Back to RJ Archive

Church arsonist doubts God will forgive him

May 16, 2010

….Lumax said her congregation wants to contact Jones through a restorative justice program in a bid to keep him out of trouble. She addressed Jones several times in court and said she would be willing to accompany him in a process of reconciliation.

“I was hoping he was hearing what I was saying, that we don’t hold vengeance toward him,” Lumax said outside court.

….Jones falls into a category of arsonists described as “thrill seekers,” said a psychologist who assessed him. Jones admitted to being fascinated by the glow of fires when he was younger and was previously implicated in a fire at his mother’s condominium.

The judge said Jones is at high risk of reoffending.

“The first arson was reckless, if not intentional. The second arson was beyond reckless; it was done with the intention of burning the church down,” he said.

Parishioners at the United Church have been worshipping in different locations since the fire, Lumax said. The arson has caused the community to come together in new ways.

The United Church is planning to rebuild on the same location and to be open by Christmas 2011. It is not known what will happen to the Lutheran Church.

Read the whole article.

Tags:

Blog PostCourtsNorth America and CaribbeanPolicePost-Conflict ReconciliationPrisonsRJ in SchoolsRJ OfficeStatutes and LegislationVictim Support
Support the cause

We've Been Restoring Justice for More Than 40 Years

Your donation helps Prison Fellowship International repair the harm caused by crime by emphasizing accountability, forgiveness, and making amends for prisoners and those affected by their actions. When victims, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational.

Donate Now