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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So much to say. I’ll be nice.
For those that found a place to worship with others I salute you. Well done.
I’ve had back to back negative encounters with all things Christiandom during my incarceration as well as after.
I dont have a problem with Jesus. My problems with the church have come from fear fueled redirect spewed by those vying for political position or economical gain.
Im not saying I should teach a Sunday school class. I just can’t shake what I’ve read about the miniscule chances of my reoffending versus what our friends in the media tell the public.
I have no desire to reoffend.
I do have a passing desire to get right with God if its even possible.
Would be nice if Pastors/Preachers would see that. I have done all the things and believed in my heart….
All Churches should receive us, but because of the so-called ‘frightening and high’ recidivism myth there are many who are afraid and also, there are some people who call themselves Christians (who might be by name only) that are unforgiving, at least so far.
There are Holy Spirit filled people and Churches that do receive us and with open arms and that is where you want to be.
I would suggest calling and asking questions while not revealing your past that lead up to ‘what do you think about people with sex offenses’ and see what the response is.
If it is anything less than acceptance and compassion then move along.
I am completely blessed with my church! After telling my story, in a brief version (everyone on leadership knows my full story now) when I first got out, the pastor, said, we’re a church of broken people, we’re about grace, and we want you to get involved. I was on probation until April 2024, but, I am on leadership of the prayer team, run the parking lot ministry, lead a men’s Bible study and Wednesday night group, have given Communion meditations, and have many Brothers and Sisters there.
Like I said, I have been truly blessed!
The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others and also restricting an individual’s religious practices.
“Taken directly from a government site”
You are right,
But today’s administration has proved that money is needed to challenge it legally. That they key to the current administration’s success is that the court can not keep them contained currently. And supreme court had the administration back so by the time you convicted you spend money fighting that and by the time your done with time do broke its ridiculous you cant challenge anything in court. Sad but truth in today’s society. You ask regular people or they ask me what I can do. Well learn and vote but currently goverment change is happening idk if that even will help. Remember I fought for this country and generations of my family have they would roll over in their Graves in today climate
I think it depends on the church and if the church has a school attached to the building/ on the grounds. You learn the rules and be careful not to put yourself in awkward situations. You want to low-key your baggage as much as possible. The below advice is good. Some churches are concerned about their insurance which might impose other concerns. One church I attended for ten years, after i was released, wanted to impose very restrictive rules, making attendance difficult. One consideration is join a men’s Celebrate Recovery group at a church, and in that way, establish yourself as a safe person in that church. It is not fair, but neither is the draconian restrictions imposed on those on the registry who are trying to resume their lives.
Everything that would help for reintegration and minimize reoffense of any kind is off the table it seems. The hypocrisy and punishment is ridiculous
The suggestion that registrants should form their own church, is an infuriating one. It continues the idea that registrants should be segregated from society. We shouldn’t have to have new Jim Crow laws on how to practice our faith.
BWJ
I do not mean to laugh about your comment, but it reminded me of a post that was similar I made years ago on F.A.C.
I had stated that eventually we would be just that, segregated.
Bathrooms, Offenders and non-offenders separate.
Separate entrance to stores with limited items we could buy.
Jobs away from non-offenders
I could go on and on but they already have distance restrictions and an arms lengths of conditions we have to follow as an registered citizen, that are added onto every single session. Eventually we will have no rights at all if they keep allowing to push the envelope and turning it into a suitcase, because that will what they will need to carry all those revisions.