Given my own experiences with paroled felons this seems an extremely ill-advised course of action. While there are a few inmates who truly find Jesus in prison , the percentage of those who are sincere is minuscule. Church, for most inmates is, at best, a diversion. Attending services or availing themselves of spiritual counseling is a break from the tedium of prison life. It is a chance to socialize without a high level of scrutiny from guards, it affords them an opportunity to pass along messages, contraband and, for many, it is a chance to practice their con artist skills.
There are many preachers, priests and ministers through out this country who are truly spiritual guides. Unfortunately, there are far too many hucksters and con artists posing as emissaries of God. The plan of a State agency to train, at taxpayer expense, more of this ilk is monumentally unwise.
