Deacon Richard Tolcher was recently tapped to serve on the Georgia Interfaith Council, a group of religious leaders who will advise Gov. Nathan Deal on criminal justice reform.

Some 14 men and women, all religious leaders, represent different houses of worship on the council, which was established in April.

The council’s charge is to identify where faith-based ministries, private organizations and state agencies can help prisoners transition from incarceration to re-entry in the community.

Deacon Tolcher leads the prison and jail ministry for the Atlanta Archdiocese. There are 22 prisons and 70 jails located in the archdiocese.