Religion in Prisons

FOR RELEASE THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

Religion in Prisons

A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Luis Lugo

Director

Alan Cooperman

Associate Director, Research

Stephanie C. Boddie

Senior Researcher

Cary Funk

Senior Researcher

Erin O’Connell

Associate Director, Communications

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Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

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About the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

This report was produced by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life.

The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that provides information on the issues,

attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. The center conducts public opinion

polling, demographic studies, content analysis and other empirical social science research.

It does not take positions on policy issues. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life is a

project of the Pew Research Center; it delivers timely, impartial information on the issues at

the intersection of religion and public affairs in the U.S. and around the world. The Pew

Research Center is an independently operated subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

The report is a collaborative effort based on the input and analysis of the following individuals:

Primary Researchers

Stephanie C. Boddie, Senior Researcher, Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life

Cary Funk, Senior Researcher, Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life

Pew Forum

Luis Lugo, Director

Research

Alan Cooperman, Associate Director, Research

David Masci and Gregory A. Smith, Senior Researchers

Jessica Hamar Martinez, Besheer Mohamed,

and Anne Shi, Research Associates

Elizabeth Lawton and Elizabeth Podrebarac,

Research Assistants

Editorial

Sandra Stencel, Associate Director, Editorial

Diana Yoo, Graphic Designer

Tracy Miller, Editor

Hilary Ramp, Assistant Editor

Communications and Web Publishing

Erin O’Connell, Associate Director, Communications

Stacy Rosenberg, Digital Project Manager

Mary Schultz, Communications Manager

Liga Plaveniece and Jemila Woodson,

Communications Associates

Joseph Liu, Web Associate

Jillian Larson, Administrative Coordinator

Pew Research Center

Andrew Kohut, President

Paul Taylor, Executive Vice President

Elizabeth Mueller Gross, Vice President

Scott Keeter, Director of Survey Research

Leah Melani Christian, Senior Researcher

Jessica Tennant, Informational Graphics Designer

Visit http://pewforum.org/Government/religion-in-

prisons.aspx to see the online version of the report.

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Table of Contents

PAGE

Preface

Executive Summary

I. Profile of State Prison Chaplains

II. What Prison Chaplains Do … and What They Think They Should Do

III. The Role of Religious Volunteers

IV. Chaplains’ Perspectives on the Religious Lives of Inmates

V. Chaplains’ Views on the Correctional System

Appendix A: Survey Methodology

Appendix B: Topline

Appendix C: The State and Federal Correctional System

Appendix D: Glossary

101

Appendix E: External Advisers and Prison Chaplain Working Group

105

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Preface

Religion and religious people have always been a presence in American prisons. Indeed, some

of the country’s first prisons were established at the urging of and with help from people of

faith, who hoped that inmates could be reformed during their confinement.

Today, religious people still play an important role in the U.S. criminal justice system. Almost

all of the nation’s more than 1,100 state and federal prisons have at least one paid chaplain or

religious services coordinator, and collectively they employ about 1,600 professional

chaplains.

These ministers, priests, imams, rabbis and religious lay people sit at the intersection of two

social trends. The United States has the highest rate of incarceration in the developed world,

with approximately 2.3 million men and women – or about 1-in-100 of the nation’s adults –

behind bars.

The U.S. also stands out among industrial democracies for its high levels of

religious commitment, with about four-in-ten American adults saying they attend religious

services weekly or more often, nearly six-in-ten saying that religion is very important in their

lives and more than nine-in-ten saying they believe in God or a higher power.

The constitutional right of Americans to the free exercise of religion – even if they are behind

bars – has been affirmed by courts and bolstered by federal legislation, and the first duty of

prison chaplains is to help meet the religious needs of inmates. But, increasingly, chaplains are

asked to do much more. In the face of studies suggesting that more than 40% of former

inmates end up back in prison within a few years, chaplains in many prisons are called upon to

fight recidivism by counseling inmates and connecting them with religious organizations or

other social service providers that can offer job training, substance abuse treatment, education

and other assistance before and after their release.

For an account of religion’s role in the early history of prisons in America, see Jennifer Graber, “The Furnace of Affliction: Prisons

and Religion in Antebellum America,” University of North Carolina Press, 2011.

In addition to state and federal prisons, the U.S. penal system also includes county and city jails that typically hold people

awaiting trial and those sentenced for misdemeanors to terms of one year or less. For more details on the prison system, see

Appendix C.

As of 2010, one in every 104 U.S. adults was in the custody of state or federal prisons or local jails, according to the U.S.

Department of Justice. See Lauren E. Glaze, “Correctional Population in the United States, 2010,” U.S. Department of Justice,

Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2011, http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/cpus10.pdf. See also “One in 100: Behind Bars in

America 2008,” Pew Center on the States, Public Safety Performance Project, February 2008,

http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/report_detail.aspx?id=35904.

For measures of religious commitment in the U.S., see “U.S. Religious Landscape Survey,” Pew Research Center’s Forum on

Religion & Public Life, 2007, http://religions.pewforum.org/reports. For measures of religious commitment in other countries, see

“Unfavorable Views of Jews and Muslims on the Increase in Europe,” Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project, 2008,

http://www.pewglobal.org/2008/09/17/unfavorable-views-of-jews-and-muslims-on-the-increase-in-europe/.

See “State of Recidivism: The Revolving Door of America’s Prisons,” Pew Center on the States, Public Safety Performance

Project, 2011, http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/report_detail.aspx?id=85899358613.

Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

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In light of public concern about religious terrorism since the 9/11 attacks, chaplains also are

sometimes viewed as a first line of defense against the spread of religious extremism. While

they work to provide compassionate care to individual inmates, chaplains are charged with

assisting wardens and other correctional officials to maintain the safety and security of the

prisons where they work. Indeed, chaplains often are considered part of a prison’s

management team.

Moreover, the role of chaplains continues to be recast to suit the changing needs of the

correctional system. For instance, recent research suggests that, due to a shortage of funding

and staff, many chaplains have shifted their focus from direct ministry to administrative

duties, such as recruiting and supervising community volunteers, processing inmate requests

for special diets and other religious accommodations, and organizing secular as well as

religious programs to counsel, mentor and educate inmates.

For all these reasons, the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life decided to

conduct a large-scale survey of professional prison chaplains across the United States. We

received generous financial support for this endeavor from the Annie E. Casey Foundation as

well as from The Pew Charitable Trusts. With the endorsement of the American Correctional

Chaplains Association and months of unrelenting effort, Pew Forum Senior Researcher

Stephanie C. Boddie obtained approval from correctional authorities in all 50 states to survey

the more than 1,400 state prison chaplains.

With the encouragement of present and former prison officials, we also sought permission to

include federal prison chaplains in the survey. Unfortunately, the Federal Bureau of Prisons

decided not to allow its approximately 200 chaplains to participate.

Part of the impetus for the survey is that little data have been available to the public on the role

of religion in state prisons.

State and federal correctional authorities routinely report

information on the age, sex and race/ethnic origin of prisoners, as well as the types of offenses

for which they are incarcerated. And, according to the chaplains surveyed, many prisons also

keep track of the religious preferences of inmates, as well as of religious switching. But those

data are seldom or never made public.

See Richard Denis Shaw, “Chaplains to the Imprisoned: Sharing Life With the Incarcerated,” Haworth Press, 1995, and Jody L.

Sundt, Harry R. Dammer and Francis T. Cullen, “The Role of the Prison Chaplain in Rehabilitation,” Journal of Offender

Rehabilitation, Volume 35, Issue 3/4, pages 59-86, 2002.

Some data on the religious affiliation of inmates in federal prisons and selected state prisons as of 2007 are available from the

United States Commission on Civil Rights. See “Enforcing Religious Freedom in Prison,” United States Commission on Civil Rights,

2008, http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/STAT2008ERFIP.pdf.

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As a result, “Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains” presents a rare

window into religion behind bars. Although chaplains, like all observers, undoubtedly bring

their own perspectives and predilections to bear, they also occupy a valuable vantage point as

correctional workers who have regular, often positive interactions with inmates and take a

strong interest in the role of religion in inmates’ lives.

The survey covers a lot of ground, asking chaplains to describe their daily role in the prisons

and to rate their job satisfaction. In addition, we asked them to list the tasks on which they

spend the most time and the tasks they consider most important – two lists that are not always

the same. We sought their assessments of religious volunteers who come into the prisons to

work with inmates, as well as their perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of the

correctional system, the quality and reach of rehabilitation programs and possible ways of

cutting costs.

We also asked for their impressions about religious life in prisons, including the religious

composition of the inmate population, the amount of proselytizing and conversion that take

place, which religious groups seem to be growing or shrinking, and how much religious

extremism they perceive in the prisons where they work. At several key points in the survey

questionnaire – which was administered either electronically or, for those who preferred it, by

paper – we gave the chaplains an opportunity to elaborate on their views and experiences in

their own words.

Their answers suggest that religion in prisons may be quite different, in some ways, from

religion in American society at large. For example, chaplains indicate that there is a visible

presence in some prisons of small religious groups that many Americans may never have heard

of, such as Asatru, Odinism and the Moorish Science Temple of America. (For brief definitions,

see the Glossary on page 101.) A number of chaplains also think that some inmates claim to

belong to particular religious groups solely to obtain privileges or benefits, such as kosher food.

But, on the whole, chaplains had many positive things to say about the role of religion in

rehabilitating inmates. Most are also very happy in their jobs. Though the picture that emerges

is complicated and sometimes surprising, our hope is that the survey will contribute to a better

understanding of the role that chaplains – and, more broadly, religion – play in the lives of

inmates.

Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

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Acknowledgments

In preparing this survey, the Pew Forum received invaluable advice from a number of eminent

scholars and experts in the criminal corrections field. They include Todd Clear, dean of

Rutgers School of Criminal Justice; John DiIulio, the Frederic Fox Leadership Professor of

Politics, Religion, and Civil Society at the University of Pennsylvania; Catherine A. Gallagher,

associate professor in Criminology, Law and Society at George Mason University; Tom

O’Connor, CEO of Transforming Corrections and former research manager for the Oregon

Department of Corrections; Jody Sundt, assistant professor and graduate coordinator in the

Division of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Portland State University; Farid Senzai, fellow

and director of research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding; and Sister Susan

Van Baalen, former chief chaplain at the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Several other scholars

generously provided feedback and assistance at various stages in the conceptualization of the

project. A complete list of advisers can be found in Appendix E on page 105.

As previously noted, the survey received a very helpful endorsement from the American

Correctional Chaplains Association (ACCA). We would like to thank its leadership team,

particularly Anthony J. Bruno, current chancellor and past president of the ACCA and director

of religious services at the Connecticut Department of Correction; Dale Hale, president of the

ACCA and Salvation Army major; Gary Friedman, communications chairman for the ACCA

and chairman of Jewish Prisoner Services International; and Stephen Hall, first vice president

of the ACCA and director of religious and volunteer services at the Indiana Department of

Correction.

Also as previously noted, the survey received substantial funding from the Annie E. Casey

Foundation, where Carole E. Thompson was an unstinting – and patient – supporter of this

effort.

Fieldwork for the survey was carried out by Social Science Research Solutions (SSRS) and very

competently led by Robyn Rapoport and Linda Lomelino. While the survey design was guided

by our advisers, contractors and consultants, the Pew Forum is solely responsible for the

interpretation and reporting of the data.

Luis Lugo, Director

Alan Cooperman, Associate Director, Research

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Executive Summary

From the perspective of the nation’s professional prison chaplains, America’s state

penitentiaries are a bustle of religious activity. More than seven-in-ten (73%) state prison

chaplains say that efforts by inmates to proselytize or convert other inmates are either very

common (31%) or somewhat common (43%). About three-quarters of the chaplains say that a

lot (26%) or some (51%) religious switching occurs among inmates in the prisons where they

work. Many chaplains report growth from religious switching in the numbers of Muslims and

Protestant Christians, in particular.

Overwhelmingly, state prison chaplains consider religious counseling and other religion-based

programming an important aspect of rehabilitating prisoners. Nearly three-quarters of the

chaplains (73%), for example, say they consider access to religion-related programs in prison

to be “absolutely critical” to successful rehabilitation of inmates. And 78% say they consider

support from religious groups after inmates are released from prison to be absolutely critical to

inmates’ successful rehabilitation and re-entry into society. Among chaplains working in

prisons that have religion-related rehabilitation or re-entry programs, more than half (57%)

say the quality of such programs has improved over the last three years and six-in-ten (61%)

say participation in such programs has gone up.

