KENNEDALE, Texas  Patrons of several sexually oriented businesses can expect a postcard in the mail noting their recent visits  not from the establishments, but from a nearby church.
According to the Star-Telegram, the Rev. Jim Norwood, pastor of Oakcrest Family Church, is planning to send postcards inviting people who frequent the clubs to visit his church.
To do that, the church purchased five digital cameras with zoom lenses with the intention of photographing license plates of vehicles parked at the clubs. By using the Internet, the church will find the addresses of vehicle owners and send an invitation that begins: "Observed you in the neighborhood. Didn't know if you were aware that there is a church in the area."
The cards will list services and touts the church's "counseling and classes on sexual addictions as well as drug and alcohol addictions," the newspaper reported. The photos will appear on the cards as well as a map showing the proximity of the adult business to the church.
Norwood said the goal is to help the city force the businesses out by helping their customers, whom he believes are addicted to pornography. While experts say the campaign is legal, critics charge it is a scare tactic gone too far.
Steven Swander, a lawyer who represents one of the strip clubs, said sending the postcards is intimidation, while acknowledging the church is exercising the same right to free speech as his client.
"I think there is a broad right to solicit," Swander said. "But it's kind of like a Scarlet Letter type of approach. You're trying to brand somebody as not pure (for) doing something you don't like."
Norwood said he is not trying to embarrass or intimidate anyone. Many in his congregation are former drug addicts, criminals and recovering alcoholics, and they do not look down their noses at people with sexual addictions or other problems, he said.
"And they will tell you that for the most part, it isn't any different than a cocaine or another type of addiction. We don't want (customers) thinking we're the enemy, because we're not," he said.
Roger Albright, a Dallas attorney who takes cases for the American Civil Liberties Union, said Oakcrest is not violating any laws by snapping photos and sending postcards.
"I would be concerned about the misuse of public information," he said. "But in terms of the campaign  hey, if you're in the public place, you're in the public place."
At a Dec. 11 city council meeting, city leaders welcomed the effort but made it clear they would not be involved with it.
Oakcrest has received pledges of moral and monetary support from about a half dozen nearby churches. The Rev. Marvin Raines, pastor of Liberty Church in south Kennedale, told the newspaper he considers the tactic a little harsh, but necessary.
"I have mixed emotions about the cards," Raines said. "The goal is not to hurt people. We want to reach those people. We want to get in and help them change their lives."
