Send To Friend 
CaptionTweet This! http://mync.com/site/43804/
In December, North Carolina legislators barred sex offenders from coming within 300 feet of any place intended for the use, care and supervision of minors.
But now, that law is being challenged in court.
James Nichols is in court fighting for his right to worship, but many people fear for the safety of the children.
"I think everybody has the right to redeem themselves no matter what they did in their past. They have a right to go to church," Nichols said.
Nichols spent six years in jail for indecent liberties with a teenage girl and attempted rape. He was release last September and joined Moncure Baptist Church.
Until one day in March, when the Chatham County Sheriff's Department got a call about a person making sexual advances in the parking lot of the church. Lt. Steve Maynor said it turned out not to be Nichols.
"There was a report filed with patrol about other allegations, through that report we found out that there were sex offenders at the church," Maynor said.
Nichols was arrested for being within 300 feet of a childcare center, along with another registered sex offender Frank DeMaio who also attended the church.
This has many community members like Naomi Harris concerned.
"I wouldn't feel comfortable even if he redeemed himself because I would always have that in the back of my mind," Harris said.
Others including Shirley Gunther feel a bit different.
"I don't see in the Bible that God ever turned anyone away, whether you're a child molester [or] whatever. God welcomes all people," Gunther said.
Nichols' lawyers said the legislation is unconstitutional.
But the Assistant District Attorney Kayley Taber said it's all about keeping people safe.
"The legislator has a specific purpose and passing these sex offenders control status and it's protecting the public," Taber said.
In court, the pastor of the church says he knew Nichols' past but thought he was sincere. He says he didn't realize there were legal issues until the arrest.
The judge continued the case until Nov. 12.
Report Abuse 
Comments
By Joe on 10/29 10:04 PM
"Ah, the Christian heart! Forgive your brother forty times forty, wasn't it? I'm just glad god isn't alive to see this. Pathetic." -John It isnt Christians doing this; its the law. I am sure Christians are just as split about the issue as any atheist/muslim/whatever. You are completely reactionary; incapable of a meaningful discussion. You obviously have a chip on your shoulder, and if there is a negative story with the word Christian in it, you start throwing poorly aimed punches; and none of them connect.
By John on 10/29 09:21 PM
Ah, the Christian heart! Forgive your brother forty times forty, wasn't it? I'm just glad god isn't alive to see this. Pathetic.
By Leanne on 10/29 08:54 PM
There has to be an answer. God loves everyone, sex offenders included. Sex offenders are one of the worst and most dangerous type of people. Parents need to know that their children are safe in Church, Sunday School, and Nursery while the offenders should be entitled to being fed the word of God. Wouldn't a good compromise be for registered sex offenders be allowed to attend church under the condition that they are escorted by a responsible person who never lets them leave their sight while on the property? This would mean that it would have to be someone of the same sex who would also accompany the offender to the restroom if needed, checking for children before the person enters? The rules on who the escort is and how to qualify the escort would need to be worked out. As a parent, I would be OK with that.
By E. G. Cayton on 10/29 08:39 PM
Child molesters may believe in redemption by finding what they may call religion. Similarly, murderers and rapist may believe they also have found religion and consequently secure the notion they have changed and can now be trusted in the public sector. All religious text are guideposts to inspire individuals to the fulfillment of each particular belief. From these texts men have designed laws to protect the majority from the minority who make a choice to harm another whether it be murder, rape or child abuse. Once the choice has been made they have fallen from the standards of ethics each of us chooses to follow or not. Once fallen, there is no return for such horrid crimes. Rape, murder or sexual abuse, even mental abuse forced upon a child may be forgiven by God, but not by man. It is ridiculous that any offender of such vile crimes would choose to fight in a court of law his right to freedom of religion. He gave up that right when he abused a child. Given the opportunity, he will do the same, no study has ever proven different. Consider, would you allow this individual into your home and share the lives of your children with him while not under absolute supervision. A responsible NO would be the answer and that in itself answers the questiion of whether or not he should be allowed access to any place (church) where children worship or play. This is ridiculous. When you invite evil into your life what is it you expect in return.
Post A Comment