At the same time, a sizable minority of chaplains say that religious extremism is either very

common (12%) or somewhat common (29%) among inmates. Religious extremism is reported

by the chaplains as especially common among Muslim inmates (including followers of the

Nation of Islam and the Moorish Science Temple of America) and, to a substantial but lesser

degree, among followers of pagan or earth-based religions such as Odinism and various forms

of Wicca. (See Glossary on page 101.) An overwhelming majority of chaplains, however, report

that religious extremism seldom poses a threat to the security of the facility in which they

work, with only 4% of chaplains saying religious extremism among inmates “almost always”

poses a threat to prison security and an additional 19% saying it “sometimes” poses a threat.

These are among the key findings of a survey of prison chaplains in all 50 states by the Pew

Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life. The survey was conducted from Sept. 21 to

Dec. 23, 2011, using Web and paper questionnaires. The Pew Forum attempted to contact all

1,474 professional chaplains working in state prisons across the country, and 730 chaplains

returned completed questionnaires, a response rate of nearly 50%.

Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

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Little information is publicly available about the religious lives of the approximately 1.6 million

inmates in the U.S. prison system, the vast majority of whom (87%) are under the jurisdiction

of state correctional authorities.

The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics routinely reports on

several characteristics of the U.S. prison population, such as age, gender and racial/ethnic

composition, but it does not usually report on the religious affiliation of inmates, and

independent surveys of inmates rarely are permitted.

Thus, the Pew Forum survey offers a

rare window into the religious lives of inmates through the lens of prison chaplains.

In assessing that lens, it may be helpful to know some characteristics of the chaplains who

responded to the survey. They are predominately male (85%), middle-aged (57 years old, on

average), white (70%), Christian (85%, including a 44% plurality who are evangelical

Protestants) and highly educated (62% with graduate degrees). They describe themselves as

conservative on both social issues (53%) and political issues (55%). Most report having a lot of

direct contact with inmates: Fully 90% say they have one-on-one contact with at least a quarter

of all the inmates in the facility where they work, and two-thirds (66%) say that “personally

leading worship services, religious instruction sessions or spiritual counseling sessions” is

among the top three activities on which they spend the most time. About half have been on the

job for more than a decade, and most report high job satisfaction.

For more details, see Appendix C: The State and Federal Correctional System on page 99.

Prisoners are rarely allowed to participate in research studies of any kind, partly because of prior abuses of their involuntary

availability for such studies. To be permitted, studies usually must demonstrate a clear cost-benefit calculation in the prisoners’

favor, such as the benefit from receiving a specific medical treatment. The possible “psychic rewards” to inmates of being able to

express their opinions and describe their experiences on a survey questionnaire, or the value of the information to the public,

generally are not considered sufficient by correctional authorities to justify a survey of inmates.

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Gone up

Stayed same

Gone down

Better

Same

Worse

Rehabilitation, Re-entry and Religion

Most chaplains are upbeat about the prisons where they work. About six-in-ten (61%) of those

surveyed say their state’s correctional system “works pretty well” and needs only minor

changes, while a third (34%) say the system

needs major changes and 5% say it needs to be

completely re-built.

Asked to rate specific aspects of the system’s

performance, chaplains are most positive

about the maintenance of discipline. Nine out

of 10 chaplains surveyed say the state

correctional system where they work does

either an excellent job (40%) or a good job

(54%) of maintaining order and discipline in

prisons. But they are less sanguine about

efforts to rehabilitate inmates and prepare

them for re-entry into the community. Only 8%

say the system where they work is doing an

excellent job of preparing inmates for

reintegration into the community, while 37%

say it is doing a good job and a majority say the

system is only fair (37%) or poor (17%) at

readying inmates to return to the wider society.

There is strong consensus among the chaplains

surveyed about several elements that are

important for successful rehabilitation and

reintegration into society. These include

services provided while in prison as well as

support upon release. And, perhaps not

surprisingly, chaplains put access to religion-related programs in this mix. More than seven-

in-ten chaplains (73%) consider access to high-quality religion-related programs in prison to

be “absolutely critical” for successful rehabilitation and re-entry, and an additional 23% say

such programs are very important, though not critical.

About six-in-ten chaplains (62%) say that religion-related programs for rehabilitation and re-

entry (such as faith-based job training or mentoring programs) are available in the prisons

Usage of Rehab Programs

Among those who work in prisons with rehabilitation

and re-entry programs, % who say participation

over past three years has …

Q12 Based on those with a religion-related rehabilitation and

re-entry program in the prison where they work, N=449.

No answer responses not shown.

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Quality of Rehab Programs

Among those who work in prisons with rehabilitation

and re-entry programs, % who say program quality

today compared with past three years is …

Q11 Based on those with a religion-related rehabilitation and

re-entry program in the prison where they work, N=449.

No answer responses not shown.

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where they work. Most of these chaplains consider the religion-related programs to be thriving

both in terms of usage and quality.

Among those working in a prison with a religion-related rehabilitation program, about six-in-

ten (61%) say usage has increased over the past three years, 31% say usage has stayed the same

and just 6% say usage has gone down. A majority of those working in a prison with a program

of this sort also say that the quality of the religion-related rehabilitation programs has

improved (57%), while 36% say the quality is about the same and 7% say the program’s quality

has declined over the past three years.

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Very common

Somewhat

Not too/not at all

Almost always

Sometimes

Not too often/rarely or almost never

Religious Extremism

Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, religious

extremism has been a topic of high public

interest in the United States. Some experts

specifically have raised concerns that prisons

could be a breeding ground for home-grown

terrorists and have suggested that prison

chaplains and other prison administrators

need to monitor religious activity more

closely.

The Pew Forum survey devotes

several questions to the topic of religious

extremism, probing the extent to which prison

chaplains perceive it to be common and asking

them to describe the kinds of extreme religious

views they encounter behind bars.

A majority (58%) of state prison chaplains

surveyed say that religious extremism is either

not too common (42%) or not at all common

(16%) in the facilities where they work, while

12% say that it is very common and 29% say it

is somewhat common. At the same time, about

three-quarters of the chaplains say that

religious extremism poses a threat to the

security of the facility either “not too often”

(26%) or “rarely or almost never” (50%).

A number of factors are likely to influence

chaplains’ perceptions of religious extremism,

of course, including the experiences of the

A 2010 article in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, for example, argued that “Prisons literally provide a captive audience of

disaffected young men easily influenced by charismatic extremist leaders” and that “The shortage of qualified religious providers

in prisons heightens the threat of inmate radicalization.” See Dennis A. Ballas, “Prisoner Radicalization,” FBI Law Enforcement

Bulletin, October 2010, http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/law-enforcement-bulletin/October-2010/confronting-

science-and-market-positioning.

How Common is Religious

Extremism in Prisons?

% saying extreme religious views among inmates

are…

Q30a. Those not answering are not shown. Figures for

combined categories may not sum from their component

parts due to rounding.

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LIFE

How Often Does Religious

Extremism Among Inmates Pose a

Security Threat?

% of chaplains saying extremism poses a threat in

the prisons where they work …

Q32. Those not answering are not shown. Figures for

combined categories may not sum from their component

parts due to rounding.

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LIFE

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chaplains in the facility where they work as well as their individual background and

perspectives. For example, estimates of how common extreme religious views are tend to vary

with the security level of the facility where chaplains work. About four-in-ten chaplains in

maximum security (44%) and medium security facilities (42%) say religious extremism is very

or somewhat common, compared with 32% among chaplains in minimum security facilities

saying the same.

Views on the prevalence of religious extremism

among inmates also tend to vary with the

religious affiliation and race of the chaplains.

Protestant chaplains are more likely than those

of the Catholic or Muslim faith to say that

religious extremism in the prisons is either

very or somewhat common. This tendency is a

bit stronger among white evangelical chaplains

than it is among white mainline Protestants.

Analysis of these differences is constrained by

the modest number of chaplains from some of

these faith traditions who are in the survey.

For example, 98 respondents are Catholic, and

only 53 are Muslim. However, those who are

Muslim appear less likely than other chaplains

to perceive a lot of religious extremism among

inmates. Just 23% of the Muslim chaplains say

religious extremism is either very common or

somewhat common in the prisons where they

work, while 43% of Protestant chaplains take

that view. Catholic chaplains fall in between, with 32% saying religious extremism is very or

somewhat common in the facilities where they work.

How Common Are Extreme

Religious Views (by Chaplains’

Religion)?

% saying that encountering religious groups that

express extreme religious views is …

Very/

some-

what

common

Not too/

Not

at all

common

answer

Chaplains

who are…

Protestant

1=100

519

White

evangelical

* = 100

264

White

mainline

1 = 100

Black

Protestant

1 = 100

Catholic

0 = 100

Muslim

2 = 100

Q30a. Figures may not sum to 100%, and combined

categories may not sum from their component parts,

due to rounding.

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Muslims⁺

Pagan/earth-based

Protestants

Other non-Christian⁺⁺

Native Am. spirituality

Jews

Unaffiliated

Catholics

Mormons

Orthodox Christians

Buddhists

Hindus

Very/somewhat common

Not too/not at all common

The Pew Forum survey also asked chaplains to rate the prevalence of extremist views among

inmates in each of 12 religious groups. (The chaplains were given the option of indicating that

the facility in which they work has no inmates belonging to a particular faith. The figures

shown here are based on those providing a response.) A majority of respondents to this

question say that religious

extremism is either very

common (22%) or somewhat

common (36%) among

Muslim inmates (including

followers of the Nation of

Islam and the Moorish

Science Temple of America).

A sizable minority of the

chaplains responding (39%)

also say they encounter

extremism among inmates

who practice pagan or earth-

based religions. Of those

answering this question,

about six-in-ten (61%) see

such views as not too

common or not at all

common among pagan

inmates.

Religious extremism is

perceived as less prevalent

among other groups of

inmates. About a quarter

(24%) of chaplains

responding to this question

say that religious extremism

is very or somewhat common

among Protestant inmates;

76% say extremism is not too or not at all common among Protestants in the prisons where

they work.

How Common Is Religious Extremism?

% rating religious extremism among inmates of each religious group as …

Q31a-l. Based on all answering. Those who responded that no inmates belong to the

group or did not give an answer are excluded. Figures may not sum to 100%, and

combined categories may not sum from their component parts, due to rounding.

Includes followers of the Nation of Islam and the Moorish Science Temple of

America.

The question listed the following examples: “Baha’is, Rastafarians, practitioners

of Santeria, Sikhs and others.”

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About a fifth of chaplains say extremism is very or somewhat common among inmates

practicing Native American spirituality (19%) and a host of “other non-Christian religions”

(21%), such as the Rastafari movement, Santeria, Voodoo and others. (See Glossary on page

101.) In addition, 17% of chaplains answering the question say that extremism is very or

somewhat common among Jewish inmates, and 14% say this about inmates with no religious

preference. Fewer than one-in-ten of the chaplains answering say that religious extremism is

very or somewhat common among inmates of other religious groups.

To keep these assessments in perspective, it is

important to realize that the religious groups

vary in size. Extremism could be very common

in a small religious group (such as practitioners

of pagan and earth-based religions), but the

overall prevalence of extremism in a prison

might still be quite small.

It is also helpful to keep in mind that chaplains

have differing opinions about what constitutes

extremism. One chaplain noted, for example,

that in his view “all true religion is extreme”

and “therefore none is more ‘extreme’ than the

other,” while another chaplain said it is

important to differentiate between the mere

“strangeness” of certain groups and those that

are “threatening to the peace of others.”

To better understand what they mean by

“extreme religious views,” the Pew Forum

survey asked chaplains to explain, in their own

words, the kinds of extremism they encounter.

Chaplains offered a wide range of answers to

this open-ended question, varying in length

and detail. For purposes of analysis, their

responses were categorized first in terms of key

ideas or themes and, second, in terms of the

specific religious groups they cite as espousing extreme views.

Kinds of Religious Extremism

Encountered

Themes mentioned when asked about the kinds of

extreme religious views encountered

NET Intolerance of specific racial or social

groups

Racial separatism/supremacists

NET Religious exclusivity/inflexibility of faith

NET Specific requests for accommodation

NET Other view mentioned

Groups mentioned when asked about the kinds of

extreme religious views encountered

NET Muslim

Muslim/Islamic radicalism/Salafi teaching

Nation of Islam

NET Christian

NET Protestant

Christian (general)

Jewish

NET Other religions

Pagan/earth-based (e.g., Wicca)

Satanism/Demonic

Q30b. Open-end. Based on those answering. Most common

responses are shown. See topline for more responses.

Figures add to more than 100% because multiple responses

were allowed.

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Many chaplains mentioned multiple themes, but among the most common was racism

disguised as religious dogma. In total, 41% of the chaplains who answered the question

referred to some form of racial intolerance or prejudice toward social groups. This includes

expressions of racial superiority or supremacy by either black or white inmates (36%) as well

as hostility toward gays and lesbians, negative views of women and intolerance toward sex

offenders or other inmates based on the nature of their criminal offense.

