Posted: 12/19/03
Faith-based prison touted in Florida
TAMPA, Fla. (RNS)–Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has announced the creation of what he calls the nation's first entirely faith-based prison at a facility in his state.
Bush made the announcement in Tampa at one of a series of conferences sponsored by his brother's White House Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives.
He applauded the work done by the office instituted by President George W. Bush, as well as the efforts by Attorney General John Ashcroft to recognize faith-based organizations.
“It is imperative for government to work in close and careful coordination with community and faith-based organizations, because government alone will never solve the problems tearing the fabric of our society,” he said.
The governor's plan is for more than 790 inmates to live in eight dormitories at the Lawtey Correctional Institution in Raiford, Fla. Participation by inmates is voluntary, and entry into the program will not depend on the inmate's faith preference or lack of faith. Those who choose to be part of the program will be involved in faith-based activities seven days a week. Programs will focus on family life, personal growth and life skills.
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