Honduras: Police & Prisoners
Honduras is one of the most violent countries in the world; crime rates are high and prisons are overpopulated. The Bible Society is being called to influence society with the Word of God.
This project is placing Scripture into the hands of prisoners, the police force and the armed forces, offering a Biblical perspective on justice to those who are at the centre of the system. This is being done through local churches who have well-established relationships with all prisons throughout the country.
For many years, Honduras was known globally for its high levels of violence. In 2012, it had the highest homicide rate in the world. San Pedro Sula, its second largest city, was referred to as the “murder capital of the world.” The justice system, including the police and prisons, was overwhelmed and under-resourced. Widespread corruption and impunity meant that many people had little hope of justice—or change.
But things are changing.
Over the last decade, Honduras has managed to reduce its homicide rate by half. And while challenges remain, the Bible Society of Honduras believes that the Word of God has been a key part of that transformation—especially among those working on the frontlines of justice.
Since this project began in 2012, we have been reaching police officers, military personnel, prison authorities, and detainees with the Bible and Scripture-based resources focused on justice, forgiveness, and peace. Working in partnership with churches, national ministries, and government institutions, we are supporting those who uphold justice and reaching those who have broken it.
So far, we have reached more than 50,000 people across Honduras—including:
30,000 police officers (including 2,000 prison police)
20,000 members of the military
10,000 people currently in prison
Judges, prosecutors, and other justice officials
These figures are based on national data provided by government institutions, including the National Police and the Ministry of Justice. While the numbers reflect the scale of need, the real impact is seen in the lives being changed.
Police academies are using biblical ethics courses. Pastors are running restoration ministries inside prisons. Military personnel are receiving devotional materials to support them in their roles. And prisoners are encountering the Bible—many for the first time.
This project was shaped by the deep needs and concerns of the people we are serving. Police and military officers face dangerous situations daily, often without the moral and spiritual guidance they need. Prisoners, many of whom are young men caught in cycles of violence, are searching for hope and a different path. Judges and prosecutors carry the weight of responsibility for justice in a system still being reformed. And churches working with these groups often lack the resources and support they need.
Our goal is to bring the Bible to each of them—because we believe that when people encounter God’s Word, lives are changed, and justice can truly flourish.
Through this project, leaders are equipped with resources to serve with integrity. Those in uniform are challenged to reflect God’s justice and mercy in their work. And those who have been incarcerated are being offered hope, forgiveness, and a chance to start again.