An almost equal share of the chaplains who responded to the open-ended question about

extremism (40%) mentioned instances of religious (as opposed to racial) intolerance. This

includes expressions of religious exclusivity as well as attempts to intimidate or coerce others

into particular beliefs. (Note that percentages do not add to 100% because multiple responses

are allowed.)

A little more than a quarter of the chaplains’ descriptions of extreme views (28%) cited

requests for special foods, clothing or rituals – even though, in response to a different question

in the survey, many chaplains indicate that such requests for religious accommodation

frequently are granted. Some chaplains expressed frustration over requests that they view as

bogus or extreme, such as seeking raw meat for a Voodoo ritual or a religious diet consisting of

goat’s milk, vegetables and oatmeal with sugar.

About a quarter of those responding described religious extremism in other ways, including the

use by prisoners of religious groups as a “cover” for non-religious activities; espousing views that

promote violence or rape; and creating new religions. One chaplain noted, for example, that “We

have a great deal of difficulty with gang activity in our religious activities, and some gangs even

claim to be religious in nature or support their beliefs through religious claims.”

Chaplains also mentioned a wide range of religious groups in connection with extreme views.

Among those responding in their own words to the open-ended question about extremism, the

most commonly mentioned group was Muslims (54%), including 21% who specifically cited the

Nation of Islam. In addition, 34% mentioned Christian groups, including 7% who cited

fundamentalist Christians or evangelical Protestants, 6% who mentioned Hebrew Israelites

and 4% who specifically referred to the so-called Christian Identity movement.

Other

religions were also mentioned; 16% of the chaplains who answered the question mentioned

pagan or earth-based religions, and 12% mentioned Satanism. (Note that percentages do not

The classification of some of these groups is difficult. Hebrew Israelites, also known as Black Hebrew Israelites and Black

Hebrews, are categorized in this report as a Christian group because, historically, they arose from U.S. Christian denominations.

It should be noted, however, that Hebrew Israelites often identify themselves as Jews and that some prison chaplains may view

them as Jews rather than as Christians. In addition, some chaplains indicated that they view Hebrew Israelites and the Christian

Identity movement as racist groups rather than as bona fide religious groups.

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add to 100% because multiple responses were allowed on this open-ended question. See

Glossary on page 101 for brief definitions of smaller religious groups.)

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A lot

Some

Not much/none

Muslims, Protestants Seen as Growing Due to Switching

A majority of chaplains surveyed report that the prison where they work has a formal system in

place both for documenting the religious affiliation of inmates (84%) and for documenting

changes in religious affiliation (76%). However, such records typically are for in-house use

only. As previously noted, official statistics on the religious affiliation of the state prison

population generally are not publicly available. Thus, the Pew Forum survey provides a unique

look —based on the chaplains’ own estimates — at the relative size and growth of religious

groups behind bars.

A majority of chaplains say that attempts by

inmates to convert or proselytize other inmates

are either very common (31%) or somewhat

common (43%), while 26% say such attempts

are not too or not at all common.

Of course, attempts at conversion or prosely-

tizing do not necessarily succeed. Still, a

majority of chaplains say that there is either

“a lot” of religious switching (26%) or “some”

switching among inmates (51%). About one-

fifth (21%) say that switching occurs “not much” or not at all in the prisons where they work.

The survey asks, “And in your opinion how common is it, if at all, for inmates to attempt to convert or proselytize other

inmates?” without defining either term. The American Correctional Chaplains Association, however, distinguishes between

legitimate sharing of faith and proselytizing, which it defines as “unwanted or forceful” attempts at conversion.

Frequency of Religious Switching

How much religious switching occurs among

inmates? % of chaplains who say …

Q26. Those not answering are not shown. Figures for

combined categories may not sum from their component

parts due to rounding.

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Muslims⁺

Protestants

Pagan/earth-based

Native Am. Sprituality

Jews

Catholics

Unaffiliated

Other non-Christian⁺⁺

Buddhists

Mormons

Orthodox Christian

Hindus

Growing

Staying the same

Shrinking

To get a sense of which religious groups are gaining the most converts, the Pew Forum survey

asked chaplains to estimate whether the number of inmates in each of 12 religious groups is

increasing, decreasing or staying at about the same level. Among chaplains who report that at

least some switching occurs within the correctional facilities where they work, about half (51%)

report that Muslims are growing in number, and 47% say the same about Protestant

Christians. A sizable

minority of chaplains

answering this question also

say that followers of pagan or

earth-based religions are

growing (34%).

For nine of the 12 religious

groups considered, however,

a solid majority (61% or more)

of chaplains answering the

question report that the size of

each group is stable. And for

several religious groups, the

chaplains are as likely, or even

more likely, to report

shrinkage as to report growth.

For example, one-in-five

chaplains answering this

question (20%) say that the

number of practicing

Catholics behind bars is

shrinking due to switching,

while 14% say the ranks of

Catholics are growing.

Similarly, 17% say that the

number of inmates with no

religious preference is

shrinking, while 12% say the

ranks of the unaffiliated are growing. And about one-in-ten chaplains report a decline in

Mormons and Orthodox Christians due to switching, while only 3% say those religious

minorities are growing behind bars.

Which Groups Are Growing and Shrinking?

% saying each group is growing, shrinking or staying the same size in the

inmate population where they work, due to switching

Q27a-l. Based on all saying there was a lot, some, or not much switching in the

prison where they work, N=710. No answer/not sure responses are not shown.

Includes followers of the Nation of Islam and the Moorish Science Temple of

America.

The question listed the following examples: “Baha’is, Rastafarians, practitioners of

Santeria, Sikhs and others.”

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Presence of Various Faith Groups

The relative size of each faith group within the prison population is difficult to gauge.

The Pew Forum survey asked chaplains to estimate the approximate percentage of inmates in

the prisons where they work who identify with each of 12 religious groups. It should be noted,

however, that these findings cannot be used to reliably estimate the religious affiliation of the

U.S. prison population. They provide only an impressionistic portrait of the religious

environment in which chaplains work.

On average, the chaplains surveyed say that Christians as a whole make up about two-thirds of

the inmate population in the facilities where they work. Protestants are seen, on average, as

comprising 51% of the inmate population, Catholics 15% and other Christian groups less than

2%. The median estimate of the share of Protestants is 50%, meaning that half of the chaplains

estimate that Protestants comprise more than 50% of the inmate population where they work,

and half of the chaplains estimate the figure to be below that.

The chaplains’ responses also suggest that many other faith groups are represented in the

prison population. On average, the chaplains surveyed say that Muslims make up 9% of the

inmates in the prisons where they work, with half of the chaplains saying that Muslims

comprise 5% or less of the inmate population and half saying that Muslim inmates make up

more than 5% of the inmates where they work. On average, other non-Christian groups are

perceived as considerably smaller in size.

Chaplains’ perspectives on the religious makeup of inmates may reflect a number of different

influences, including their degree of exposure to various groups in the course of their work.

But even if the chaplains interviewed had perfect information about the relative distribution of

religious groups among inmates in the prisons where they work, the findings would not be

weighted in proportion to the size of the overall U.S. prison population. As a result, they would

not provide an accurate count of religious affiliation in the U.S. prison population.

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Religious books or texts

Meetings with leaders from

inmates' faith

Special religious diet

Religious items or clothing

Special hairstyle or grooming

Usually approved

Sometimes approved/sometimes denied

Usually denied

Religious Accommodation Requests

The diversity of faith groups in the inmate population underscores the challenges the prison

system faces in meeting the religious needs of all inmates. The Pew Forum survey included

several questions designed to probe the kinds of requests that inmates make for

accommodation of their religious beliefs and practices, as well as the frequency with which

they are granted.

An overwhelming majority of

chaplains who responded to these

questions say that inmates’

requests for religious texts (82%)

and for meetings with spiritual

leaders of their faith (71%) are

usually approved. And about half of

chaplains say that requests for a

special religious diet (53%) or for

permission to have sacred items or

religious clothing such as crucifixes,

eagle feathers and turbans (51%)

also are usually granted.

But one kind of request appears to

be less routinely granted. Only about

three-in-ten chaplains (28%) say

that requests for special

accommodations related to hair or

grooming are usually approved in the prisons where they work, while 36% say such requests are

usually denied and 36% say the decisions can go either way.

Requests for Religious Accommodation

% saying requests from inmates for each of the following are …

Q29a-e. Based on all answering. Those who responded that the request had

not come up or did not give an answer are excluded. Figures may not add to

100% due to rounding.

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Need for Volunteers from Particular Faiths

Another window into the religious diversity of the inmate population is what chaplains say

about the number of volunteers who come into the prisons to help meet inmates’ religious

needs. About seven-in-ten chaplains (69%) say there are some faith groups for which more

volunteers are needed. The picture that clearly emerges is that

non-Christian faiths have the greatest need for a larger pool of

volunteers to work with inmates.

The religious group most commonly cited as being underserved

by volunteers is Muslims, according to the chaplains surveyed.

A total of 55% of chaplains say this, including 7% who

specifically mention the Moorish Science Temple of America

and 6% who mention the Nation of Islam as needing more

volunteers. Other commonly named groups include pagan or

earth-based religions such as Wicca, Odinism, Asatru and

Druidism (35%) and Native American spirituality (32%). (See

Glossary on page 101.) About one-in-five chaplains answering

this question say that Christian groups lack enough volunteers

(22%). The most commonly mentioned Christian group with

too few volunteers is Catholics (10%).

By contrast, about a third of chaplains (32%) report that some

faith groups have more volunteers than are needed to meet

inmates’ spiritual needs. Among the chaplains who say this,

the most commonly named groups are Protestants (net of

52%), and an additional 26% say “Christians” with no further

specification. A total of 7% mentioned Catholics. No other

religion was named by more than 10% of the chaplains

responding.

Religious Volunteers

Need more religious

volunteers in some faiths

Have more religious

volunteers than needed in

some faiths

Which faiths need more

volunteers?

NET Muslim

Muslim

Moorish Science Temple

Nation of Islam

Pagan (e.g., Wicca,

Odinism, Asatru, Druid)

Native American

spirituality

NET Christian

Catholic

Jewish

Buddhist

Which faiths have more

than necessary?

NET Christian

NET Protestant

Catholic

Christian (general)

Q19, 20. “Which groups need more

volunteers” and “Which groups have

more volunteers than necessary” are

based on all answering open-end.

Responses do not add to 100%

because multiple responses were

allowed. See topline for other

responses.

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Most important

Spend most time

Personally

leading

services

Administer

programs

What Chaplains Consider Central to their Role

Chaplains fulfill a wide range of functions in

state prisons. The Pew Forum survey listed 10

possible tasks and asked the chaplains to

indicate which ones they perform in the course

of their work. In addition, the chaplains were

asked to rank the top three activities on which

they spend the most time and, separately,

which activities they personally see as most

important.

Nearly all the chaplains (92%) say their work

includes personally leading worship services,

religious instruction and spiritual counseling

sessions. Nearly all (93%) also say they

administer or organize religious programs.

In terms of importance, 57% of the chaplains

say that personally leading religious worship, instruction and counseling sessions is the single

most important activity in which they engage. Yet only a third say this is the activity on which

they spend the most time. By contrast, just 18% of chaplains say that administering religious

programs is their most important function, yet 38% report that helping to organize such

programs is the activity on which they spend the most time.

The survey also offered chaplains an opportunity to specify, in their own words, any other

activities that take up a significant amount of their working day. One kind of activity

dominated the responses to this open-ended question: paperwork and administrative tasks.

Fully 45% of those responding cited administrative tasks, including 28% who specifically

mentioned paperwork, reports, mail, correspondence or data entry.

Prison Chaplains’ Day vs.

Most Important Activities

% saying each activity is ranked 1st as …

Q8a-b, 9a-b. Activities shown are “personally leading

worship services, religious instruction sessions or spiritual

counseling sessions” and “serving as an administrator

helping to organize religious programs.” Percent not

answering or not ranking 1st are not shown. Rankings for

other activities not shown.

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Chaplains Themselves Largely Protestant, Evangelical

The overwhelming majority of state prison chaplains (85%)

identify themselves as Christians, and about seven-in-ten are

Protestants (71%). Fully 44% of all the chaplains surveyed say

their denomination is part of the evangelical Protestant

tradition, while 15% belong to a mainline Protestant tradition

and 7% say they are associated with the historically black

Protestant tradition.

Catholics make up 13% of the chaplains.

The remainder either belong to non-Christian traditions

(including 7% who are Muslim and 3% who are Jewish) or did

not specify a religious preference.

Most chaplains also describe themselves as holding

theologically conservative views. Six-in-ten (60%) say their

religion should “preserve its traditional beliefs and practices,”

while only 2% say it should “adopt modern beliefs and

practices.” Three-in-ten (30%) take a middle stance, saying

their religious tradition should “make some adjustments to

traditional beliefs and practices in light of modern beliefs and

practices.” A majority of chaplains describe their political as

well as their social views as either conservative or very conservative.

