First Baptist Woodstock Pastor Named To Criminal Justice Council

A Woodstock pastor will serve on Gov. Nathan Deal's newly created Governor’s Interfaith Council.

Pastor Johnny Hunt of First Baptist Church of Woodstock will join 13 other religious leaders on the council, which is part of the governor's efforts to expand upon recent criminal justice reforms. 

These advisers will "work to identify areas in which faith-based ministries, private organizations and state agencies can partner to address prisoner re-entry," the governor's office said in a news release. 

“Faith communities and religious leaders are critical to ensuring the success of our criminal justice reform initiatives,” Deal said. “On any given day, their houses of worship minister to prisoners, give comfort to family members and provide assistance to returning citizens. These council members are on the front lines in Georgia communities, and their perspective and experience are invaluable. I’m grateful for their willingness to serve.”

Interfaith Council Members:

• Dr. Bill Coates, Jr. of First Gainesville Baptist Church, Gainesville
• Rev. Darrell D. Elligan of The True Light Baptist Church, Atlanta
• Rev. Agnes Harvey of Rocky Head United Methodist Church, Stockbridge
• Pastor Johnny Hunt of First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Woodstock
• Rev. Rodney A. Lackey of Antioch Baptist Church, Gainesville
• Pastor Tony Lowden of Lundy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Macon
• Rev. Clarence Moore of Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Columbus
• Rev. Adrian S. Niles of Mount Enon Baptist Church, Monroe
• Rabbi Larry Schlesinger of Temple Beth Israel, Macon
• Pastor Daniel Simmons of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Albany
• Dr. E. Dewey Smith of The House of Hope, Decatur
• Rev. Jacqueline Smith of Presiding Elder of AME Church, Valdosta/Albany district
• Rev. Thurmond N. Tillman of First African Baptist Church, Savannah
• Rev. Mr. Richard Tolcher of Prison and Jail Ministry, Archdiocese of Atlanta