The Sex Offender Registry Shouldn’t Mean We’re Unwelcome at Church
In the Bible Belt, there’s basically a church on every corner—especially here in Nashville. It feels like there should be so many options to choose from if you want to join a faith community. But the church doors are often closed to people on the sex offender registry, including myself.
Sex offender registries are designed so that society treats you like a leper; as if you should be sent away somewhere, so that “decent” people don’t have to worry about you. I’ve felt that shame deeply in the five years since I was released from prison. But not being able to go to church feels like shame on top of shame. Like I’m not even worthy of faith anymore.
[FAC NOTE: Hang in, there’s a positive message]
I told Reverend Jay Voorhees I was on the registry and that I was hoping to attend his church. Without hesitation he replied, Sure thing. Then he asked for my PO’s number, so he could call him to follow up. “Communication is important, with clear definitions about boundaries and procedures for participation,” Voorhees told Filter. “In my experience, those on the registry know what the limits are.” “Being in ministry with those on the sex offender registry is complicated,” Voorhees said. “On the one hand, we have a responsibility to offer grace, love and hospitality to all. On the other hand, there are legitimate concerns for the safety of the vulnerable in our church. [But] there are ways for the church to provide love and support for those who find very few places for experiencing grace and a sense of community.”
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I’m currently going through Wisconsin’s local ordinances and found this for the village called Random Lake:
(e)Child safety zone exceptions. A designated offender in an area otherwise prohibited by this chapter does not commit a violation if any of the following apply:
(1)The property supporting the child safety location use also supports a church, synagogue, mosque, temple or other place of religious worship, subject to the following conditions
:a.Entrance and presence on the property may occur only during hours of worship or other religious program or service; and
b.Written advance notice is made from the designated offender to a person in charge of the place of religious worship and approval from the person in charge of the place of religious worship as designated by the place of religious worship is made in return, of the attendance by the designated offender; and
c.The designated offender may not participate in any religious education programs that include individuals under the age of 18.
So in some places (maybe not so much FL but in some other states that allow municipal laws) it may be a law compelling churches to screen Registrants and/or limit services.
As I stated in a previous post, I’ve not personally had an issue with a church. However, I know others who have had bad experiences.