Ark. begins faith-based inmate program

[Judi Lynn]

Dec. 1, 2006, 2:46AM
Ark. begins faith-based inmate program

By ANDREW DeMILLO Associated Press Writer
© 2006 The Associated Press

LITTLE ROCK, ARK. — Arkansas correction officials are dedicating a Bible-based program for female prisoners, but a national group said it's a risky move while a similar system is being challenged in federal court.

Forty-nine women have enrolled in the InnerChange Freedom Initiative at the Wrightsville prison, which officials will dedicate Friday.

Under the program, inmates live in a separate unit and attend classes on subjects including computer skills and anger management. They also participate in religious devotionals.

After being released from prison, participants receive guidance from a mentor and a local religious group for at least six months.
(snip/...)

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/4371555.html

[sam sarrha]

1. so you cant get any counceling, job training, safe environment unless you accept state religion

[dbt]

2. "Sandal Camp," maybe?

Arkansas still reminds me of the blind men who went to look at the Elephant. Each of them "saw" a different aspect, but none of them had the whole picture. If this state had legs, it would be A walking contradiction/Partly truth and partly fiction. Oh, well...

:freak:
dbt
Remember New Orleans

[BOSSHOG]

3. Why yes Parole Board Member, I have accepted Jesus and am ready

to be released and become a productive member of society, Praise the Lord. This program has been a godsend to me and my sisters. We have learned so much and this early parole is an answer to the prayers I pray every day while on my knees. Thank you and God Bless you.

[sarcasmo]

4. I wonder if this Atheist would ever be Paroled.

[pitohui]

7. prison is about teaching people to lie and butter up

i suppose they believe it's a necessary skill in today's society

you don't seriously believe these women have actually converted, do you, it's a game they play, they pretend to believe the crap to get the goodies

you would say what you have to say to get away from the most seriously disturbed and psychotic of prisoners who were incapable of even playing the game

probably when you were a kid and you realized there was no santa claus and hence no god playing santa after you die either, you still went along and said what you had to say to avoid getting into trouble or giving your parents pain

these programs are wrong and cross a terrible line -- our right to be free of religion is under severe attack in this country -- so i think you commit no sin when you play the cards you are dealt to the best of your ability, in other words, sure you would be paroled, you would just fib and go along to get along, who would dare to criticize you for doing so?

[noonwitch]

5. This crosses a serious line

I have no problem with the presence of prison ministries within state prisons, who are there to counsel people, pray with them, provide them with religious reading materials, etc., as they are privately funded and do have benefits for voluntary participants. As long as all religions are allowed to offer the same thing, if they have the resources in that community and the interest of at least one inmate. Many churches have good programs in communities for parolees, too, but again, this is a voluntary situation.

I have problems with "special" programs like this, that segregate the "christian" inmates from the rest, and use taxpayer money to do so. Do the inmates who are not participating in this program have the same access to educational and counseling services? I doubt it.

[Bigmack]

6. I want to start a faith-based...

prison program built around Satan.

What do you think of my chances of getting funding?

Hey.... faith is faith.

[VegasWolf]

8. State run "Jesus Camp", do they have to pray to Bush also? nt