Category: Prison and Religion
Jewish inmates who follow strict religious diets at state prisons are no longer provided meals in line with their beliefs. Muslims must now eat vegan food to satisfy their religious requirements.
Wesley Spratt, an ordained minister in the Universal Life Church, preached for about seven years in prison after undergoing a religious awakening and receiving what he said was a calling from God.
The “InnerChange Freedom Initiative” has seen evangelicals take over wings of prisons around the nation and set up special courses for chosen inmates. Supporters say it cuts down repeat offending – but opponents say it is evangelism by the back door, paid for in part by the state.
The removal of the books is occurring nationwide – part of a long-delayed post-Sept. 11 federal directive designed to prevent radical religious texts, specifically Islamic ones, from falling into the hands of violent inmates.
An inmate serving life in prison for a torture murder that sent two co-defendants to death row wants a federal judge to approve a toy sword and other items and privileges for the practice of an ancient European religion.
In a ruling favorable to an inmate who sued after a Virginia prison denied his request for kosher meals, a federal appeals court on Friday upheld a federal law that protects the religious rights of incarcerated people.
LAFAYETTE — As a young husband and father, Russell Roseberry was hesitant to accept an invitation from the late Larry Gates to participate in prison ministry at the Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel. “I had been praying for specific direction, but I didn’t know if I wanted prison,” Roseberry said. “I had a wife and children.” As the director of InnerFaith Prison Ministry recalls that moment some 25 years later, he is at peace, having long ago found a place within prison walls. Curiosity convinced him to make his first trip with Gates into a prison. Being there confirmed
HAWKINSVILLE, Ga. – Georgia officials are trying a new faith-based program at six state prisons, which they hope will help inmates stay out of trouble once they are released. The program seeks to teach inmates personal responsibility, ethics, life skills, tolerance and respect for themselves and others. Already, 444 inmates have entered the program at Pulaski State Prison. The program has also being established at prisons in Walker, Habersham, Macon, Lowndes and Calhoun counties. Officials plan to start a faith-based program in all state prisons. Most Georgia prisons employ chaplains, and inmates attend Bible study and worship services. But the
BALTIMORE (AP) – Maryland’s Division of Correction is adopting a nondenominational personal growth program for Christian inmates based on a best-selling book. A California prison was the first to offer the program last year. It is based on the Rev. Rick Warren’s book “The Purpose-Driven Life,” and California officials credit it with helping to reduce prison violence by nearly 40 percent. Volunteers from Maryland churches will implement the program for any inmates who choose to attend. More than 125 inmates already have signed up for the first session at the Maryland Correctional Training Center near Hagerstown. Organizers said they hope
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A convicted rapist has filed suit against the state prison system, claiming he isn’t allowed to preach Christianity to fellow inmates. Peter Paul Ventura Jr., 47, an inmate at the Cheshire Correctional Institution, recently filed the lawsuit against the Department of Correction in Superior Court. Ventura is seeking an injunction requiring the department to end any actions that he claims put a burden on his religious practice. The lawsuit alleges Ventura has been threatened with disciplinary action if he “preaches, teaches or fellowships in the Christian faith,” in the prison yard or recreation area. Ventura wants