The chaplains surveyed are overwhelmingly male (85%) and middle-aged (82% are 50 or

older). A majority are white (70%), 18% are black, 5% are Hispanic, 5% are Asian or other and

2% did not specify their racial or ethnic background.

They are also a well-educated group,

with about six-in-ten (62%) holding either a master’s or doctoral graduate degree and an

additional 21% holding a bachelor’s degree. A majority of the state prison chaplains (56%) have

a graduate degree in religion or a ministry-related field, and about half have experience

working as a chaplain for some other kind of institution, such as a hospital or the military

(49%).

These results are based on chaplains’ self-identification of their particular denomination as evangelical, mainline or historically

black Protestant. The figures are based on all chaplains surveyed, although the denominational breakdown question was asked

only of Protestant chaplains.

By contrast, a majority of inmates in U.S. prisons are black (38%) or Hispanic (22%), according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice

Statistics. For more information on the demographic characteristics of the inmate population, see Appendix C: The State and

Federal Correctional System.

Chaplains’ Religious

Affiliation

Protestant

Evangelical Protestant

Mainline Protestant

Historically black Prot.

No answer

Catholic

Muslim

Jewish

Native American

spirituality

Other religion

No religious preference

No answer

100

Q46, 47. Figures may not add to

100% due to rounding.

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Other key findings from the survey include:

 About two-thirds (64%) of chaplains say they are very satisfied with their job, and an

additional 30% are somewhat satisfied. Only 6% are very or somewhat dissatisfied.

 Among the chaplains who express an opinion on the performance of volunteers, most

favorably assess how volunteers lead worship services or other religious rituals; more than

nine-in-ten rate volunteers as excellent (42%) or good (50%) leaders of worship services,

and more than eight-in-ten say volunteers are excellent (33%) or good (52%) at running

prayer and meditation groups.

 But chaplains are less positive about volunteers as mentors for inmates. About a third of

the chaplains who offer an opinion say that volunteers do only a fair (26%) or poor (8%)

job of mentoring inmates.

 About half (49%) of the chaplains say they have heard about the Second Chance Act, which

provides federal funding for re-entry services in state prisons and local jails as well as

juvenile facilities. Among this group, 57% say the federal legislation has been either very

effective (8%) or somewhat effective (50%) in improving re-entry services and promoting

the successful return of inmates to their communities, while a third (33%) say it has been

not too effective or not at all effective.

 There is near consensus among chaplains on several ways to cut prison costs. Nearly all the

chaplains surveyed either favor (46%) or strongly favor (46%) dealing with non-violent,

first-time offenders through alternative sentencing (such as community service or

mandatory substance-abuse counseling) rather than prison terms. Nearly all the chaplains

also favor (57%) or strongly favor (35%) allowing inmates to earn early release based on

good behavior and completion of rehabilitation programs. On the other hand, there is near-

unanimity among chaplains against one idea: 94% oppose cutting correctional staff and

programs.

About the Survey

This survey was conducted between Sept. 21 and Dec. 23, 2011, among professional chaplains

and religious services coordinators working in state prisons (both titles are used in state

prisons, and they are treated as interchangeable in this report). Correctional authorities in all

50 states granted permission for the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life to

contact state prison chaplains and request their voluntary participation in the survey. The state

departments of corrections also provided email addresses or other contact information solely

for the purposes of this survey, which was endorsed by the American Correctional Chaplains

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Association. Of 1,474 chaplains who were sent Web and paper questionnaires, 730 returned

completed questionnaires, a response rate of nearly 50%.

Roadmap to the Report

The remainder of this report is divided into five parts. The next section provides a religious

and socio-demographic profile of state prison chaplains. It is followed by a look at what

chaplains do in the course of their work and by their assessments of religious volunteers. The

fourth section presents chaplains’ perspectives on the religious lives of inmates, including

proselytizing, religious switching and concerns about extremism. The final section summarizes

chaplains’ views of the correctional system. Details about how the survey was conducted can be

found in Appendix A (Methodology). Appendix B (Topline) contains the full wording of the

questionnaire and a summary of results. Appendix C provides background statistics on the

state and federal prison system, Appendix D is a glossary of terms and Appendix E is a list of

advisers. The entire report is available online at http://www.pewforum.org/Government/

religion-in-prisons.aspx.

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I. Profile of State Prison Chaplains

All of the 730 survey respondents work as professional prison

chaplains or religious services coordinators in state prisons,

including privately run prisons that operate under state

contracts. Their workplace environs vary, with most serving in

facilities designed for male inmates and housing an average of

about 2,000 inmates (mean = 1,965 inmates). The chaplains are

a well-educated group, with a majority holding graduate degrees

in religion-related fields. About seven-in-ten identify themselves

as Protestants (71%), and 44% say their denomination belongs to

the evangelical Protestant tradition. Generally speaking, the

chaplains indicate that they hold theologically conservative views

when it comes to their religion. A majority say their social and

political views are conservative as well.

Employment Setting

Chaplains serve in a wide range of settings. Most of those

surveyed work in a single correctional facility, although a

quarter (25%) divide their time across multiple facilities.

About eight-in-ten report that they are employed directly by a

state correctional system (81%). Other arrangements include

working as a contractor (8%), working for a private prison

management firm (5%) or working through a religious

organization (5%).

Workplace

Characteristics

Provide service to …

One facility

Multiple facilities

Maximum security

Medium security

Minimum security

Facility location

Rural

Suburban

Urban

Facility has …

Male inmates

Female inmates

Both

Estimated one-on-one

contact with …

Almost all inmates

About three-quarters

About half of inmates

About a quarter

Almost none/few

Q37b, 38a-c, 36b. Percentage giving

no answer not shown.

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As expected from the composition of the U.S. prison system, most chaplains (81%) say they

work exclusively with male inmates.

Most also work in a rural setting (66%). About half of

chaplains identify their workplace as a medium-security facility (49%) while one-third are

employed in maximum-security institutions (33%) and the remainder work in minimum-

security prisons (13%) or did not specify a security level (5%).

The chaplains’ level of direct contact with inmates varies considerably. Nearly half of the

chaplains surveyed report having direct, one-on-one contact with about a quarter (39%) or

fewer (8%) of the inmates in the prisons where they work. About a fifth (19%) have direct

contact with about half of the inmates, and the remainder say they interact with about three-

quarters (12%) or with almost all inmates (20%).

A plurality of chaplains work in facilities that contain more than 1,000 and fewer than 2,500

inmates. For those working in a single facility, the average number of inmates reported is

1,965. The median number is 1,500, meaning that half of the chaplains working in single

facilities are responsible for 1,500 or more inmates. Those

working in multiple facilities report a wide range of inmates,

from about 120 to more than 50,000. On average, these

chaplains are responsible for a total of 4,968 inmates across all

the facilities in which they work; the median number of

inmates they are responsible for is 1,962.

Job Experience and Demographic Background

About half of the chaplains surveyed (53%) have 10 or fewer

years on the job in the state prison system, 34% have between 11

and 20 years of service and 12% have worked as prison chaplains

for more than 20 years. The average tenure is 11.3 years.

The state and federal prison population is predominately male (93%), according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics.

See Appendix C: The State and Federal Correctional System.

Inmates who pose the greatest threat to public safety typically reside in maximum-security prisons, which have the highest

staff-to-inmate ratios, the closest monitoring of inmates and physical features such as reinforced fences, walls and armed watch

towers. By contrast, inmates at minimum-security prisons generally pose the least risk to public safety, and these facilities

typically have only single-perimeter fences and no roving patrols or armed watch towers. Medium-security prisons fall in the

middle.

Job Experience

Past experience as

chaplain for some other

kind of institution

Currently both a prison

chaplain and house of

worship clergy

Years as prison chaplain

0-10 years

11-20 years

21 or more years

Mean

11.3

Q34,39,35. Percentage saying no or

no answer are not shown.

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Most of the chaplains surveyed are male (85%), and their

average age is 57. Only 16% are under 50. About two-thirds

(65%) are between 50 and 64 years old, and 17% are 65 or older.

Seven-in-ten (70%) of the chaplains surveyed are non-Hispanic

whites, 18% are black, 5% are Hispanic and 5% are Asian or

some other race, and 2% did not specify.

About half (49%) previously have worked as a chaplain or

religious services coordinator in some other institutional

setting, such as the military or a hospital. And about four-in-

ten (43%) of the prison chaplains currently hold a second

position as a minister, pastor, rabbi or imam in a house of

worship outside the prison walls.

Most chaplains report working an average of 32 to 40 hours

(39%) or more than 40 hours (45%) per week for the state

prisons. Only about one-in-six work a part-time schedule of

31 hours or less (15%).

Gender, Race and Age

Men

Women

White

Black

Hispanic

Asian and other

Age

18-49 years

50-64 years

65 or more years

Mean

57.0

Q42,49-51. Percentage giving no

answer not shown.

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Chaplains’ Religious Affiliation

Most chaplains surveyed are Protestant, with the lion’s share

coming from an evangelical Protestant tradition. About seven-

in-ten (71%) chaplains identify as Protestants, 13% are

Catholics, 7% Muslims and the remainder identify with other

religions, including Judaism and Native American spirituality.

A plurality of the chaplains (44%) consider their faith to be part

of the evangelical Protestant tradition while 15% come from a

mainline Protestant tradition and 7% are from a historically

black Protestant tradition.

Six-in-ten (60%) chaplains believe their religion should

preserve traditional religious beliefs and practices. Just 2% say

their religion should adopt modern beliefs and practices, while

three-in-ten (30%) take the middle ground, saying their

religion should make some adjustments in light of modern

beliefs and practices.

Evangelical chaplains are more likely than those of other

Protestant traditions or faiths to believe in preserving

traditional beliefs and practices; 71% of evangelical Protestant

chaplains believe religious tradition should be preserved, and

26% take a middle-ground position on religious tradition.

Mainline Protestant chaplains, by comparison, are more evenly

divided between those who think that traditional beliefs and

practices should be preserved (45%) and those who favor some

adjustments (46%).

Religious Affiliation

Protestant

Evangelical Protestant

Mainline Protestant

Historically black Prot.

No answer

Catholic

Muslim

Jewish

Native American

spirituality

Other religion

No religious preference

No answer

100

Q46, 47. Figures may not add to

100% due to rounding.

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Theological Leanings

% of chaplains who say their

religion should …

Preserve traditional

beliefs and practices

Make some adjustments

in light of modern beliefs

and practices

Adopt modern beliefs

and practices

No answer/No religious

preference

100

Q48. Figures may not add to 100%

due to rounding.

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A majority of chaplains report holding

conservative views on both social and political

issues. Overall, 53% of chaplains describe their

views on social issues as conservative or very

conservative, 28% are moderate and 16% are

liberal. Similarly, when it comes to political

issues, 55% say their views are conservative

or very conservative, 29% moderate and 13%

liberal.

Chaplains’ Ideological Leanings

Social

Issues

Political

Issues

Conservative/very

conservative

Moderate

Liberal/very liberal

No answer

100

Q40,41. Figures may not sum to 100%, and combined

categories may not sum from their component parts, due to

rounding.

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Education and Training

As expected, the prison chaplains surveyed are a well-educated

group. About six-in-ten (62%) hold either a master’s degree or

a doctorate, 21% hold a bachelor’s degree and 15% did not

complete a four-year college degree. Nearly all of those with a

graduate degree (90%) specialized in a religion or ministry-

related field. Overall, 56% of the chaplains surveyed completed

graduate studies in a religion or ministry-related field.

A majority of chaplains surveyed also report having at least

some clinical pastoral training, which can take place inside or

outside of a degree program.

About three-in-ten (29%) have

completed four or more units of training, 32% have completed

1-3 units and 36% have had no clinical pastoral training. Those

with more formal education are more likely to have had clinical

training. Among those with a graduate degree, two-thirds

(67%) have completed at least one clinical pastoral training

unit. Among those with a college degree, 55% have completed

at least one unit, and among those with less education, 51%

have done so.

Clinical pastoral training prepares chaplains to provide counseling and help people through crisis situations, end-of-life issues,

grief, difficult family dynamics, mental health problems and so on. A unit of pastoral training is usually 400 hours of supervised

work.

Education

Graduate degree

Doctorate

Master’s

Bachelor’s

Some college

High school or less

No answer

100

Hold a religion-related

graduate degree

Other graduate degree

No graduate degree

No answer

100

Clinical pastoral training

4 or more units

1-3 units

No units

No answer

100

Q43-45. Figures may not add to 100%

due to rounding.

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II. What Prison Chaplains Do … and What They Think

They Should Do

The role of prison chaplains is to meet the religious needs of inmates. But the specific activities

of prison chaplains vary from state to state and facility to facility. Most chaplains report that

they perform a wide range of functions — from administering religious programs, to training

volunteers, to advising other prison staff members. In the view of many chaplains, however,

their most important role is to personally lead religious services, provide religious education

and counsel inmates. Some seem to chafe under the burden of paperwork and administrative

duties. But, on the whole, they express high levels of job satisfaction.

