This thesis presents an analysis of the apparent lack of engagement by the Church of England with criminal justice issues. On the basis of this analysis, I pursue two key aims: to critically evaluate the obstacles to formulating a more transformative Anglican response to criminal justice issues and propose ways in which this response could be realized.
These aims were achieved by making the case for engagement with criminal justice matters, particularly through emphasizing the mandate of the fourth mark of mission: ‘to transform unjust structures of society’. Scoping out the current extent of Anglican engagement is the subject of chapters two and three. The result of this mapping indicated a limited engagement in both the academy and church. A review of the theological and criminological literature shows little dialogue between the disciplines, whilst the practical response is also found to be partial .
A number of ways forward are suggested and it is demonstrated how Elaine Graham’s model of ‘Public Theology as Apologetics’ could enable a transformative response to be developed.
The thesis concludes that, although a more transformative response to criminal justice issues is desirable and theologically defensible, there are currently significant obstacles to achieving this response
