The Fellowship of the Earth Prison Minsitry program was formed out of a need to provide resources and support to Pagan prisoners. This program is to facilitate the networking and exchange of information in regards to spiritual needs of incarcerated individuals. We receive many letters from inmates who are requesting contact or support on some level. Based on our experience with what we have encountered thus far, we have categorized these needs into three basic categories.
1. General info
2. Legal aid
3. Verification
While these have been expanded to very general categories, we are keeping them
somewhat broad to compensate for inquiries we have not yet experienced.
Here is a brief outline of what each one of these categories may entail.
General Info
This may be an initial request for information ranging from specifics about
FOTE to people new to the path seeking more direction or materials to study
from. Some may request continuing contact such as a "pen-pal" or study
correspondence. Some just want contact with other Pagans. These people are generally
responded to
with basic information and fact sheets. General Wicca information may also be
included along with reccomended reading materials and other informational handouts
addressing specific needs.
Legal Aid
These are people who are experiencing some kind of religious distress whether it be harassment or discrimination. Many facilities aren't recognizing Paganism or Wicca as a "valid" religion and therefore not allowing Pagan prisoners to honor their holy days, while allowing others to honor theirs. Some prisoners are being mocked by staff, and being blatently denied the right to exercise their freedom of religion. A packet of information including print outs of documents found on the internet cotnaining information on cases of prisoners rights to freedom of religion and conacts of organizations who can help. A basic FAQ on Wicca and Witchcraft usually accompanies these information packets.
Verification
At some institutions, in order for an inmate to change his/her religious preference
so they may be appropriately accomodated spiritually, it takes a letter from
a
recognized organization or church representing the religion the inmate wishes
to change to. It's like verification that the inmate is indeed changing their
religious preference to a supported belief system in which they may gain access
to associated materials and spiritual guidance. A letter is sent to the facilities
religious services director, a copy and a membership application for FOTE is
sent to the inmate. The letter to the director of religious services notes that
the inmate we are being asked to represent will become an inactive member of
FOTE, and therefore will be associated with a Pagan oriented congregation.
We also have goals to educate the staff and administration of correctional institutions in regards to how inmates needs for spiritual connections and guidance can be facilitated with minimum risk or need for fear of what they do not understand. We would like to help collaborate with other Pagan prison ministry organizations and Pagan leaders to create a handbook for Pagan prisoners and faculty. Creating a network among current and future localized Pagan prison ministry groups or individuals to better service requests for support. Create a foundation of committed partners who are dedicated to the persuit of the right to religious freedom for those who are incarcerated.
We are not here to judge what one has done to get them in their confined situation, it's not our business to mess with other peoples Karma. However we can not turn away from our brothers and sisters who are in deep need of spiritual support who are constantly being faced with disrespect and discrimination because of the misconceptions many non-Pagan people believe. While we maintain the frontlines of this battle on the outside, the ones on the insde have a much tougher battle to fight because they have already got the odds stacked against them. If providing resources and support services to Pagan prisoners will enrich the quality of their spiritual lives, then we are a success. For we can make the light shine even in the darkest of places.