Main Activities

The Pew Forum survey asked the chaplains

which of 10 possible functions they perform as

part of their work. The chaplains could indicate

that they perform multiple functions, and

virtually all of them did so. Indeed, more than

nine-in-ten say they do each of the following:

administer religious programs (93%), work

with external faith-based and community

organizations (92%), personally lead worship

services, religious instruction or spiritual

counseling (92%), advise correctional staff on

religious issues and related policies (92%), and

supervise or train volunteers (91%).

A majority of chaplains also say they provide

support and counseling for correctional staff

(85%), supervise inmates to help maintain

security (78%) and facilitate interfaith dialogue

among inmates or staff (74%).

A substantial minority (42%) of chaplains say they administer educational or other secular

rehabilitation services as part of their job. And a third (33%) say that following up with

inmates after release is among their duties.

What Chaplains Do

% saying they perform each of the following

Administer/organize religious programs

Personally lead worship and other services

Work with external faith-based groups

Advise correctional staff on religious issues

Supervise/train volunteers

Provide support/counseling for staff

Supervise inmates to help maintain safety

and security

Facilitate interfaith dialogue

Administer educational or other secular

rehabilitation services

Follow up with former inmates after release

Q6a-j. Percentage saying no and no answer not shown.

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An open-ended question on the survey asked

chaplains to list any other activities on which

they spend “a significant amount of time” on

the job. One response was particularly common:

paperwork. Among those offering a response,

45% mentioned administrative tasks such as

completing paperwork or processing religious

accommodation requests. Other frequent

responses include communication with family

members of inmates and to inmates regarding

family news (cited by 18% of respondents to

the open-ended question), pastoral counseling

(17%) and recruiting and vetting volunteers and

in-kind donations (16%).

Other Roles and Activities

% mentioning other activities on which they spend a

significant amount of time

Administrative tasks

Communication between families and

inmates

Pastoral counseling

Coordinate volunteer services

Other program management

Visits with inmates

Teaching/educational activities

Oversee religious services

Other miscellaneous

Q7. Open-end. NET % shown for each category. Figures add

to more than 100% because multiple responses were

allowed.

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Activities Chaplains Spend the Most Time On

Asked to rank the top three activities on which

they spend the most time, the most common

response from chaplains was serving as an

administrator helping to organize religious

programs. Nearly seven-in-ten chaplains rank

this among their top three activities on the job

(69%), including 38% who say it is the activity

on which they spend the most time. About the

same portion (66%) reports that personally

leading worship services, religious instruction

or spiritual counseling sessions is among their

top three activities, including 33% who say it is

how they spend the most time.

Other activities are less central to the chaplains

as a whole. About one-third of chaplains (32%)

say that supervising or training volunteers is

among the top three activities they perform.

About a quarter (24%) rank supervising

inmates in their top three activities, and about

a fifth (19%) consider advising correctional

staff on religious issues one of their top three

activities.

Fewer than one-in-ten say that providing

counseling for staff, administering secular

rehabilitation services, facilitating interfaith

dialogue among inmates or staff, and following

up with inmates after release are each among

the top three uses of their time on the job.

How Chaplains Spend Their Time

What are the TOP THREE activities you spend most

of your time on?

Ranked

1st

Ranked in

the top 3

Serving as an administrator

helping to organize religious

programs

Personally leading worship

services, religious instruction or

counseling sessions

Supervising inmates to help

maintain safety and security

Supervising or training

volunteers

Advising correctional staff on

religious issues and policies

Working with external faith-

based organizations

Administering educational or

other secular rehabilitation

services

Providing support/counseling

for correctional staff

Facilitating interfaith dialogue

Following up with former

inmates after release

Other activities

Q8a-m. Percentage not answering or not ranking in top 3

are not shown.

Other activities based on up to three

volunteered responses.

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Most Important Roles

Time-consuming activities do not always

match up with priorities for the job. The Pew

Forum survey also asked each chaplain to rank

the top three activities that, from his or her

point of view, are most important. One activity

stands out: personally leading worship

services, religious instruction sessions or

spiritual counseling sessions. About three-

quarters of the chaplains surveyed (75%)

consider this to be among their most important

functions, including 57% who ranked it as their

No. 1 priority.

A majority of chaplains (60%) also view the

administration of religious programs as one of

the three most important activities they perform;

18% consider it their most important activity.

Other activities were less likely to be seen as high

priorities. A third of chaplains (34%) say that

supervising or training volunteers is among their

three most important duties. About a quarter

(24%) say that advising correctional staff on

religious issues and related policies is one of their

top priorities; a similar portion (22%) says the

same about working with external faith-based

organizations.

Most Important Activities

What activities do you, personally, see as MOST

IMPORTANT for your role as chaplain or religious

services coordinator?

Ranked

1st

Ranked in

the top 3

Personally leading worship

services, religious instruction

or counseling sessions

Serving as an administrator

helping to organize religious

programs

Advising correctional staff on

religious issues and policies

Supervising or training

volunteers

Working with external faith-

based organizations

Supervising inmates to help

maintain safety and security

Providing support/counseling

for correctional staff

Following up with former

inmates after release

Facilitating interfaith dialogue

Administering educational or

other secular rehabilitation

services

Other activities

Q9a-m. Percentage not answering or not ranking in top 3

are not shown.

Other activities based on up to three

volunteered responses.

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Job Satisfaction

Despite some concerns about paperwork and some mismatch

between what they think is most important and how they spend

their time on the job, the chaplains surveyed report high levels

of job satisfaction. Six-in-ten say they are very satisfied (64%)

and three-in-ten (30%) are somewhat satisfied, while just 6%

say they are very or somewhat dissatisfied.

Job Satisfaction

Very satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Somewhat dissatisfied

Very dissatisfied

No answer

100

Q1. Figures may not add to 100% due

to rounding.

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III. The Role of Religious Volunteers

Many state prisons make extensive use of volunteers from houses of worship or other religious

organizations to help meet the spiritual needs of inmates. A majority of chaplains say that

more volunteers are needed, particularly for inmates who belong to minority faiths such as

Islam, Wicca and Native American spirituality. About a third of the chaplains surveyed also say

that volunteers from some religious groups are overabundant. In particular, they tend to cite

Protestant groups as providing more volunteers than necessary to meet the religious needs of

inmates. Generally speaking, the prison chaplains give religious volunteers high marks for the

way they lead worship services, education classes and prayer groups but somewhat lower

marks for mentoring inmates and their children.

Supply of Volunteers: Too Few or Too Many?

Most prison chaplains say there are too few religious volunteers

to meet the needs of all inmates. About seven-in-ten prison

chaplains surveyed (69%) say there are some religious groups for

which there are too few volunteers in the prisons where they work.

Among those expressing this view, 55% say that more Muslim

volunteers are needed. (This figure includes 7% specifically

mentioning the Moorish Science Temple of America and 6%

mentioning the Nation of Islam.) Other commonly named

groups for which more volunteers are needed include pagan or

earth-based religions, such as Wicca, Odinism, Asatru and

Druidism (35%), and Native American spirituality (32%).

(Note that percentages do not add to 100% because multiple

responses were allowed. See Glossary on page 101 for brief

definitions of some smaller religious groups.)

Are More Religious

Volunteers Needed?

Yes

No answer

100

Which groups need more

volunteers?

NET Muslim

Moorish Science Temple

Nation of Islam

Pagan (e.g., Wicca,

Odinism, Asatru, Druid)

Native American

spirituality

NET Christian

Catholic

Jewish

Buddhist

Q19. “Which groups need more

volunteers” based on all answering

open-end. Responses add to more

than 100% because multiple

responses were allowed. See topline

for other responses.

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At the same time, about a third of prison chaplains (32%) say

some religious groups provide more volunteers than necessary

to meet the religious needs of inmates. Among the chaplains

who say this, Protestants are the most commonly named group

(net of 52%); an additional 26% mentioned “Christians” with

no further specification. A total of 7% mentioned Catholics.

No other religion was named by more than 10% of the

chaplains responding.

How are Religious Volunteers Performing?

The Pew Forum survey asked chaplains to rate the performance

of religious volunteers at six specific tasks. Respondents also

had the option of saying that volunteers did not perform some

of those tasks in the prisons where they work. For example,

two-thirds of the chaplains (68%) report that religious

volunteers do not mentor the children of inmates, and about

half (46%) say that volunteers do not provide food, clothing or

holiday gifts for the families of inmates.

Among the chaplains who

express an opinion on the

performance of volunteers,

most favorably assess how

volunteers lead worship

services or other religious

rituals; 42% rate volunteers

as excellent leaders of

worship services, 50% say

volunteers do a good job at

this and only 7% rate

volunteers as fair or poor at

leading worship services. A

majority of those with an

opinion also say that

religious volunteers do an

excellent job (35%) or a good

job (50%) leading religious

Are There More

Religious Volunteers

Than Necessary?

Yes

No answer

100

Which groups have more

volunteers than

necessary?

NET Christian

NET Protestant

Catholic

Christian (general)

Q20. “Which groups have more

volunteers than necessary” based on

those answering open-end. Figures

may add to more than 100% because

multiple responses were allowed. See

topline for other responses.

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Chaplains’ Assessment of Religious Volunteers

Rate the performance of religious volunteers in providing each of the

following services

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Leading worship

services or religious

rituals

* = 100

698

Leading religious

education classes

2 = 100

685

Leading prayer groups

or meditation

2 = 100

619

Mentoring inmates

8 = 100

545

Providing food, clothing

or holiday gifts for

inmates’ families

12 = 100

374

Mentoring the children

of inmates

30 = 100

197

Q18a-f. Based on all answering. Excludes those who responded that this service was

not done by religious volunteers or who did not answer. Figures may not add to

100% due to rounding.

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education classes. A similar proportion say volunteers are excellent (33%) or good (52%) at

running prayer or meditation groups.

Volunteers receive more mixed reviews for their efforts at mentoring inmates. Of the chaplains

offering an opinion, two-thirds say volunteers make excellent (23%) or good (43%) mentors for

inmates, but a third rate them as only fair (26%) or poor (8%). In recent years, federal and

state authorities also have encouraged mentoring programs for the children of inmates. But, as

previously noted, many chaplains say that in the prisons where they work, religious volunteers

are not involved in mentoring inmates’ children. And of the chaplains who offer an opinion,

only about a third say that religious volunteers do an excellent job (11%) or a good job (21%) of

mentoring inmates’ children, while about two-thirds say they do either a fair (38%) or poor job

(30%).

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IV. Chaplains’ Perspectives on the Religious Lives of

Inmates

Little is known about the religious makeup of the state prison population. Government

agencies routinely report on the gender, racial and ethnic composition of inmates in state and

federal prisons (see Appendix C) but not on their religious affiliation. One of the central goals

of the Pew Forum survey is to offer a glimpse into the religious lives of prisoners through the

observations of prison chaplains. The chaplains’ views inevitably are colored by their own

attitudes and experiences, so their assessments should be viewed as impressions rather than as

facts. Still, their responses to the survey provide some sense of the environment in which they

work and of the changes they see occurring.

The chaplains’ estimates of the religious affiliation of inmates are, at best, a very rough

indicator. But the estimates suggest that most inmates in state prisons are Christians, albeit

with substantial numbers of Muslims, followers of pagan or earth-based religions,

practitioners of Native American spirituality and inmates not affiliated with a religion.

About three-quarters of chaplains say that attempts by inmates

to proselytize or convert fellow inmates are “very” or “some-

what” common (73%), and a similar portion (77%) say that

either “a lot” or “some” religious conversion takes place behind

bars. Fewer chaplains say that expressions of extreme religious

views are common in state prison; less than half of the

chaplains surveyed (41%) say that religious extremism is very

or somewhat common in the prison where they work.

When asked to explain in their own words the kinds of extreme

religious views they encounter, the chaplains frequently cite

two themes: “racial supremacy disguised as religious views”

(in the words of one chaplain) and religious exclusivity or intolerance toward other faiths.

A Window into Inmate Religious Preference

The Pew Forum survey asked chaplains whether or not the prisons where they work keep track

of inmates’ religious affiliations. An overwhelming majority of chaplains (84%) report that

formal tracking systems exist at their facilities. (Such data, however, are not generally publicly

available.)

Is Inmate Religion

Documented?

% saying there is a formal system

for …

Documenting religious

preferences of inmates

Q24. Those saying no or no answer

not shown.

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The Pew Forum survey also asked each chaplain

to estimate the approximate percentage of

inmates in the prison(s) where he or she works

that identify with each of 12 religious groups.

