Church Finds New Way to Convert Gangs to Contribute to Society

Drug abuse and drug-addiction is a common problem among the youth in London and in major cities across the UK. On the gathering of police and church leaders, the Bishop of Birmingham, Rt Rev John Sentamu, brought out his suggestion about how to tackle the problem.

Problems of drugs, guns and gangs are bringing increasing trouble to Birmingham’s streets. Looking upon the rapid spread of drug abuse to all areas of the city from the black community in Aston, Rev Sentamu called for the joint action of church leaders, the police and the city council.

Rev Sentamu reminded the church and police leaders, including the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Paul Scott Lee, “you have a responsibility to take steps that would reassure people from disadvantaged areas of the city that you should be doing more than merely talking.”

One of the possible reasons for the youths to commit crimes is often referred to the emptiness in their lives. Apart from school work, they do not have a way to spend their spare time constructively, so committing crimes reflects their desires to pursue excitement that may bring them satisfaction.

Rev Sentamu therefore came up with a creative suggestion in combating crimes. He believes that youngsters who go into drug dealing often have entrepreneurial skills, which could be used for a productive purpose if they were given opportunity.

He suggested, “Encouraging young people to channel their entrepreneurial skills into business could deter them from drug dealing.” Gangs are destroying the city’s community and the only way of preventing the cycle of a life of crime continuing was to provide equally exciting alternatives, he explained.

“We have an idea to encourage young people to take up legitimate business ideas and get a buzz from entrepreneurial activity that contributes to the economic and civic life of the city, instead of getting a rush from selling drugs or handling guns.”

Bishop Sentamu looks at these young drug criminals with eyes of faith, “Successful entrepreneurs and business people share the same characteristics as many of our disaffected youth – risk-taking, persistence, energy, focus and competitiveness.”

The Bishop also has a high expectation to this project which can bring new hope to the city, which is being killed by crack-cocaine, guns and gangs.

To support the constructive business project for these youths, he hopes to raise money to give young people the opportunity to run micro-businesses at school time. The churches in Birmingham, and the city police aim to launch the project next year. They are planning to appoint a facilitator to develop the idea.