Judge outlaws prison group's Bible program

[Janice]

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- A judge has ruled that a Bible-based prison program violates the First Amendment's freedom of religion clause by using state funds to promote Christianity to inmates.

Prison Fellowship Ministries, which was sued in 2003 by an advocacy group, was ordered Friday to cease its program at the Newton Correctional Facility and repay the state $1.53 million.

"This calls into question the funding for so many programs," said Barry Lynn, executive director of the Washington-based Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which filed the suit. "Anyone who doesn't stop it is putting a giant 'sue me' sign on top of their building."

Lynn's group accused Prison Fellowship Ministries of giving preferential treatment to inmates participating in the program. They were given special visitation rights, movie-watching privileges, access to computers and access to classes needed for early parole.

U.S. District Judge Robert Pratt called the perks "seemingly minor benefits" that constituted unfair treatment to those not in the religious program. Despite any claims of rehabilitating inmates, the program "impermissibly endorses religion," Pratt wrote.

The InnerChange Freedom Initiative was implemented in Newton in 1999. State prison officials have said they hired the religious group to improve inmate behavior and reduce recidivism -- not promote Christianity.

Ministry president Mark Earley said in a statement Friday that the group plans to appeal the ruling and believes its program is constitutional.

"This decision, if allowed to stand, will enshrine religious discrimination," Earley said. "It has attacked the right of people of faith to operate on a level playing field in the public arena and to provide services to those who volunteered to receive them."

The judge gave the group's workers 60 days to leave the prison, though he put a stay on his order, meaning the decision won't officially be implemented until the appeals process is complete.

[Audrey2Katrina]

Could say a lot here; but by-laws prohibit it... suffice it to say this doesn't surprise me at all.

A2K

[southerngale]

How dare these Prison Fellowship Ministries people try to use the Bible to help these inmates reach a "better place" - I mean, they might actually have a change of heart and regret their crimes, and when (if) they get out of prison, go and talk to youngsters about their mistakes and how God changed their lives. We can't have that, now can we?

[Audrey2Katrina]

How dare these Prison Fellowship Ministries people try to use the Bible to help these inmates reach a "better place" - I mean, they might actually have a change of heart and regret their crimes, and when (if) they get out of prison, go and talk to youngsters about their mistakes and how God changed their lives. We can't have that, now can we?

Speaks volumes!

A2K

[george_r_1961]

Oh geez do people have anything better to do? Its been proven that inmates who actively participate in religious activities are better behaved inmates and are less likely to re offend after release. Id rather see them reading the Bible than assaulting guards or other inmates.

About 16 years ago while locked up (yes ive been in jail before as i was a nitwit) I met a young man incarcerated on a drug charge. Every time the chaplain, a hellfire and brimstone Southern Baptist preacher, came around the would talk for a long time. After about a year he finally got his trial and since hed been in jail since his arrest he was given time served and probation. I saw this gentleman about 4 years ago; he was employed as a truck driver and now has a family. And he attends church every sunday. He credited that chaplain for helping him turn his life around. I wonder how many more like him "saw the light" and now lead law abiding productive lives.

[brunota2003]

a hellfire and brimstone Southern Baptist preacher

IMHO those guys are the best I think its wrong that they do that though...for the same reasons you guys have stated here...plus its unconstitional...(except to inmates who dont have "rights") whatever that is...

[george_r_1961]

a hellfire and brimstone Southern Baptist preacher

IMHO those guys are the best :) I think its wrong that they do that though...for the same reasons you guys have stated here...plus its unconstitional...(except to inmates who dont have "rights") whatever that is...

You bet they are..im Catholic and have yet to meet a priest that can get your attention like a southern Baptist preacher can

[Cookiely]

All I can say is Satan is among us and hard at work. He will do anything to prevent God's message from being heard.

[Janice]

I thought Gods word was for all sinners. Or does society think that does not include the prisoners. We are still a society that God and laws are only for certain people.