Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains
Publication year:
2012
| Cataloged on:
May. 23, 2012
ANNOTATION: This report “presents a rare window into religion behind bars. Although chaplains, like all observers, undoubtedly bring their own perspectives and predilections to bear, they also occupy a valuable vantage point as correctional workers who have regular, often positive interactions with inmates and take a strong interest in the role of religion in inmates’ lives” (p. 9). Sections following an executive summary are: profile of state prison chaplains; what prison chaplains do and what they think they should do; the role of religious volunteers; chaplains’ perspectives on the religious lives of inmates; and chaplains’ views on the correctional system. Most prison chaplains are Protestant Christians (71%) with 7% being Muslim. Their prime duties are personally leading worship services and administering religious programming. Religious extremism appears to be most prevalent in Muslims (57%), with pagan or earth-based religions (39%), and Protestants (24%) comprising the top three.
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