Would you go to church each Sunday for a year if it meant you could avoid a jail sentence? Starting today, first-time, nonviolent offenders in Bay Minette, Ala., will have that option.

the new program — dubbed Operation ROC for "Restore Our Community" — will give those found guilty of minor crimes the choice of jail, a fine or attending church each Sunday for a year. Those who choose church will have to check in with a pastor and the police department each week.

According to the Press-Register, Mike Rowland, the local police chief, says the measure was the result of meetings held with church leaders.

"It was agreed by all the pastors that at the core of the crime problem was the erosion of family values and morals," Rowland said, adding that the goal is to produce "productive citizens."

Critics of the new measure — including the American Civil Liberties Union — say it's unconstitutional.

Olivia Turner, executive director for the ACLU of Alabama, is quoted in the Press-Register as saying, "It violates one basic tenet of the Constitution, namely that government can't force participation in religious activity."

Rowland's response is that those concerns aren't valid because offenders aren't being forced to go to church; they're simply being given the choice.

What do you think: Should first-time, nonviolent offenders be allowed to see their cases dismissed if they attend church services for a year? How much of an impact will attending church have on those who have broken the law? Would you support a similar measure enacted in Michigan?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below or email me at

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Simon A. Thalmann is the online editor for Booth Features.