Sex offenders- prison for volunteering in church?

[James Griffin]

06/27/2008
The Southern Center for Human Rights filed a motion in U.S. District Court this week to strike down a Georgia provision that forbids sex offenders from volunteering in churches.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the motion argues based on the grounds that the law “criminalizes fundamental religious activity.” Things sex offenders cannot do include singing in church choirs or cooking in church kitchens. The provision, though it’s been approved by the state legislature and governor, will not become law until July 1, or Tuesday of next week.

Sarah Geraghty, lawyer for the human rights group, concedes to reporters that it’s inappropriate for most sex offenders from having contact with children. But, she argues, that shouldn’t preclude them from adult-only activities, and it shouldn’t keep them away from the rehabilitative services that churches can offer.

The provision has a very punitive component, as well. Any convicted sex offender caught working or volunteering at a church can be sentenced to 10 to 30 years in prison.

Georgia Senate President pro tem Eric Johnson supports the provision and said that law would not prohibit sex offenders’ right to attend worship services. It would, however, limit their ability to get heavily involved with a church.

Jackie Taylor, communications director for Cascade Hills Church in Columbus, Ga., said that her church welcomes sex offenders to church but absolutely keeps them away from where children are likely to be, which is on a different floor of their building from the sanctuary. Anyone who wants to work with children has to submit to a background check. However, as far as to whether or not sex offenders can be active as volunteers in adult-only ministries, Taylor says the church doesn’t have an explicit policy.

“We tend to err on the side of grace, but we definitely don’t want to endanger anyone,” she said. She added that all of the church’s ministries are handled through pastoral care and that counselors screen volunteers to make sure they are safe.

The debate is the latest in a string of litigation in Georgia following the state’s 2006 law that laid down firm restrictions on where sex offenders could work and live. In 2007, the Georgia Supreme Court struck down a law that prohibited registered sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of “places where children congregate” because the wording was too vague and broad.

Churches that are faced with a sex-offender dilemma might consider consulting lawyers and law enforcement about the laws in that state and could also seek more input and advice from church leaders who have dealt with these problems before.

http://www.churchsolutionsmag.com/ho...w-georgia.html

[Cindy]

I am trying really hard to care about sex offenders rights, but I am not there yet. Our churches I feel should be a sanctuary from the world, but they are not as we know. And as christians we should forgive and help even criminals, easier said than done.

[James Griffin]

Originally Posted by James Griffin

06/27/2008

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the motion argues based on the grounds that the law “criminalizes fundamental religious activity.” Things sex offenders cannot do include singing in church choirs or cooking in church kitchens.


The provision has a very punitive component, as well. Any convicted sex offender caught working or volunteering at a church can be sentenced to 10 to 30 years in prison.

.

[Carpenter]

I grew up with this wonderful gal who dated this guy, good looking, tall dark, handsome, great personality, but who had spent the past 10 or so years in prison. He grew up in a Christian home, and his dad was a prominant minister in that organization.

At any rate, they fell in love, she got the luggage, and he was gone. I think he is back in prison.

This is a difficult topic to be sure. I wouldn't allow my daughter to date someone like that. I know forgiveness, grace, and all that, but wow, been there saw that done.

[Esther]

Not allowing singing in the choir is a bit much IMO!

[James Griffin]

Originally Posted by Esther

Not allowing singing in the choir is a bit much IMO!

Or help in the church soup kitchen...

[Cindy]

James what is the best predictor of future behaviors?

[James Griffin]

Originally Posted by cneasttx

James what is the best predictor of future behaviors?

Honestly Cindy I am not sure there is one.

I do know that making it impossible to serve God in a church cannot be the answer.

No one will propose teaching Sunday School would be appropriate but taking up the offering, singing in the choir, mowing the grass, serving in a soup kitchen are illegal?

No exceptions.

Repent get married, live for God, serve the community for 20 years after getting being registered and we will throw you in jail for 30 years for singing in the choir?

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by James Griffin

Honestly Cindy I am not sure there is one.

I do know that making it impossible to serve God in a church cannot be the answer.

No one will propose teaching Sunday School would be appropriate but taking up the offering, singing in the choir, mowing the grass, serving in a soup kitchen are illegal?

No exceptions.

Repent get married, live for God, serve the community for 20 years after getting being registered and we will throw you in jail for 30 years for singing in the choir?

I do know we have to be on guard even in churches. This is one of the places they are able to intigrate themselves with people to choose their victims. If they have been registered that long with no deviant behavior maybe, but most rapists go a long time without being caught, and you know this. This is not only about child predators, it includes all people that can become victims. I don't think this is the best thought out law though. I do have a problem with not letting them serve in the kitchen, I do have a problem with them being in a choir though. Choir lofts are too close for comfort sometimes.

[Cindy]

I do have pretty much the same reasoning for thieves. I would not want them taking up the offering or have access to money or valuables.