Research Papers / How do others and clergy see their job in ministering to the imprisoned offender? [2]

This paper is for Introductions to Corrections and I am not sure if I used my references properly. Are the references correct, did I forget anyone. I am still learning how to do reference's.

How do others and clergy see their job in ministering to the imprisoned offender?

10 Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom,
prisoners suffering in iron chains,
11 for they had rebelled against the words of God
and despised the counsel of the Most High.
12 So he subjected them to bitter labor;
they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom
and broke away their chains.
15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,
16 for he breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron.
(Psalm 107 10:16, New International Version, NIV)

One has to wonder what a prisoner thinks when reading this bible verse. To understand this particular verse one see's that the offender must have just realized his guiltiness and desolation. But only through God will the prisoner gain deliverance from their confinement if they so choose. They find that a gracious God will forgive them for their sins if they ask. Most people think that those in prison deserve to be punished for whatever wrongful deed the prisoner perpetrated on the innocent but, the clergy will help the offender to ask for deliverance and repent for such sins from God. Do you know anyone in Prison? Have you ever reached out to a prisoner? Have you or do you pray for those in prison? Do you pray for the clergy that service the prisoners? All Indiana prisons have outreach programs in which to support the offender spiritually, whether they (the prisoner) are male, female, or juvenile. Do these programs work for the spiritual wellbeing of these incarcerated individuals or are these Christians wasting their time? We will take a look at visiting rules for clergy for the state and county along with the program called PLUS offered to prisoners from the clergy in the state of Indiana, in addition a questionnaire was sent out to clergy that service jails/prisons in Noble County and the state of Indiana area. Results to the questionnaire will also be forthcoming in this personal interest report but most importantly we hope to answer the following question: How do the other and clergy see their job in ministering to the imprisoned offender?

Let's take a look at some basic rules for State of Indiana and Noble County visitation in general and clergy. The Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) has rules in which clergy can counsel inmates but a specific form is to be filled out before visitation from anyone including clergy may visit. The prisoner fills out the state form 14387 "Application For Visiting Privileges." The IDOC policy handbook states and defines the clergy as "a single spiritual advisor designated by the offender who is an accredited representative or minister of the offender's personally designated religion or another person, not a family member, designated by the offender to provide spiritual advice." It is noted that it states a "single" advisor, which if understood properly the prisoner is not allowed to have more than one spiritual advisor on the said visitors list. In Noble County there is a minimum security prison called Chain O Lakes. This facility holds weekly services and the clergy meets with the inmates on a one on one basis if needed. The "single advisor" described in the IDOC policy handbook is also found in the local Noble County Jail (NCJ), as two family friends are Pastors and the local jail would not permit the second Pastor to visit our son while incarcerated. The Noble County Jail policy states that they allow "approved visiting clergy, who have proper identification and authorization, to visit at reasonable and specified times." One has to wonder what qualifies as proper identification. The Noble County visiting clergy policy also states that they "have two (2) on staff Chaplains and they are available twenty four hours a day and seven days a week for assistance. In addition, the Chaplains at the NCJ make weekly visits at their facility for the religious needs of the inmate." Other than servicing the NCJ with two Chaplains, weekly services are not held and spiritual programs are not offered at this time.

It is found that the IDOC has various programs to engage the incarcerated inmates but few are spiritually based. One such program is called PLUS which stands for "Purposeful Living Units Serve." "This program started out in only three correctional facilities only to rapidly expand to nine but by the end of the 2006 year, monies are earmarked for every prison in the state," as Anne Ryder from Eyewitness News states in her newscast. Anne Ryder takes a look inside the Indiana Women Prison, and brings forward a story of Hope to Tell. Ryder explains this new programs and interviews inmates enrolled in the PLUS program. With the use of area clergy and volunteers this program uses no state funds, "PLUS is trying to change lives through faith and character training. The PLUS program is trying to reduce recidivism, improve personal behavior, and change lives." Women in the PLUS program at the Indiana Women's Prison have high praise in learning to deal with the heinous crimes these women have committed. But one does take notice the fact that not one woman in this interview stated they felt bad about the heartache they caused to the victim's families, only the heartache they caused to themselves. How sanctimonious, manipulative and self-serving of these women. If they feel that God and faith alone will take away their guilt, they are wrong. God helps those who help themselves, meaning finish the PLUS program, learn about yourself and your behavior is a beginning in helping themselves and God will also help. More information on the PLUS program was obtained in a message from the Commissioner Edwin G. Buss as he states he is "confident that the results from the faith-based and character-building program will continue to change the lives of the participants." Buss also stated that the "PLUS program is in 16 prison facilities in the state of Indiana." One can hope and pray that these individuals take this program for the right reasons otherwise, all involved are wasting their time and resources and could be helping someone that truly wants spiritual help.

