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| Ohio Prison Drawing Attention for Religious Programs |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 08/05/2003 |
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Inmates at the state prison here say calm has replaced rampant drugs and violence since the arrival of a new warden seven years ago. As well as starting more education and job training programs at Marion Correctional Institution, Warden Christine Money has drawn national attention for programs that allow inmates greater freedom to exercise religious beliefs. Promise Keepers, a Christian men's group, will come to the prison about 45 miles north of Columbus on Aug. 12 for its first rally behind bars. But some civil liberties groups say they worry about a state institution promoting faith to a captive audience. ''When I first got here in 1993, this place was unbelievable,'' said John Burroughs, from Lorain, who is serving a seven- to 25-year sentence for rape. ''This was a very evil, dark prison. I was scared for my life.'' Since Money's arrival, drug offenses and violence against corrections officers and other inmates have almost disappeared, officials said. The prison also greatly reduced the number of grievances filed by inmates, which once averaged 100 a month. Last month, 12 were filed. ''It's wonderful,'' said Reginald Wilkinson, director of the state Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. ''I'd have that everywhere if I could. It sets the tone for the entire prison.'' Money, who came to Marion in 1996 from the state women's prison at Marysville, has introduced or enhanced eight religious programs. Money also has helped create or improve secular programs, including a literacy initiative. ''It is the most rewarding thing to see men change,'' said Money. ''I have seen miracle after miracle.'' The prison's Horizon interfaith dormitory, where 48 Christians, Jews and Muslims live in family units of six, will be honored by the American Correctional Association at its meeting Aug. 12 in Nashville, Tenn. About 900 inmates, more than half of the prison's population of about 1,650, are expected to participate in the Promise Keepers rally the same day. |
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