(USA) Proposed Drug Policy Reforms & Background Study, Approved By
Presbyterian Church (USA) Proposed Drug Policy Reforms & Background Study, 1 Approved by the 2016 General Assembly for Dialogue Prior to 2018 General Assembly Introduction: HEALING BEFORE PUNISHMENT This is a draft Social Witness Policy statement to guide the study and advocacy of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on reform of drug policies. Because it would shift the church’s emphasis further away from prohibition of illegal substances to legal regulation, and would support shifting resources from the “war on drugs” and mass imprisonment to recovery and rehabilitation, a vote of final approval or disapproval is to follow an opportunity for further discussion and response by members and experts in the field. The Report is organized with proposed policy and recommendations first (10 pp), followed by a study paper, followed by a study guide and a response form, which may be used by individuals or study groups. We appreciate your help in considering these matters which are literally “life or death” for persons addicted, in prisons, and in danger from drug gangs or military style law enforcement, in the US or supplier countries. Healing Before Punishment: Why Presbyterians Seek to End the War on Drugs— From the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy.* In fulfillment of the assignment from the 221st General Assembly (2014) (Minutes, 2014, Part I, pp. 35, 36, 630ff), the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy recommends that the 222nd General Assembly (2016) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): 1. Receive the following affirmation, principles, and recommendations for the reform of drug law and policy for study and discussion across the church prior to final consideration at the 223rd General Assembly (2018), inviting particularly campus ministries, persons in recovery, counselors and related medical personnel, law enforcement, judges, and scholars to contribute comments prior to Sept 15, 2017, for consideration by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy.
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