In Lawtey Florida on Christmas Day 2003, Governor Jeb Bush led in the dedication of a
Faith-Based Prison. Gov Bush spoke to the 791 resident prisoners saying, "This is not just
fluffy policy; this is serious policy." "For the people who are skepitical about this initiative, I
am proud that Florida is the home to the first faith-based prison in the United States."
The resident prisoners were told more than a month ago that a new faith based program would
be installed at the Lawty Correctional Institution where they were housed. Any who did not
want to be a part of it, were encouraged to apply for a transfer to another institution. So far
111 have opted out. The idea is to create a positive inmate subculture in the prison using
religion as the guiding principle for ethical behavior and world view. Many secular people
resist the use of religion in prison. It is sure to evoke a Federal Law Suite, however, Governor
Bush seems willing for Florida to be the state to make the case for the a Faith Based Prison.
Those people who have worked around prison know that Faith is an important element in
behavior change. Many of us have contended all along that this would be a good practice.
We have had successful examples in Brazil and Ecuador. In this country faith based private
prison managers have had successful faith based programs for many years in California,
Texas, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and Ohio. Alabama has had a Faith Based Dorm managed
by the chaplain in each of its prisons for several years. That effort has been judged to be
successful by the wardens. Lawtey Correctonal Institution has inmates who identify with 26
different faith groups.
While the effort is speerheaded by Christians, it is not limited to one group. Volunteers will be
solicited to teach each faith community. The ethic of all major world religions has a high
degree of similarity and can be used to build a successful and effective lifestyle. To avoid the
use of Faith to assist prisoners in their hunt for a new lifestyle is to put a major handicap in
their path. American prisons have traditionally handicapped their prisoners in this way. In the
name of separation of church and state, our country is literally condemning many prisoners to
a meaningless and unsuccessful life. Let the religious community come forth to support
faith-based efforts!
Education in prison is helpful, but it is often unequipped to change motivation. Faith deals
directly with motivation issues and should be a major element in the offerings to those
prisoners who are looking for a new lifestyle.
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In His Love & In His Service,
Rev. Ricky Joe Thompson
Founder/Director: C. A. S. A. Recovery Ministries
casarecov@aol.com
Send prayer request to: CASAprayer@aol.com
or
Add to Prayer Book at: CASA Prayer Page
or
Become a Prayer Partner
Join CASA Recovery Ministries Group at: Main Page CASA Recovery Ministries
We love each of you in Christ Jesus. We never intend to intrude or offend anyone.
God's Bless each of you!
Matthew 25:35-40
JESUS is Lord!
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