Of course, some chaplains may have quite a bit of

knowledge and others rather little knowledge

about the religious preferences of inmates. And,

even if chaplains had perfect information about

the relative distribution of religious groups

among inmates, these findings are not weighted

in proportion to the size of each prison’s

population and thus cannot provide an accurate

estimate of religious affiliation among the U.S.

prison population. Nonetheless, these findings

offer an impressionistic picture of the religious

context in which chaplains work.

The findings suggest that the majority of

inmates encountered by most chaplains are

Christians. On average, the chaplains surveyed

say that Christian groups make up about two-

thirds of the inmate population, with

Protestants, on average, estimated to comprise

51% of the inmate population, Catholics 15%

and other Christian groups less than 2%. The

median estimate by the chaplains of the

portion of Protestants is 50%, meaning that half of the chaplains estimate that Protestants

comprise more than 50% of the inmate population where they work, and half of the chaplains

estimate the figure to be below that. There is a wide range of estimates for most of the 12

religious groups, including Protestants and Catholics.

Compared with Christians, other religious groups are seen by the chaplains as considerably

smaller in size. Altogether, non-Christian religious groups are seen as comprising about 18% of

the state prison population. On average, the chaplains surveyed say that Muslims make up

about 9% of the inmate population in the prisons where they work, with half of the chaplains

saying that Muslims comprise 5% or less of the population and half saying Muslim inmates

make up more than 5% of the inmate population. Other non-Christian groups are perceived as

considerably smaller in size (0 to 1% for about half of the chaplains responding).

Inmate Religious Affiliation

Approximately what percentage of inmates identify

with the following religious groups?

Mean

Median

Christian

Protestant

50.6

Catholic

14.5

Mormon

0.8

Orthodox Christian

0.4

Other religions

Muslim

9.4

Native American spirituality

2.7

Pagan/earth-based practitioner

1.7

Jewish

1.7

Other non-Christian religions

1.5

Buddhist

0.9

Hindu

0.2

No religious preference

10.6

Proportion of inmates whose religious

preference not known

5.0

Q22a-m. Responses could range from 0 to 100 for the set of

12 groups. Mean response based on all answering. Those

who gave no response to the question are excluded.

Includes followers of the Nation of Islam and the Moorish

Science Temple of America.

The question listed the following examples: “Baha’is,

Rastafarians, practitioners of Santeria, Sikhs and others.”

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Further, according to the chaplains surveyed, inmates with no religious preference appear to

be a small minority. On average, chaplains say that about 11% of the inmate population is

atheist, agnostic or has no particular religious affiliation. The median estimate of inmates with

no religious preference is 5%.

By comparison, in the U.S. public as a whole,

half (50%) of adults identify as Protestants and

about a quarter (23%) are Catholics. About

one-in-five adults (19%) are religiously

unaffiliated (describing their religion as

atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular”).

Smaller numbers describe themselves as

Mormon (2%), Jewish (2%), Muslim (1%),

Orthodox (1%) or another faith (3%).

In a separate survey question, chaplains

estimated the percentage of Protestant inmates

who consider themselves born-again or

evangelical Christians. On average, the

chaplains surveyed say that about 50% of

Protestant inmates are evangelicals. But their

estimates run the gamut, with some chaplains estimating that evangelical Protestants comprise

a minority of Protestant inmates and others estimating that a majority of Protestant inmates

consider themselves to be born-again or evangelical Christians.

Figures for the general public in the U.S. are based on aggregated surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center for the

People & the Press between January and December 2011.

Evangelical Protestant Inmates

Thinking only of Protestant inmates, what

percentage do you think consider themselves born-

again or evangelical Christians?

Three-quarters to all

Half to three-quarters

One quarter to half

None to one quarter

No answer

100

Mean estimate

50.4

Q23. Based on open-end responses, grouped in categories

above. Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding.

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Religious Switching and Proselytizing

How much religious conversion takes place in state prisons?

About three-quarters (76%) of the chaplains surveyed say that

the prisons where they work maintain formal systems for

tracking religious switching among inmates. About three-

quarters of chaplains also say that conversion or proselytizing

attempts among inmates are either very common (31%) or

somewhat common (43%) while about a quarter say such

attempts are not too common (22%) or not at all common (4%).

How successful are these attempts? About three-quarters of the

chaplains surveyed estimate that religious switching occurs

some (51%) or a lot (26%). Fewer say that either not much

switching (20%) or none at all (2%) occurs in the prisons where

they work.

Chaplains working in maximum security facilities (31%) are

more likely than those in medium (25%) or minimum (18%)

security facilities to say that “a lot” of switching occurs.

The Pew Forum survey also asked chaplains to estimate

whether the ranks of 12 religious groups are swelling, shrinking

or stable in the prison population. Among chaplains who report

that religious switching occurs in the prison where they work,

Muslims and Protestants were the groups most likely to be seen

as growing in followers. About half of chaplains answering

these questions (51%) report that Muslims are growing in

number due to switching; 47% say the same about Protestants in the facilities where they work.

Prisoner Proselytizing

Have formal system

documenting when

inmates change religious

preferences

How common are inmate

proselytizing attempts?

Very common

Somewhat common

Not too common

Not at all common

No answer

100

How much religious

switching occurs among

inmates?

A lot

Some

Not much

None at all

No answer

100

Q28,25, 26. Those saying no system

for tracking change or no answer not

shown. Figures may not add to 100%

due to rounding.

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A sizable minority of the

chaplains say that followers

of pagan or earth-based

religions are growing (34%)

as are those practicing Native

American spirituality (24%)

and Judaism (19%).

For nine of the 12 religious

groups considered, a solid

majority of chaplains

answering the question

report that the size of each

religious group is stable.

For some religious groups,

the chaplains answering are

more likely to say the group’s

followers are shrinking than

growing in size due to

switching. For example, a

fifth (20%) of chaplains

answering say Catholics are

shrinking in number, while

14% say the ranks of

Catholics behind bars are

growing. Similarly, 17% of chaplains answering say the number of inmates with no religious

preference is shrinking, and 12% say the ranks of the unaffiliated are growing.

In response to open-ended questions on the survey, several chaplains mentioned that inmates

may switch to particular religious groups solely to obtain certain privileges or benefits, such as

kosher food. Some “inmates adopt Judaism because of the food benefits,” one chaplain wrote.

Commenting on religious switching in general, another chaplain said: “You cannot draw any

valid conclusions regarding religion in prisons by examining religion changes of offenders.

These decisions are primarily privilege based and not religiously based in my experience.”

Other chaplains indicated that they see both half-hearted switching and sincere conversions.

“Inmates often return to faith of childhood upbringing,” one chaplain noted, adding: “Some

Which Groups Are Growing and Shrinking?

% saying each group is growing, shrinking or staying the same size among

those who report that religious switching occurs a lot, some or not much

Religious group

Growing

Staying the

same

Shrinking

No answer

Muslims

5 = 100

Protestants

4 = 100

Pagan/earth-based

practitioners

9 = 100

Native American

spirituality

9 = 100

Jews

12 = 100

Catholics

4 = 100

No religious

preference

9 = 100

Other non-

Christians

14 = 100

Buddhists

13 = 100

Mormons

18 = 100

Orthodox Christians

20 = 100

Hindus

18 = 100

Q27a-l. Based on all asked, N=710. Those who responded that there was no

switching or that they didn’t know if switching occurred are excluded.

Includes followers of the Nation of Islam and the Moorish Science Temple of

America.

The question listed the following examples: “Baha’is, Rastafarians, practitioners

of Santeria, Sikhs and others.”

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‘try on’ various faiths. Only a small percentage of inmates seem to take it seriously and stick

with it….”

Requests for Accommodation

The Pew Forum survey asked

chaplains to estimate how

often each of five kinds of

requests for religious

accommodation are approved

or denied. The questions also

allowed chaplains to indicate

whether or not each kind of

request has occurred in the

prisons where they work.

Among those answering, an

overwhelming majority

(82%) say prisons usually

approve inmates’ requests

for religious books. Seven–

in-ten (71%) chaplains

answering say requests for visits by religious leaders are usually approved. About half say

requests for a special religious diet (53%) and requests for permission to have religious items

or clothing (51%) are usually approved.

However, only about three-in-ten (28%) chaplains answering say that requests for special

accommodations related to hair or grooming are usually approved. More than a third (36%)

say such requests are usually denied.

Some chaplains expressed frustration at the volume of requests for religious accommodation,

including requests they view as “using religion to play the system,” in the words of one chaplain.

“Too much of my time is spent on accommodating those ‘using’ religion to get additional

privileges, such as better food, religious items, additional packages, gangs trying to meet as

religious groups, etc.,” another chaplain wrote in response to an open-ended question on the

survey. “I do little ministry but facilitate perpetual changing of religious declarations for the

Religious Accommodation

How often are the following requests from inmates for religious

accommodation approved or denied, if they have come up at all?

Usually

approved

Sometimes

approved/

sometimes

denied

Usually

denied

Requests for…

Religious books or texts

* = 100

715

Meetings with leaders from

inmates’ faith

3 = 100

673

Special religious diet

7 = 100

711

Religious items or clothing

3 = 100

711

Special hairstyle or grooming

36 = 100

559

Q29. Based on all answering. Excludes those who responded that the request had

not come up or who did not give an answer. Figures may not add to 100% due to

rounding.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

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next ‘food’ event or whatever gives the inmate the best gang option or ability to gain personal

items,” yet another wrote.

Religious Extremism in the Prisons

The survey asked a number of questions about how often

chaplains encounter “extreme religious views” within the

prison population. About four-in-ten chaplains say that groups

expressing extreme religious views are very common (12%) or

somewhat common (29%); a majority says such views are not

too common (42%) or not at all common (16%) in the prisons

where they work.

Perceptions of the prevalence of extreme religious views tend

to vary with the security level of the facility where the chaplains

work.

Chaplains in maximum or medium security

facilities are more likely than those in minimum

security facilities to say that religious extremism

is very or somewhat common. About four-in-ten

chaplains in maximum security (44%) and

medium security prisons (42%) say religious

extremism is very or somewhat common,

compared with 32% of chaplains who work in

minimum security facilities.

How Common Are

Extreme Religious

Views (Overall)?

Very common

Somewhat common

Not too common

Not at all common

No answer

100

Q30a. Figures may not add to 100%

due to rounding.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S

FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

How Common Are Extreme

Religious Views (by Security

Level)?

% of chaplains saying that extreme religious views

among inmates are …

As rated by

chaplains

working in…

Very/

somewhat

common

Not too/

Not at all

common

answer

Maximum

security

*=100

241

Medium

security

1=100

357

Minimum

security

0=100

Q30a. Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding.

Figures may not sum to 100%, and combined categories

may not sum from their component parts, due to rounding.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

www.pewforum.org

These findings are, of course, colored by the

perceptual lens of the chaplains responding. For

example, assessments of the prevalence of religious

extremism among inmates tend to vary with the

religious affiliation and race of the chaplains

surveyed. Protestant chaplains are more likely than

those of the Catholic or Muslim faith to say that

religious extremism in the prisons is either very or

somewhat common. This tendency is a bit stronger

among white evangelical chaplains than it is among

white mainline Protestants.

Analysis of these differences is constrained by the

modest number of chaplains from some of these

faith traditions who are in the survey. For example,

98 respondents are Catholic, and only 53 are

Muslim. However, those who are Muslim appear

less likely than other chaplains to perceive a lot of

religious extremism among inmates. Just 23% of

the Muslim chaplains say religious extremism is

either very common or somewhat common in the prisons where they work, while 43% of

Protestant chaplains take that view. Catholic chaplains fall in between, with 32% saying

religious extremism is very or somewhat common in the facilities where they work.

How Common Are Extreme

Religious Views (by Chaplains’

Religion)?

% of chaplains saying extreme religious views among

inmates are …

As rated by

chaplains

who are…

Very/

some-

what

common

Not too/

Not

at all

common

answer

Protestant

1=100

519

White

evangelical

* = 100

264

White

mainline

1 = 100

Black

Protestant

1 = 100

Catholic

0 = 100

Muslim

2 = 100

Q30a. Figures may not sum to 100%, and combined

categories may not sum from their component parts, due to

rounding.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

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The survey also asked chaplains to estimate how

often extreme views occur among inmates in each

of 12 religious groups. Respondents were able to

indicate if no inmates belonged to a particular

group.

Of the chaplains expressing an opinion on these

questions, a majority say it is very common (22%)

or somewhat common (36%) for Muslim inmates to

express extreme views. This includes inmates who

belong to such groups as the Nation of Islam and

the Moorish Science Temple of America, which

traditional Muslims may view as unorthodox or

heretical. (See Glossary on page 101.)

A sizable minority (39%) of chaplains also say

religious extremism is very or somewhat common

among inmates who practice pagan and earth-

based religions (such as Asatru, Odinism and

Wicca). Roughly one-fifth to one-quarter of

chaplains with an opinion say religious extremism

is very or somewhat common among Protestant

inmates (24%), inmates who follow other non-

Christian religions, such as Rastafarians and

practitioners of Santeria and Voodoo (21%), and

those practicing Native American spirituality (19%).

