MC USA’s Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz recently was honored by the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice. Photo by Jim Amstutz.
The National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) honored MC USA’s Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz with its Lifetime Achievement Award at the 9th Annual National Conference of Community and Restorative Justice in Washington, D.C. on July 30, 2024. Stutzman Amstutz is the denominational minister for Peace and Justice for MC USA.
The NACRJ Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has made vital contributions to the fields of community and/or restorative justice. Criteria include demonstrating impactful leadership and sustained advocacy and engagement, as well as inspiring and influencing others through their efforts.
When NACRJ began in 2013, Stutzman Amstutz helped organize the inaugural Advisory Council, serving as chair for almost nine years. Prior to this, she served for many years on the board of directors of the now-dissolved Victim Offender Mediation Association, a predecessor to NACRJ. The nomination letter for her NACRJ Lifetime Achievement Award describes Stutzman Amstutz as “incredibly accessible” and says she “always give time to projects she finds meaningful.”
In her role at MC USA, Stutzman Amstutz works to resource conference ministers, conferences and pastors with opportunities to strengthen capacity and engagement in Christ-centered peace and justice. She also serves as a liaison and coordinator for peacebuilding initiatives throughout the denomination.
Stutzman Amstutz previously served as the coordinator of Mennonite Central Committee’s Restorative Justice program for over 25 years and is a co-author of “The Little Book of Restorative Discipline for Schools” and “What Will Happen to Me?”
She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, with a bachelor’s degree in social work and earned her master’s degree in social work from Marywood University, Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Written by Camille Dager.