“God is too big to be concerned about somebody smoking a joint.”
By Michael Komorn
The “war on drugs” has yet another opposition — this time, a network of pastors is speaking out against the devastating effect it has had on the black community.
(Related: Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette Obsessed with Marijuana)
At a conference called “View from the Pulpit: Faith Leaders and Drug Decriminalization,” held at American Baptist College in Nashville, religious leaders focused on the moral injustice of the drug laws, rather the morality of drugs themselves.
Potential attendees were reminded in a press release released in advance of the conference,, that African-Americans only make up 13 percent of the U.S. population and 13 percent of drug users. Yet, they account for 38 percent of those arrested for drug law violations and 59 percent of those convicted of drug law violations.
(Related: Medical Marijuana Laws Do Not Increase Teen Use)
Rev. John Jackson from Trinity United Church of Christ in Gary, Indiana, spoke on camera about his beliefs on God and weed:
“I have had several people share with me privately, ‘Reverend, I smoke weed and I know I shouldn’t.’ I say, ‘Let me stop you right there. I don’t believe the God we serve is that small or petty to be concerned about you smoking weed. I don’t think God cares about that.’ I let them know that our God is too big to be concerned about somebody smoking a joint.”
The group of black pastors has an unexpected supporter in the televangelist Pat Robertson who indicated to his predominantly conservative audience last year that he also supported the decriminalization of drugs:
“I just think it’s shocking how many of these young people wind up in prison and they get turned into hardcore criminals because they had a possession of a very small amount of controlled substance. The whole thing is crazy.”
(Related: DEA: “Prescription Drug Abuse is the Nation’s fastest-growing drug problem”)
The conference was sponsored by The Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference, American Baptist College and The Drug Policy Alliance.
If you or someone you know is facing charges for a controlled substance, call an expert at 800-656-3557, and get the defense you need.
Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/15/god-smoke-weed_n_3444642.html