(See Glossary on page 101.)

How Common is Extremism

Among Various Religious Groups?

% of chaplains saying extreme religious views are …

Very/

somewhat

common

Not too/

not at all

common

Among inmates who

are…

Muslims

43 = 100

677

Pagan/earth-based

religions

61 = 100

614

Protestants

76 = 100

665

Other non-Christian

religions

79 = 100

502

Native American

spirituality

81 = 100

592

Jews

83 = 100

575

No religious

preference

86 = 100

594

Catholics

92 = 100

657

Mormons

92 = 100

454

Orthodox Christians

94 = 100

420

Buddhists

93 = 100

529

Hindus

94 = 100

381

Q31a-l.Based on all answering. Those who responded that

no inmates belong to the group or did not give an answer

are excluded. Figures may not sum to 100%, and combined

categories may not sum from their component parts, due to

rounding.

Includes followers of the Nation of Islam and the Moorish

Science Temple of America.

The question listed the following examples: “Baha’is,

Rastafarians, practitioners of Santeria, Sikhs and others.”

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

www.pewforum.org

Interestingly, perceptions of religious

extremism vary strongly with the security level

of the chaplains’ facility for only one of the 12

religious groups – Muslims. Chaplains in

maximum security facilities are more likely

than those in either medium- or minimum-

security facilities to say that extremism among

Muslim inmates is very or somewhat common.

Perceptions of the prevalence of religious

extremism among inmates from other faith

groups is not related, or only modestly related,

to the facility security level.

The relative rankings of the top two inmate

groups most associated with extremism are the

same for chaplains working in each security

level. Regardless of security level, the chaplains

answering are most likely to say that

extremism is very or somewhat common

among Muslim inmates, followed by adherents

of pagan or earth-based religions.

How Common is Religious

Extremism (by Security Level and

Religious Group)?

% of chaplains saying extreme religious views are

very or somewhat common

Chaplains working in…

Maximum

security

Medium

security

Minimum

security

Among inmates who

are…

Muslims

Pagan/earth-based

religions

Protestants

Native American

spirituality

Catholics

Q31a,b,f,g,h. Based on all answering. Those who responded

that no inmates belong to the group or did not give an

answer are excluded.

Includes followers of the Nation of Islam and the Moorish

Science Temple of America.

The question listed the following examples: “Baha’is,

Rastafarians, practitioners of Santeria, Sikhs and others.”

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

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To better understand what is meant by religious extremism, the survey also asked chaplains to

explain in their own words the kinds of extreme religious views that they encounter in state

prisons. Overall, 62% of chaplains provided some response. Not surprisingly, those who say

that encountering extreme religious views among inmates is very or somewhat common were

more likely to respond to the question (82% answering) than were those who say that such

views are not too or not at all common (47% answering).

Chaplains offered a wide range of comments to

this open-ended question. Their responses

were categorized according to the ideas or

themes they suggested and, separately,

according to the specific religious groups they

named as espousing extreme views. Many

chaplains mentioned multiple ideas or

religious groups.

Among the chaplains responding, two themes

are common. A net of 41% of those responding

mention racial intolerance or prejudice against

specific social groups. This figure includes

references to views of black or white racial

superiority and racial supremacy (36%) as well

as hostility toward gays and lesbians, negative

views of women (particularly in religious

leadership roles) and intolerance toward sex

offenders or other inmates based on the nature

of their criminal offense. “Racially based

beliefs are held by Odinist/Wotanist inmates

and members of the Nation of Islam,” one

chaplain noted. Another cited “demands that

some inmates cannot be a part of the religious

group because of sexual identity and/or sexual

crimes.”

A nearly equal percentage (40%) of those responding mention religious intolerance. This figure

includes references to views of exclusivity of faith and “religious bigotry” (32%) as well as

references to those seeing only the King James Bible as authentic, espousing “militant” faiths,

or attempting to intimidate or coerce others into belief.

Kinds of Religious Extremism

Encountered

Themes mentioned when asked about the kinds of

extreme religious views encountered

NET Intolerance of specific racial or social

groups

Racial separatism/supremacists

NET Religious exclusivity/inflexibility of faith

NET Specific requests for accommodation

NET Other view mentioned

Groups mentioned when asked about the kinds of

extreme religious views encountered

NET Muslim

Muslim/Islamic radicalism/Salafi teaching

Nation of Islam

NET Christian

NET Protestant

Christian (general)

Jewish

NET Other religions

Pagan/earth-based e.g., Wicca

Satanism/Demonic

Q30b. Open-end. Based on those answering. Most common

responses are shown. See topline for more responses.

Figures add to more than 100% because multiple responses

were allowed.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

www.pewforum.org

A little more than a quarter (28%) of the chaplains responding cite specific requests for food,

clothing or rituals in their descriptions of extremism. And some (22%) describe religious

extremism in other ways, such as prisoners using religious groups as a cover for non-religious

activities, espousing views that promote violence or rape, and creating new religions. (Note

that percentages do not add to 100% because multiple responses were allowed.)

A wide range of groups are mentioned in connection with extreme religious views. Among

chaplains responding, the most commonly mentioned group is Muslims (54%, including 21%

who specifically cite the Nation of Islam). In addition, 34% mention Christians, including 7%

who specifically cite evangelical or fundamentalist Protestants, 6% who mention Hebrew

Israelites and 4% who cite followers of the so-called Christian Identity movement.

Many

chaplains also refer to other religions (net of 43%) in connection with religious extremism,

including pagan or earth-based religions (16%) and Satanism or devil worship (12%).

To better understand what chaplains have in mind, the Pew Forum looked at the subset of

respondents who cited the two most commonly mentioned religious groups (Muslims and

Christians) in addition to some kind of thematic explanation of extremism. Among chaplains

who mention Muslims and also provide some kind of thematic explanation (83 chaplains or

18% of those responding), about half (51%) mentioned Muslims in connection with the idea of

racial and social group intolerance and about four-in-ten (41%) mentioned Muslims in

connection with the idea of religious exclusivity. As an example of extremism, one chaplain

cited “racism from the [I]slamic groups,” while another listed “Muslims who think their view of

Islam is the only way.”

Among chaplains who mentioned Christians and also provided some kind of thematic

explanation of extremism (52 chaplains or 12% of those responding), about two-thirds (67%)

mentioned Christians in connection with the idea of religious exclusivity while 37% mentioned

Christians in connection with the idea of racial and social group intolerance. One chaplain

commented, for example, that “… some fundamentalist Christian organizations have found it

difficult to respect the religious boundaries of others.” “On my unit there is a struggle between

the Arminians (conditional salvation) and Calvinist (once saved always saved),” another noted.

“We have had issues with white supremacy groups trying to start ‘Christian Identity’ services

that [are] hate filled…,” a third chaplain wrote. These are just a few of such responses.

As previously noted, Hebrew Israelites are categorized in this report as a Christian group because they historically come out of

Christian denominations, but members of the group may view themselves as Jews and some chaplains may consider them to be

Jews as well.

PEW FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

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Thus, both kinds of extremism (racial

intolerance and religious exclusivity) are

perceived to exist among Muslim and Christian

inmates, but religious exclusivity appears to be

more strongly associated with Christian

inmates, while racial and social group

intolerance appears to be more strongly

associated with Muslim inmates.

Does religious extremism threaten the safety

and security of the prison environment? About

three-quarters (76%) of chaplains say that

religious extremism poses a security threat

either “not too often” or “rarely or almost

never.” About a quarter (23%) of chaplains say

extremism “almost always” or “sometimes”

poses a threat to security.

Those working in maximum security facilities are more likely

than those working in other kinds of facilities to say that

religious extremism poses a threat to security at least

sometimes. About three-in-ten (29%) chaplains from

maximum security facilities say that extremism is almost

always or sometimes a threat to prison security; this compares

with about a fifth of chaplains in medium security (19%) or

minimum security facilities (18%) who say the same. However,

upwards of seven-in-ten chaplains from any of these facility

types say that religious extremism rarely, almost never, or “not

too often” poses a threat to facility security.

What kinds of measures have state prisons taken to reduce the

possibility of security threats stemming from religious

extremism? The survey asked about four kinds of possible

measures. A sizable minority of chaplains say the prisons where

they work have consulted with experts in dealing with religious

groups in which extremism is suspected (45%) or have

Frequency Extremism Poses

Threat by Security Level

How often does extremism pose a threat to security?

Almost

always/

some-

times

Not

too

often

Rarely/

almost

never

answer

All

1 = 100

730

Chaplains

working

in…

Maximum

security

1=100

241

Medium

security

*=100

357

Minimum

security

0=100

Q32. Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

Actions to Reduce

Security Threat

% saying each measure has been

taken to address extreme

religious views among inmates

Consult experts for

advice on handling

Provide additional

supervision at religious

gatherings

Limit number of

gatherings by religious

groups

Isolate certain inmates

Q33a-d.Those saying measure not

taken or giving no answer not shown.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S

FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

www.pewforum.org

provided additional supervision for religious gatherings (44%). In addition, about a third of

chaplains say the prisons where they work have limited the number of gatherings held by

religious groups (35%) or isolated particular inmates (33%) to address religious extremism.

PEW FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

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V. Chaplains’ Views on the Correctional System

Prison chaplains are, on balance, positive about the correctional

system. A majority says the system where they are employed

“works pretty well,” and strong majorities rate the correctional

system as excellent or good when it comes to maintaining order

and meeting the religious needs of inmates. Evaluations of

rehabilitation and re-entry efforts are less positive, however, with

about half calling those efforts only fair or poor. About six-in-ten

chaplains (62%) say that religion-related programs for

rehabilitation and re-entry are available in the prisons where they

work. Most chaplains consider these religion-related programs to

be thriving both in terms of usage and quality.

How’s the System Working?

Most chaplains are upbeat about the correctional system where

they work. About six-in-ten (61%) of those surveyed say their state’s system “works pretty well”

and needs only minor changes, while a third (34%) say the system needs major changes and

5% say it needs to be completely re-built.

When it comes to specific aspects of the state

correctional system’s performance, chaplains

are most sanguine about the ability to maintain

discipline and order in prison, and they are

least positive about the efficacy of efforts to

rehabilitate inmates and prepare them for re-

entry into the community. Four-in-ten (40%)

chaplains say the correctional system where

they work is doing an excellent job at

maintaining order and discipline among

inmates, 54% say it is doing a good job, and

just 6% say it is doing either fair or poor.

The correctional system is also seen as

excellent (29%) or good (50%) at meeting the

religious needs of inmates. Just a fifth of

Evaluating the

System

Thinking about the correctional

system where you work …

Works pretty well, only

minor changes needed

Needs major changes

Needs to be completely

rebuilt

No answer

100

Q2. Figures may not add to 100% due

to rounding.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S

FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

How’s the Prison System Doing?

Rate the job the correctional system where you work

is doing in each area

Excellent

Good

Only

fair/

poor

answer

Maintaining

order

0=100

Meeting

religious needs

1=100

Providing self-

improvement

programs

1=100

Helping prepare

for re-entry

1=100

Q3a-d. Figures may not sum to 100%, and combined

categories may not sum from their component parts, due to

rounding.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

www.pewforum.org

chaplains consider performance in this area to be only fair (17%) or poor (3%). A majority also

says the system is excellent (14%) or good (41%) at providing self-improvement programs for

inmates. But a majority of chaplains also say services to help inmates prepare to return to the

community are only fair (37%) or poor (17%) in the system where they work; 37% say such

services are good and 8% say they are excellent.

Financial pressures are

widespread across many

state-funded programs,

including prison systems.

There is near consensus

among chaplains on several

possible ways to cut costs.

Nearly all chaplains either

favor (46%) or strongly favor

(46%) dealing with non-

violent, first-time offenders

through other kinds of

sentences (such as

community service or

mandatory substance-abuse

counseling) rather than

prison terms. Just 8% of the chaplains surveyed oppose this idea. Nearly all the chaplains also

favor (57%) or strongly favor (35%) allowing inmates to earn early release based on good

behavior and completion of rehabilitation programs, while 7% are opposed. And most favor

(53%) or strongly favor (33%) shortening prison sentences for non-violent crimes; 12% oppose

this idea.

On the other hand, there is near-unanimity among chaplains against one idea: 94% oppose

cutting correctional staff and programs in order to reduce costs in correctional systems (62%

strongly oppose and 32% oppose this idea).

