Deal Creates Interfaith Council to Aid Criminal Justice Reform

Gov. Nathan Deal has 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.”

 

Interfaith Council Members:	Organization:
Dr. Bill Coates, Jr.	First Gainesville Baptist Church, Gainesville
Rev. Darrell D. Elligan	The True Light Baptist Church, Atlanta
Rev. Agnes Harvey	Rocky Head United Methodist Church, Stockbridge
Pastor Johnny Hunt	First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Woodstock
Rev. Rodney A. Lackey	Antioch Baptist Church, Gainesville
Pastor Tony Lowden	Lundy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Macon
Rev. Clarence Moore	Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Columbus
Rev. Adrian S. Niles	Mount Enon Baptist Church, Monroe
Rabbi Larry Schlesinger	Temple Beth Israel, Macon
Pastor Daniel Simmons	Mount Zion Baptist Church, Albany
Dr. E. Dewey Smith	The House of Hope, Decatur
Rev. Jacqueline Smith	Presiding Elder of AME Church, Valdosta/Albany district
Rev. Thurmond N. Tillman	First African Baptist Church, Savannah
Rev. Mr. Richard Tolcher	Prison and Jail Ministry, Archdiocese of Atlanta