Bishop Soto, diocesan representatives to attend symposium in Los Angeles Aug. 3-4 that will address crime, punishment and the common good

Bishop Jaime Soto, Father Michael Kiernan and other representatives of the Diocese of Sacramento will be attending a symposium on crime, punishment and the common good in California, hosted by the California Catholic Conference.

The conference, entitled “Repsponsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration,” is being held Aug. 3-4 at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. The conference has been planned as a catalyst to spark the transformation of society’s response to crime as solely one from retribution and punishment, to one that leads the way to restoration and reconciliation.

The conference – with simultaneous translation in to Spanish – will target those who are already affected by the current system or, at a minimum, recognize the danger of maintaining the status quo in the state, including victims, attorneys, the judiciary, educators, academics, law enforcement officials, corrections staff, social services, mental health, probation and parole, community leaders, public planners and an interfaith network of faith-based people.

Persons who would like to attend the conference from the diocese can utilize a free bus that will leave Sacramento on Aug. 3 and return on Aug. 4. The cost of registration, food and lodging is $100. For information, contact Father Kiernan at mkiernan@scd.org or call the Office of Social Service Ministry (916) 733-0254.

For more information, visit www.restorejustice.com, an outreach of the California Catholic Conference, offering healing and support to everyone affected by the criminal justice system. The website offers a place of compassion and assistance, resources and services for anyone who is affected by crime.