Sex Offenders to be Banned on Church Work

In Atlanta Georgia, a law has recently been passed for ratification stipulating that those who are listed in the registry of sex offenders should not be allowed to volunteer their services in church activities. Moreover, the law will incriminate a sex offender if he or she will participate in administrative functions.

With this law, sex offenders could exemplify their faith by being active members of the church who will be limited to attending church services only as a recipient but not as part of the administrators. Joining in adult choirs, cooking meals at the church kitchen among others will be restricted to them. As a member of the church, the only thing that they can do to express their beliefs is by sitting silently on the pews during a sermon.

The reason behind this law is to keep them away from children and in turn to prevent them from being tempted to sin again. It is considered dangerous to have them around especially during camps. Thus, punishing sex offenders by letting them render volunteer works at a house of worship is deemed to do more harm than good. One major point of controversy is the law’s coverage which includes those who have been convicted of consensual sex during their teenage years. This in particular does not pose a threat to young children.

An Appeal

However, motions for reconsideration have been filed to counteract this law before it becomes official on July 1, 2008. Questions are now being raised as to how will sex offenders be treated with compassion. Many are saying that the law characterizes bigotry and non-absolution of sinners that is in fact contrary to the teachings of the bible.

The issue regarding those who are on the list registry but has in fact completed and served their sentence. There is a conflict since some of those who were previously charged of a sex offense have already finished a faith and character formation program while in prison. As a matter of fact, a number of them are now actively participating in various church missions after their release. Others have been given a license for pastoral missions and yet with the law’s stipulations they can no longer perform their duties in their respective ministries.

With regards to this issue, it should be said that the law has its pros and cons. This places every churchgoer at a tipping point. I guess, the only way to resolve this issue is to thoroughly examine one’s heart.

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