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Christianity Today, October (Web-only), 2007 |

Surrendering at Church—to the Cops

A Memphis church welcomes fugitives who come to turn themselves in.

Lucky Severson, Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly | posted 10/30/2007 04:40PM

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"There's been somewhat of a division between the justice system and the community, especially the religious community," Ray said. Of the fugitives who surrendered at the church, many said they came in precisely because it was a church.

After the warrants are verified, those surrendering are fingerprinted and photographed. Most cases are heard on the same day, and the outcomes may be more lenient than they would be at 201 Poplar.

"We try to fashion a settlement that will let these people get this over with today and go home with their cases disposed of," said Mary Thorsberg, assistant district attorney.

Related Elsewhere:

A version of this story first appeared on the PBS program Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly.

The next surrender period is November 1—3 at Bible Way Church in Washington, D. C.

Other articles on politics and law are available in our full-coverage section.

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October (Web-only) 2007, Vol. 51

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Paula

Posted: October 31, 2007 5:56 PM


I'm from the Memphis area. I think this is a great idea. The Memphis Fugitive Safe Surrender had the most fugitives. If it helps the people as a whole (the fugitives and law enforcement) who cares if it "violates church & state"?

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