Judge orders ministry out of Iowa prison

[CornField]

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060612-094000-1767r

DES MOINES, Iowa, June 12 (UPI) -- A federal judge has ruled that Iowa crossed the First Amendment line when it contracted with an evangelical Christian program for prison inmates.

U.S. District Judge Robert Pratt ordered Prison Fellowship Ministries to repay $1.5 million and to terminate its InnerChange program within 60 days. In a decision last week, he found that the program is "pervasively sectarian," the Christian Science Monitor reported.

Inmates of any faith or no faith could participate in the program. But non-Christians said they were discouraged from joining.

The program includes mandatory religious services and classes with inmates encouraged to accept Jesus Christ. Inmates in the program were rewarded with privileges.

Yes!! I've been watching this one and am so happy to *finally* have the law upheld. My government dollars should not be used to promote or otherwise enhance any particular religion. Further, no one in the United States (that includes convicted lawbreakers) should be forced or cohersed into a religious belief.

[Erika]

1. Our taxes should not be used for religious purposes.

If a particular church wants to offer their services, let them pay the costs themselves. I can't remember reading in the Bible about Christ charging for his ministry.

[IndianaGreen]

2. That's right, my tax money shouldn't go to spread Christianity

just as my cable TV fees should not be used to subsidize religious channels.

[susanna]

3. Hallelujah.

I know it's a Christian saying, but I'm telling you I think it is absolutely right what this judge did. As a Christian, I believe in the call. Meaning folks come on their own, without pressure. But then I'm a weirdo.

[suegeo]

4. Maybe the Virgin Mary doesn't like Nixon's Hatchet Man

This is the group founded by that criminal Chuck Colson.

[saigon68]

5. criminal Chuck Colson. Feeding at PUBLIC TROUGH

A PIG