/06/2026

Chaplains are uniquely positioned to fill a gap that few can. Prison chaplains, even more exceptionally, "are tasked with meeting the spiritual needs of individuals in the justice system in ways that no government program alone can replicate".

Student author Anastasia Lau continues our Juvenile Justice article series by interviewing a juvenile detention center Chaplain and reveals how his approach reflects a vision of care that goes beyond what formal systems are designed to provide.

Read it here: https://cpjustice.org/for-i-was-in-prison-and-you-visited-me-chaplaincy-in-juvenile-justice/

04/27/2026

Are you disheartened by rising partisanship and deepening social divisions? So are young Christians working on Capitol Hill. Many long for constructive dialogue to cross party lines.

CPJ's Civitas Fellowship does just that, providing a space for theological reflections, readings, and discussions chosen to explore the "what" and "how of Christian public service, in a bipartisan cohort.

This kind of space is rare, but thanks to CPJ's generous giving community, Civitas can continue to provide this much-needed opportunity for curiosity, encouragement, and unity in D.C.

To become part of our giving community, visit cpjustice.org/become-a-donor

04/24/2026

Community can be hard to find. If you’re a pastor who has been searching for encouragement as you learn how to keep preaching faithfully in this difficult political moment, take a moment to listen to Program Director Meg Jenista as she explains how the Preaching Reformed Fellowship cohort can help.

Applications close June 15th!
Apply for the 2026 Cohort here: https://bit.ly/4tBm7hn