The Newgate Initiative in the Texas Annual Conference

The Texas Annual Conference (TAC) of the United Methodist Church has established The Newgate Initiative to increase involvement in Restorative Justice ministry. Newgate was the name of a prison in London dating back to the 1500′s and King Henry VIII.   It was closed in 1902 and demolished to make room for the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey).

John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, held worship services in the Newgate Prison in the 1700′s. He was a dedicated lobbyist for prison reform, and believed that ministry to the poor and imprisoned was as essential to discipleship as prayer.

Click here to watch a video about their initiative.

NEWGATE INITIATIVE PURPOSE: To serve as an advocate for change by connecting and equipping churches and individuals to minister to those incarcerated, their families, justice workers, and victims while working to improve re-entry ministries for offenders and their families.

VISION: Lives impacted by crime will be restored by the love of Jesus Christ through Restorative Justice Ministries.

MISSION: To inspire Texas Annual Conference congregations into personal participation in Restorative Justice activities and to facilitate their active engagement.

Newgate Initiative Services:

• Help congregations get involved in existing Restorative Justice ministries or start a new one
• Provide inspirational speakers for worship services, Sunday Schools and special events
• Offer district workshops to raise awareness of local Restorative Justice ministry needs and opportunities, and to share best practices
• At Annual Conference, offer a breakfast seminar, workshops, information table and present at the plenary session
• Provide seed money to small churches for new Restorative Justice ministries