You have to praise the clergy for all the work they do in jails and prisons, as sometimes the worst of the worst in today's human race are their subjects. It was noticed that in all the twenty two programs offered at Michigan State Prison only 1 program was faith based. One has to wonder why more programs are not offered to Indiana's only death row facility, we are not acknowledging Indiana's federal prison in Terra Haute, Indiana. "A death row inmate Matthew Eric Wrinkles was executed on December 11, 2009 at 12:39 a.m. at the Michigan City Prison for the deaths of his wife, her brother and her brother's wife" according to Chris Keller of Pro Death Penalty web site. The website Pro Death Penalty is biased as it only gives one side to this most controversial subject matter but it gave the information needed for the next intro to Clergy: Faith aiding condemned man in final hours. Christine Kraly of nwi.com interviews Bishop Dale J. Melczek in the final rights of Matthew (Eric) Wrinkles prior to Eric's execution.

According to Melczek, "Eric really believes in the mercy and love of God, he is very peaceful in facing his death. Spiritually, mentally, emotionally (he is) in a very good place." Melczek goes on to say that he has been with Eric for nine to ten years making countless trips with other priest in visiting Wrinkles. "Wrinkles spiritual advisors say that especially in his last days, Wrinkles has transformed from condemned man to a counselor to other inmates and loved ones." One has to wonder why only in Wrinkles last days did this take place when his spiritual advisors have been visiting for years. Other advisors for Wrinkles were "Deacon Malcolm Lunsford of Merrillville's SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Reverend Thomas McNally, of the Congregation of Holy Cross in South Bend make up the three advisors for Wrinkles." "Lunsford and McNally will give Wrinkles his final sacraments." These three men played big, sympathetic roles but were spiritually enhanced advisors to the condemned Wrinkles. One has to wonder how this took place in the beginning of Wrinkles imprisonment and then watch his progress over the last nine to ten years until the final rites where administered.

What does the prison ministry perceive as the problem and solution in connection to jails or prisons? According to Ted Slutz of The Polis Center, the problem is "a large number of U.S. residents are in jail or prison: a situation that burdens the imprisoned, their families, and society. But the solution per Slutz is faith-based organizations are working to reduce recidivism and to serve the imprisoned in various ways: by seeking their religious conversion, by reaching out to their family members, and by promoting legal reform." What a task at hand for the clergy in our prison system. Slutz states "although the number of people imprisoned has doubled in the last two decades the rate of serious crime has decreased significantly." Would the reason behind the increase be due to drug related crimes which would then explain the decrease of seriousness of the crimes committed?

This article gives various contacts and resources for ones use in spiritually helping the offender that is incarcerated in prison. The article states that as there is limited funding that is dwindling year after year so the resources rely heavily on volunteers to go into the prison to minister. Slutz goes onto to explain that someone does care for these offenders in his highlighted area called "Showing That Someone Cares: One reason perhaps that inmates garner little sympathy from the general public is that they are, as a group, unrepresentative of that public. By and large, the incarcerated are poorer and less educated than the general population, and suffer disproportionately from a variety of social and health problems, including mental illness." Slutz hit that description on the head as the general public has nothing in common with the imprisoned and cannot accommodate their actions that put the offender in prison to begin with. So let's take a look at how the local clergy feels about their job in local jails/prisons.

This questionnaire was put together to answer questions the textbook named Corrections in America made mention of on "page 163 in the correctional brief." This brief states "little is known about the duties of the clergy" this is why the questionaire was sent out asking some of these questions. Ten clergy, ministers, pastors were sent a list of 25 questions but only three sent back the filled questionnaire. One of the ten was elderly and could not print out the questions and he lived out of state. One can only assume why the others did not want to participate in this survey of the clergy and jail/prison questions. Of the three that did respond one stated he did not do any type of jail/prison ministry as he never felt the calling to do so. But he did give his opinions on a few of the questions.

