Sentenced to church?

The city judge in the southern Alabama town of Bay Minette has decided on an interesting approach to sentencing nonviolent misdemeanor offenders. He's offering them the option: either go to jail and pay a fine, or go to church weekly for a year.

Those who choose the church option are able to select the church of their choice (out of a list of 56 churches currently participating), but must check in with the pastor and with police weekly. The police chief in the town is a supporter of the program, expressing the hope that it will enable some people who are currently heading down the wrong path to change directions.

It's an interesting approach, don't you think? Let's hope it works!

If you're interested in learning more about it, go to this link.