Deal: Interfaith Council will build upon criminal justice reform initiatives
Religious leaders to advise on challenges to re-entry in communities across the state
Gov. Nathan Deal today announced the creation of the Governor’s Interfaith Council, comprised of religious leaders across Georgia, to expand upon recent criminal justice reforms. These advisers will work to identify areas in which faith-based ministries, private organizations and state agencies can partner to address prisoner re-entry.
“Faith communities and religious leaders are critical to ensuring the success of our criminal justice reform initiatives,” Deal said. “On any given day, their houses of worship minister to prisoners, give comfort to family members and provide assistance to returning citizens. These council members are on the front lines in Georgia communities, and their perspective and experience are invaluable. I’m grateful for their willingness to serve.”
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Interfaith Council Members: |
Organization: |
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Dr. Bill Coates, Jr. |
First Gainesville Baptist Church, Gainesville |
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Rev. Darrell D. Elligan |
The True Light Baptist Church, Atlanta |
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Rev. Agnes Harvey |
Rocky Head United Methodist Church, Stockbridge |
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Pastor Johnny Hunt |
First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Woodstock |
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Rev. Rodney A. Lackey |
Antioch Baptist Church, Gainesville |
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Pastor Tony Lowden |
Lundy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Macon |
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Rev. Clarence Moore |
Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Columbus |
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Pastor Adrian S. Niles |
Faithful Christian Worship Center, Gainesville |
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Rabbi Larry Schlesinger |
Temple Beth Israel, Macon |
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Pastor Daniel Simmons |
Mount Zion Baptist Church, Albany |
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Dr. E. Dewey Smith |
The House of Hope, Decatur |
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Rev. Jacqueline Smith |
Presiding Elder of AME Church, Valdosta/Albany district |
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Rev. Thurmond N. Tillman |
First African Baptist Church, Savannah |
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Rev. Mr. Richard Tolcher |
Prison and Jail Ministry, Archdiocese of Atlanta |