ATLANTA -- Churches will play a pivotal role in Georgia's efforts to help children and prison inmates, according to a report in Baptist Press.
Speaking to nearly 180 Georgia Baptist pastors and their legislators Jan. 29, newly elected Gov. Sonny Perdue said churches and other faith-based agencies will be included in his "New Georgia" strategy.
"The New Testament teaches that we all have an obligation to help others," said Perdue, a Baptist layman. "I want to call on pastors to redeem people, bring them to God, and then turn them loose in service to others."
Perdue outlined plans for two new programs, "One Child, One Church" and "One Inmate, One Church." The programs will enable churches to become involved in foster care to children who are in state custody and to inmates who are transitioning back into society, according to the report. Details of each plan were not provided.
"There are people in prison who need to remain there for a long time, but there are also those who will be moving back into society and need to be restored to a productive role in society," Perdue said. "They will need the help of a church to give them the love and understanding and spiritual foundation to help them in their new life. No one is better qualified to help turn a life around than our churches."
