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Grace Behind Bars: Christianity’s Role in Reducing Recidivism
Carol Abdelmalek

Introduction
Recidivism remains a persistent challenge within the Canadian
criminal justice system, with significant social and economic
implications. Despite various interventions, many individuals released
from prison reoffend, leading to high rates of incarceration. This cycle
creates strain on correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, and
the broader community. The cost of incarceration is also a growing
concern, as taxpayers shoulder the financial burden of maintaining
correctional institutions (Camp et al., 2006). Faith-based programs
have emerged as a promising approach, offering spiritual
transformation, mentorship, and community support to help
individuals break free from criminal behavior patterns (Alm et al.,
2024). These programs aim to provide inmates with a renewed sense of
purpose, encouraging them to make positive life choices that reduce
their likelihood of reoffending.
This research examines the role of Christian faith-based initiatives
in reducing recidivism, analyzing their effectiveness and potential for
broader implementation. The central research question is: "What role
do faith-based programs play in reducing recidivism in Canadian
prisons?" Additionally, the study seeks to understand how
collaboration between law enforcement, correctional institutions, and
faith-based organizations can enhance the success of these programs.
By exploring these questions, this research aims to contribute to
policy discussions on the integration of faith-based rehabilitation
efforts within the Canadian justice system.

Background
Faith-based rehabilitation programs provide spiritual guidance and
support to incarcerated individuals, aiming to foster personal
transformation. The concept of religious rehabilitation is rooted in
historical correctional philosophies that emphasized moral
reformation. Throughout history, religious groups have played a
central role in prison reform efforts, recognizing that many
incarcerated individuals struggle with feelings of hopelessness, guilt,
and a lack of direction (Alm et al., 2024). Currently, Canada offers
chaplaincy services through Bridges of Canada, which allows inmates
access to religious counseling, spiritual guidance, and faith-based
group meetings (Government of Canada, 2020). However, the
effectiveness of such programs remains debated. While some argue
that faith-based initiatives lack empirical support and may not align
with secular correctional goals, others highlight their success in
addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior, such as
addiction, trauma, and negative peer influences.
Proponents emphasize that faith-based programs offer a unique
approach by instilling personal accountability, resilience, and
community connection; factors that contribute to successful
reintegration into society (Dodson, 2011). The rising costs of
incarceration further emphasize the need for alternative rehabilitation
strategies. It costs over $100,000 per year to house a single inmate in
Canada, and these figures are even higher for women (Camp et al.,
2006). If faith-based programs can effectively reduce recidivism, they
may provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional rehabilitative
efforts, ultimately reducing the burden on the criminal justice system.

Methods
This research employed a secondary analysis of existing studies,
government reports, and statistical data on faith-based rehabilitation
programs in Canada. The methodology involved:
• Conducting an extensive review of academic literature, including
peer-reviewed journals, criminological studies, and theological
perspectives;
• Analyzing recidivism rates among participants in faith-based
programs compared to non-participants;
• Identifying challenges in implementing religious rehabilitation
efforts, such as funding limitations and institutional skepticism;
• Examining institutional collaborations between correctional
facilities, law enforcement, and faith organizations to determine best
practices.
Ethical considerations included ensuring source credibility and
maintaining objectivity in evaluating findings. Since this study relies
on secondary research, data collection was limited to publicly available
sources, avoiding any ethical concerns related to participant
confidentiality or direct involvement with incarcerated individuals.

Results
Studies indicate that participants in faith-based programs exhibit a 2030% lower likelihood of reoffending within three years post-release

Bachelor of Law Enforcement Studies

(Kittrell, 2018). This suggests that spiritual mentorship and faithbased community involvement play a significant role in rehabilitation.
Many inmates report experiencing profound changes in identity, moral
values, and personal accountability. Testimonials from former
offenders highlight how faith-based initiatives provided them with a
renewed sense of hope, purpose, and direction. Faith-based initiatives
provide a strong support network that extends beyond incarceration,
aiding reintegration. Having a community to return to post-release
reduces isolation and the risk of re-engagement with criminal activities
(Government of Canada, 2020).
Many former inmates credit their faith-based mentors and support
groups for helping them establish stable lives outside of prison,
improving their ability to reintegrate successfully (Dodson, 2011).
However, challenges remain in the widespread adoption of these
programs. Secular institutions often resist the integration of faith-based
programs, citing concerns over neutrality and inclusivity. Additionally,
logistical barriers such as limited funding, availability of qualified
mentors, and ensuring equal access for all inmates, regardless of
religious background, hinder their full implementation (Government of
Canada, 2020). Addressing these concerns requires institutional
cooperation and policy changes to maximize the benefits of faith-based
rehabilitation.

Discussion
Faith-based programs contribute to rehabilitation by fostering
personal change, moral realignment, and social reintegration (Dodson,
2011). They offer an alternative framework that focuses on internal
transformation rather than just external correctional measures.
Participants often experience enhanced self-esteem, stronger coping
mechanisms, and increased motivation to lead law-abiding lives upon
release. However, challenges such as funding limitations, lack of
standardized implementation, and skepticism from correctional
institutions hinder their broader adoption (Government of Canada,
2020). While some critics argue that rehabilitation should remain
purely secular, others believe that faith-based approaches should
complement existing correctional efforts rather than replace them. The
research highlights the potential for greater collaboration between law
enforcement, correctional services, and religious organizations to
enhance program effectiveness (Kittrell, 2018).

Recommendations
Faith-based programs provide effective rehabilitation by
addressing inmates' spiritual and psychological needs. These initiatives
promote long-term behavioral change and offer emotional and social
support essential for successful reintegration. Their success in reducing
recidivism suggests they should be integrated into broader correctional
strategies. Policymakers should consider faith-based initiatives as
complementary rehabilitation tools rather than viewing them as
separate or conflicting with secular approaches. To enhance the
effectiveness of faith-based programs, correctional institutions should
expand access to these initiatives across Canadian prisons.
Strengthening partnerships between law enforcement, correctional
institutions, and religious organizations will improve coordination and
provide inmates with seamless post-release support.Additionally,
further research is needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of
faith-based programs, particularly through longitudinal studies
tracking recidivism rates five to ten years post-release. Finally,
implementing structured mentorship and community reintegration
services will sustain rehabilitation outcomes. Strong post-incarceration
support networks significantly reduce the risk of reoffending and help
former inmates establish productive lives. By addressing these gaps
and integrating faith-based initiatives more effectively, Canada can
move toward a justice system that prioritizes both rehabilitation and
reintegration.

References
Alm, S., Al Weswasi, E., & Roxell, L. (2024). The spiritual way to
desistance? Nordisk Tidsskrift for Kriminalvidenskab, 111(3), 163185. https://doi.org/10.7146/ntfk.v111i3.151382
Camp, S. D., Klein‐Saffran, J., Kwon, O., Daggett, D. M., & Joseph,
V. (2006). An exploration into participation in a faith‐based prison
program. Criminology & Public Policy, 5(3), 529-550.
Dodson, K. D., Cabage, L. N., & Klenowski, P. M. (2011). An
evidence-based assessment of faith-based programs. Journal of
Offender Rehabilitation, 50(6), 367–383.
Government of Canada. (2020). Chaplaincy services.
Kittrell, A. (2018). Is religion an effective rehabilitation method?
Comparing the results. [Masters thesis, Liberty University].

Justice Institute of British Columbia

Mar. 2025