The correctional brief ask the question: "do they act proactiviely, or do custody staff members request their assistance in defusing potential disruptive situations?" Out of the three responses on reported for both (prisoners and counseling staff members also). One stated No. The next question the book asked want to know: "to what extent are you an advocate and supporter of prison inmates?" One stated that he does not advocate much with the system. Support is spiritual and personal with their families and themselves to handle the situations. Another stated spiritually/practical leadership. The third question asked from the textbook was: "what type of counseling methods do you use and to what extent is counseling spiritual?" One stated Christ centered and solution focused methods and the other stated that individual cognitive therapy and family therapy, biblical centered. Another question the text asked was: "What are your opinions and sentiments about capital punishment, and serving a death-row population?" One stated we do not have that population and another stated that I support capital punishment for deserving crimes. I believe that there are such evil crimes as well as people beyond the ability to humanly restore that the only course of justice is capital punishment and the third response was one was I believe in the death penalty and believe it to be biblical, but I also believe it important to witness the love of Christ and His gospel to the prisoners on death row, maybe even more urgent that for other inmates. The final question asked in regards of the textbook was: "How do various prison environments support or deprecate the spiritual activities expected of the prison chaplain?" The first response was one of I am allowed free access, part of community advisory board and the other response was I have only seen positive reinforcement and open access. There you have the responses to five questions asked in the textbook but twenty-five questions were asked in total. Asked for qualifications, denominations, degree(s) obtained, position within the prison or jail, saved/baptisms, types of information used (bibles, pamphlets), and how many chaplains help are just a sample of the questions asked. One question asked showed a difference of opinion as it was also noted in class. Do you believe that some people are born evil? One answered with Yes only and the other answered with the following statement, all are born sinners. Sin by it is very nature is evil however I don't think people are born evil. I believe some are born with mental deficiencies that prevent them from discerning moral and immoral as they see everything as amoral such as anti-social disorder. Excellently put Pastor, but it did not sway my personal feelings on this subject matter. A breakdown of the individuals that responded to this questionnaire are as follows: The Pastor that did not fill out the survey but gave his perception to a few questions is David Sheffield from The Albion Wesleyan Pastor in which I currently live, another is the Pastor Jason Tash of the church in which I am a member of is New Hope Wesleyan Church and he is Ordained - Wesleyan Pastor in Columbia City, Indiana and the final participant is the Austin Ferguson of the Chain O lakes Prison located in Albion, Indiana, about eight miles from my home and he has been servicing this prison for twelve years with a Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1971 and Methodist Theological School in 2007. Although only three participated the wish was for all to participate to give a better understanding of the jobs in which the clergy play in enriching the offender's lives.

In conclusion as the verse at the beginning states: 13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress New International Version, NIV could be accomplished through and with the help of the clergy that ministers to these criminals. While some clergy do not feel the need or calling to minister to the offenders others feel this calling so to break the offender free from their inner demons and clean the inner soul and mind. Rules and regulations in the clergy to do his job was new as one would believe that any minister could visit an inmate. But this is not so we see the state of Indiana has specific form that needs to be presented to the prison for visiting to start. In the county no forms but verification needs to be presented to show qualifications for such duty. One will assume all qualified Pastors are given a card such as a drivers license to show validation of requirements. The PLUS program started in only three prisons and has now expanded to sixteen facilities men's and women's as this is great on Indiana's part to see the need for spiritual help of these offenders. Even one of a practicing faith could be imprisoned for an action in the heat of the moment type of crime. These individuals need this reassurance of their faith to continue believing in God. All other none practicing individuals may want to learn the powers that we already know. As stated before the PLUS program needs to be used for the right purpose in order to achieve the full potential outcome. All in all what was obtained in this research of clergy and what they do for our prisoners and how others see the need is a much need positive attribute for our current prison system. Apparently each clergy has a specific calling and jail/prison may not be what they feel is where they are needed. But those that feel this need are passionate in their job to do so. Through their use of positive reinforcement and spiritual healing, these men carry on God's word to all that will listen and grow spiritually from His word and many more programs are needed. With the limited resources and dwindling funds to do so will only impede this much needed help for our prisoners.

Reference
Buss, E. G. (n.d.). PLUS - Faith & Character Based Initiatives. Retrieved March 31, 2011, from IDOC: PLUS - Faith & Character Based Initiatives: in.gov/idoc/2356.htm

Buss, E. G. (2009, April 6). Policy and Administrative Procedures, Manual of Policies and Procedures. Retrieved April 1, 2011, from in.gov/idoc/2322.htm, Visiting Guidlines: in.gov/idoc/files/Visitation.pdf

Department, N. C. (2003, March 21). Noble County Sheriffs Department, Our Clergy Policy. Retrieved March 20, 2011, from noblecountysheriff.org: noblecountysheriff.org/Clergy_Policy.html
Harry E. Allen, E. J. (2010). Corrections in America: An Introduction. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc.
Keller, C. (2009, December 11). Matthew Eric Wrinkle - Indiana Death Row - Scheduled Execution. Retrieved March 31, 2011, from Pro Death Penalty: Resource Community, Execute the guilty Honor the vicitms Educate the uninformed: off2dr.com/modules/extcal/event.php?event=290

Kraly, C. (2009, December 10). Clergy: Faith aiding condemned man in final hours. Retrieved March 31, 2011, from nwi.com: The Largest and Most Trusted Media Company in the Northwest Indiana: nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/article_fbb9cf68-7d0e-5c4c-b93e-7131b71bf fad.html

Ryder, A. (2006, April 28). Program uses Faith, character to reform inmates. Retrieved April 1, 2011, from 13 wthr.com, Hope to Tell: wthr.com/story/4829409/program-uses-faith-character-to-reform-inmates
Slutz, T. (n.d.). Responsive Communities - Prison Ministry. The Polis Center: We bring things into perspective , 2 (1), 8.