More than 150 faith leaders from Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and other communities across Illinois have signed an open letter calling on state legislators to defend pretrial justice reforms and oppose policies promoting mass incarceration. The call comes as Republican lawmakers have continuously clamored for stricter penalties and higher rates of incarceration in recent weeks. Instead of doubling down on the failed punitive policies of the past, the faith leaders call for a restorative approach to violence in our communities aimed at repairing and preventing harm. 

The Pretrial Fairness Act, passed into law in January of 2021 as part of the SAFE-T Act, will end wealth-based jailing in Illinois and improve community safety. The bill’s passage came on the heels of nationwide protests calling for racial justice in the aftermath of the police murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. In the fall of 2020, faith leaders came together to call on the legislature to end wealth-based jailing and legislators heeded that call by passing the Pretrial Fairness Act. Today’s letters ask that they stand by their actions and refuse to pass punitive policies that will land more people behind bars and destabilize our communities.

“The reforms included in the Pretrial Fairness Act resonate with Illinois faith leaders because justice is a goal of the faithful. It is the product of faith in action. For those who believe in the mercy,  and the provision of The Most High: we must be agents of that mercy, and provide systems that ensure the protection and dignity of all.” Imam Tariq I. El-Amin, Masjid Al-Taqwa

“The phrase ‘Innocent until proven guilty’ should be a cornerstone of America’s justice system, and many assume that it is. The fact is, it took brave action by Illinois legislators to take that ideal, and make it a reality for thousands of Illinois citizens. We will be praying for, and supporting these justice heroes,  as we push the implementation of this legislation over the finish line.” Pastor Otis Moss, Trinity United Church of Christ

“In every prayer service, Jews say a prayer to God who “frees the captives,” and we know that if we want to live a holy life we should emulate God in every way we can.  Therefore it is up to us to build the most fair system of justice that we can. Jailing people before they have a trial is not keeping faith with our tradition or with our Creator.“ Rabbi Isaac Serotta, Makom Solel Lakeside