Suit Challenges Faith-Based Prison Program

The Free New Mexican on Wednesday reported on a law suit filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation challenging a Christian ministry program and a "God Pod" housing unit at privately run New Mexico Women’s Correctional Facility in Grants, NM. Plaintiffs argue that these programs impermissibly endorse and promote religion. The Corrections Department’s website says the programs are designed to help inmates “establish or strengthen a relationship with God” ; learn to live in a faith community; overcome addictive habits and other problems; strengthen family relationships; and "form new relationships within the Christian community." The state argues that faith-based programs do not violate the Constitution. Participation is voluntary, and the goal is to teach life skills, not religion.