National
Conference
Every other year we convene the National Catholic Conference on Restorative Justice to advance justice and healing nationwide.
Catholic Mobilizing Network hosts the biennial National Catholic Conference on Restorative Justice to bring together Catholic ministry leaders, academic and legal professionals, restorative justice practitioners, and people directly impacted by harm, crime, and incarceration to build capacity within communities and the Church to advance healing approaches to harm, crime, and injustice.
September 25-27, 2025
Atlanta, Georgia
CMN’s 2025 National Catholic Conference on Restorative Justice takes on the theme “Tangible Signs of Hope.” Drawing inspiration from the special Jubilee Year 2025, the conference will illuminate concrete examples of where and how Catholics can contribute to restorative justice efforts that transform the U.S. systems of capital punishment and incarceration.
2025 Conference Details
When? September 25-27, 2025
Where? Emory University in Atlanta, GAThe 2025 National Catholic Conference on Restorative Justice is hosted by Catholic Mobilizing Network in collaboration with The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta and The Aquinas Center of Theology, Candler School of Theology at Emory University.
About the theme:
Tangible Signs of Hope
CMN’s 2025 National Catholic Conference on Restorative Justice takes on the theme Tangible Signs of Hope. Drawing inspiration from the special Jubilee Year 2025, the conference will illuminate concrete examples of where and how Catholics can contribute to restorative justice efforts that transform the U.S. systems of capital punishment and incarceration.
Hosted in Atlanta, GA, the conference will highlight practical and innovative ways that people of faith collaborate with local communities and system actors to build hope-filled justice solutions. Through working together in these turbulent times, we can create conditions for healing, reconciliation, and liberation — for all who are impacted by crime and violence.
Guided by the special call of the Jubilee Year and grounded in Catholic Social Teaching the conference invites ministry leaders alongside faith-motivated advocates, practitioners, and legal system actors nationwide to journey together as “pilgrims of hope”. Together, we will explore where we see, need, and are called to be … Tangible Signs of Hope.
The Eternal Flame located at the King Center, a memorial to Martin Luther King Jr., where he and his wife Coretta Scott King are buried in Atlanta, GA.
Why Atlanta?
As we come together to explore the tangible signs of hope made manifest through advancements in restorative justice, it is fitting to do so in Atlanta, Georgia. We gather here to draw inspiration and wisdom from both the historical and contemporary witness of restorative justice in action.
Atlanta is commonly referred to as the “cradle of the civil rights movement,” and the legacy of slavery and racism is still very evident in its criminal legal system. Today, Georgia is an active death penalty state with one of the highest rates of incarceration in the country. In the midst of these realities, a vibrant Catholic community actively collaborates with a host of faith and community groups to abolish the death penalty, combat the sin of racism, and support restorative responses to crime and violence.
CMN is pleased to host its third National Catholic Conference on Restorative Justice in Atlanta in order to showcase its legacy, leadership, and journey as “tangible signs of hope” in the ongoing struggle for justice.
Most Rev. Gregory Hartmayer, Archbishop of Atlanta
Grateful for the support and collaboration from the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Most Reverend Gregory John Hartmayer, O.F.M. Conv., Archbishop of Atlanta, will celebrate Mass.
Conference Logistics
Early Bird Registration will open in May
Room block will be available at the Emory Conference Center Hotel
Scholarship opportunities will be available
Let us know you’re interested!
Fill out the form below for the most timely updates about the 2025 National Catholic Conference on Restorative Justice. You’ll be the first to know when registration opens.
Questions?
Send us an email at conference@catholicsmobilizing.org and we’ll get back to you when we can.
Conference Collaborators
Archdiocese of Atlanta
The Archdiocese of Atlanta established a Restorative Justice Ministry to prioritize the commitment of the local Catholic Church to the work of healing, reconciliation, and community resilience – including criminal legal reform, death penalty abolition and racial justice. The Restorative Justice Ministry also supports prison and jail ministry in the archdiocese through training, resourcing and logistical assistance.
Aquinas Center of Theology
The Aquinas Center of Theology provides Catholic programming that engages the intellectual, moral and spiritual life of the Church. The center fosters faith and dialogue in an ecumenical setting at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, throughout the Archdiocese of Atlanta and beyond.
Explore Previous Conferences
Help CMN advance justice and healing.
Get restorative justice updates in your inbox.