Alabama officials are hoping the “good book” can turn criminals away from a life of crime. They are giving non-violent offenders the option of either going to jail…or going to church every Sunday for a year.
Hmmmm…I don’t think that will be a tough decision to make.
According to WKRG-TV, the city judge in Bay Minette will let offenders make their own decisions when choosing their “fates.”
Operation Restore Our Community begins next week, and so far, 56 churches in the area are participating.
If offenders elect church, they’re allowed to pick the place of worship, but must check in weekly with the pastor and the police department. If the one-year church attendance program is completed successfully, the offender’s case will be dismissed.
Bay Minette Police Chief Mike Rowland told WKRG-TV it costs his department about $75 per inmate per day, so not only will the program be cost-effective, it could change the lives of many people heading down the wrong path.
So we know what you are thinking; this violates separation of church and state issues.
Rowland says it does not. He says the program is legal and is not a violation because it allows the offender to CHOOSE church or jail, and CHOOSE the church they want to attend.
I am sure that some of the people affected by these “non-violent” offenders may think it’s better for the criminals to attend church in jail. But hey, it may work – as long as the collection plates don’t come up short. (wink)