Opinion About Cost-Saving Proposals

% who favor or oppose each as a way to cut costs in correctional systems

Strongly

favor

Favor

Oppose

Strongly

oppose

answer

Non-prison sentences for

non-violent, first-time

offenders

1=100

Early release for good

behavior

1=100

Shorten sentences for non-

violent crimes

2=100

Cut correctional staff and

programs

1=100

Q4a-d. Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

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Rehabilitation and Re-entry

In the minds of the chaplains, successful

rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into

society requires efforts both in prison and after

release. Fully eight-in-ten (81%) chaplains say

that treatment for substance abuse or mental

health problems while serving time is

“absolutely critical” for rehabilitation; 14% call

this very important but not critical, and the

remainder consider it either somewhat

important or not important (or give no

response). Chaplains, perhaps not surprisingly,

are also likely to see religious programs as

vital. More than three-quarters say that

support from religious groups after release is

absolutely critical for successful rehabilitation

(78%); 19% say this is very important but not

critical. And 73% of the chaplains surveyed consider access to high-quality religion-related

programs while in prison absolutely critical to rehabilitation. A substantial majority (71%) of

chaplains also say “help with things like getting a job and finding affordable housing upon

release” is absolutely critical. And 69% say the same about inmates’ access to high-quality

rehabilitation programs of a secular nature, such as continuing education and job training.

Access to some kind of rehabilitation program while in prison

appears common; 85% of chaplains say the prisons where they

work offer secular rehabilitation and re-entry programs. About

six-in-ten chaplains (62%) say that religion-related programs

are available in the prisons where they work.

Most chaplains consider the religion-related rehabilitation

programs to be thriving both in usage and in quality. Among

those working in a prison with a religion-related rehabilitation

program, about six-in-ten (61%) say usage has increased over

the past three years, 31% say usage has stayed the same and

just 6% say usage has gone down. A majority of those working

in a prison with a program of this sort also say that the quality

of the religion-related rehabilitation programs has improved

What Is Important for Successful

Rehabilitation?

% saying each is absolutely critical

Treatment for substance abuse or mental

health problems in prison

Support from religious groups after

release

Access to quality religion-related

programs in prison

Help with things such as job, housing

Access to quality programs such as

education, job-training in prison

Q5a-e. Other response options not shown: very important

but not critical, somewhat important, not important and no

answer.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

Access to Rehab

Programs?

In the prison where you work …

Have secular

rehabilitation and re-

entry programs

Have religion-related

rehabilitation and re-

entry programs

Q13, 10. Those saying no or no

answer responses not shown.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S

FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

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(57%), while 36% say the quality is about the

same and 7% say the program’s quality has

declined over the past three years.

Perceptions of secular rehabilitation programs

over the same period are a bit less sanguine.

Among those with secular programs in the

prisons where they work, about four-in-ten

(38%) say usage has gone up over the past

three years, 44% say usage is about the same

and 14% say usage has gone down.

Assessments of the quality of secular

rehabilitation programs is similarly divided,

with 36% saying the programs have gotten

better, 43% saying the quality is about the

same and 18% saying the programs have

declined in quality.

Usage of Rehab Programs

Among those who work in prisons with rehabilitation

and re-entry programs, % who say participation

over past three years has …

Gone

down

Same

answer

Religion-related

programs

2=100

449

Secular

programs

3=100

622

Q12, 15. Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

Assessing Rehab Programs

Among those who work in prisons with rehabilitation

and re-entry programs, % who say program quality

today compared with past three years is …

Better

Worse

Same

answer

Religion-related

programs

1=100

449

Secular

programs

2=100

622

Q11, 14. Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’SFORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

PEW FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

www.pewforum.org

Assessment of the Second Chance Act

In 2007, Congress introduced and later passed the Second

Chance Act, which provides federal funding for re-entry

services in state prisons and local jails and juvenile facilities.

About half of the chaplains surveyed report having heard either

a lot or a little about the legislation (49%) while about half

(51%) say they have heard nothing at all.

Among those who are aware of the Second Chance Act, 57%

say it has been either very (8%) or somewhat effective (50%)

in improving re-entry services and promoting the successful

return of inmates to their communities; a third (33%) say it has

been not too or not at all effective.

Views about the

Second Chance Act

Heard about Second

Chance Act?

A lot

A little

Nothing at all

No answer

100

Among those who

have heard a lot/a

little

How effective is it?

Very/somewhat

effective

Not too/not at all

effective

No answer

100

Q16, 17. Figures may not add to

100% due to rounding.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S

FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

www.pewforum.org

In Their Own Words:

Thoughts about Rehabilitation and the Prison System

Chaplains surveyed by the Pew Forum expressed a range of opinions about the state prison

system and what they consider important for successful re-integration into the community.

Here are a few of the verbatim comments provided in response to an open-ended request for

other thoughts on issues raised in the survey.

Transformational Change

 “Chaplains play a key role in helping inmates transform their understanding of

responsibility, choices and possibilities. Behavior only changes when hearts change.”

 “Without a spiritual-based transformation there is little hope for sincere, lasting change in

any of us. Without a faith-based after-care living situation an ex-offender has little chance

of succeeding on the street.”

 “Personal contact is crucial. You minister through relationship. Being accepting, non-

judgmental, working toward self esteem issues is important.”

 “Change what a man believes inside, you will change what you see outside. Social services

are great, but they work on the symptoms instead of the problem.”

 “I believe the usefulness of the gospel message and Christian ministries in the prisoner

rehabilitation and re-entry processes [are] underrated. These ministries are as effective as

educational programs in the prison yet receive an extremely small fraction of the funding

and manpower.”

Re-Entry Support

 “There are very few ministries [that] volunteer their services to our institution that have

follow-up care with inmates and their families when they parole. The ideal would be a

sponsorship of six months prior to release with the family and the inmate, and six months

after release.”

 “[Rehabilitation], in general, is inadequate at the prisons in which I work. Religious

services should be allowed to help inmates transition into churches and participate with

mentors prior to discharge who will follow them upon discharge. This does not yet

happen...”

PEW FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

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 “More faith-based formal programs [are] needed which can help inmates with [the]

transition back into community living, such as ‘faith dorms’.”

On what it means to be a prison chaplain

 “The term ‘chaplain’ to those outside corrections usually has people thinking of military or

hospital chaplaincy. The prison chaplaincy is an entirely different model, as prison

chaplains are, in essence, religious programs providers. My main task is to ensure [that]

the religious beliefs of offenders [are] met…. I, as a prison chaplain, am not to convert

persons [but] to ensure their religious rights…”

Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

www.pewforum.org

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK

PEW FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

www.pewforum.org

Appendix A: Survey Methodology

This survey of prison chaplains was conducted from Sept. 21 through Dec. 23, 2011, among

professional prison chaplains or religious services coordinators (the two titles are used

interchangeably for the purposes of this report) working in prisons in all 50 states.

Correctional authorities in each of the 50 states granted permission for the Pew Research

Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life to contact state prison chaplains and request their

voluntary participation in the survey. The survey was also endorsed by the American

Correctional Chaplains Association. A total of 730 interviews were completed by Web and

paper questionnaire, a response rate of nearly 50%.

Sampling and Interviewing

The target population for the survey was all paid prison chaplains in the 50 state prison

systems across the United States. The Pew Forum contacted officials in each state’s

department of corrections to request permission to conduct the survey and to obtain contact

information for all professional chaplains currently employed in state prisons.

Based on

communications with each state’s board of corrections, the Pew Forum compiled a database of

chaplains thought to be eligible for the study. The process of obtaining permission to conduct

the study and assembling the list of eligible chaplains was facilitated by the American

Correctional Chaplains Association and by some chaplains with access to the National

Correctional Chaplains Administrators Directory. A total of 1,474 state prison chaplains and

religious services coordinators from the 50 state correctional systems comprised the total

target population of interest.

Survey Administration

The administration and data coding of the survey was handled by Social Science Research

Solutions (SSRS). Attempts were made to contact all 1,474 state prison chaplains to request

participation in the survey. In keeping with best practices for survey research, the target

sample was contacted multiple times to request participation. The schedule of contacts was as

follows:

 Invitation letter explaining the purpose of the study was sent by mail to the entire

sample, with the exception of chaplains from New York,

on Sept. 21, 2011.

In South Dakota, religious programs are administered by a “cultural activities coordinator.”

The Pew Forum also sought permission to include federal prison chaplains in the survey, but the Federal Bureau of Prisons

decided not to allow its approximately 200 chaplains to participate.

Permission to contact New York state chaplains was not received until mid-November. As a result, the 162 chaplains from New

York state were contacted with an initial letter of invitation on Nov. 18, 2011, and a postcard reminder sent three days after the

Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

www.pewforum.org

 Email invitation with a direct link to the Web survey was sent to those with email

address information

about eight days after the initial mailing.

 Postcard reminder was mailed to all who had not yet completed the survey about one

week after initial mailing.

 A cover letter and paper copy of the questionnaire was sent by mail to those who had

not yet completed the survey about two weeks after the initial mailing.

 A second postcard reminder was mailed to those who had not yet completed the survey

about three weeks after the initial mailing.

 A second email reminder was sent to those with email address information who had not

yet completed the survey about five days after the second postcard reminder.

 A cover letter and second paper copy of the questionnaire was sent by mail to those

who had not yet completed the survey on Oct. 24, 2011, about one month after the

initial mailing.

 A final email reminder was sent to those with an email address who had not yet

completed the survey on Nov. 11, 2011.

A number of chaplains had queries or comments about the survey, including technical

questions about accessing the Web survey. There also were questions about the survey sponsor

and the confidentiality of responses, as well as other comments about the survey or the state

prison system in which they worked. These questions and comments were addressed either by

staff at SSRS or by the principal investigator on the study, Stephanie Boddie.

Questionnaire Design

The questionnaire was designed by the Pew Forum with the counsel of the staff at SSRS and

the panel of 17 external advisers with expertise in the criminal corrections field and a working

group of nine prison chaplains. A draft survey was pretested with a group of retired prison

chaplains, many of whom offered suggestions on the questionnaire design. The department of

corrections in some states includes a formal process for review of all study materials, called an

institutional review board; feedback from several state institutional review boards also

informed the questionnaire design. A draft questionnaire and study protocol was also

submitted to the institutional review board for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. While the

Federal Bureau of Prisons did not, in the end, grant permission to conduct the study among

federal prison chaplains, their feedback and suggestions for the study informed the

questionnaire design.

initial mailing. A cover letter and paper copy of the questionnaire were sent on Dec. 1, 2011. No email addresses were available

for New York state chaplains. Fewer attempts were made to reach chaplains from New York state compared with other states due

to the late permission to conduct the study among this group.

An email address was available for 857 of the 1,474 chaplains eligible to participate in the survey.

PEW FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

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Several of the questions asked chaplains to provide information about specific religious groups

among the inmate population. Advisers from some correctional systems reported that up to 50

religious groups exist among the prison population. To reduce respondent burden, the Pew

Forum survey asked about 12 religious groups, combining some religious traditions together

under broader categories. The Pew Forum was guided in these choices by the major religious

groups identified by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, by the panel of external advisers and by the

working group of prison chaplains. However, it is important to note that the selection of 12

religious groups involves a trade-off between the precision of gathering distinct information

about each religious tradition and the practicality of asking about a more limited number of

groups.

The layout and design of the questionnaire sought to maximize comparability across the mixed

modes of Web and paper questionnaires while following the best practices of visual survey

design.

The Web survey included programming for all skip patterns and follow up prompts

on questions 8, 9 and 22 if the initial responses did not appear to match the question

instructions.

Question order and response order was fixed for all questions in order to increase the

comparability of the online and paper survey modes. This departs from typical practice in Web

surveys (and telephone surveys) where the order of response options and questions (especially

in serial lists of questions) is sometimes randomized. The purpose of randomizing order is to

control for potential primacy and recency effects in response option order and for serial item

position effects in question order. Those sorts of randomization are not practical for paper

questionnaires, however. The fixed question order should be kept in mind when interpreting

the survey results.

The Pew Forum had final authority and responsibility for the design of the questionnaire and

retains sole responsibility for the analysis and interpretation of survey findings.

See Don A. Dillman, Jolene D. Smyth and Leah Melani Christian, “Internet, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design

Method,” Wiley, 2009.

Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains

www.pewforum.org

Response Rate and Margin of Error

The total response rate was 49.6%.

The table

provides the full disposition of the target

sample for the survey.

We attempted to ask all eligible state prison

chaplains to complete this survey. Based

on a comparison of chaplains who responded

promptly to the survey and those who were

more difficult to interview, as well as an

analysis of response by region, we are

assuming that the responses constitute a

probability sample of the population.

Based on that assumption, the margin of error

for the full sample of 730 respondents from a

population of 1,474 professional prison

chaplains is plus or minus 2.6 percentage

points. In addition to sampling error, one should bear in mind that question wording and

practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias in the findings of

opinion polls.

This is a survey of individual prison chaplains, as opposed to correctional facilities.

Some

larger facilities have more than one prison chaplain represented in the survey. Questions about

the characteristics of correctional facilities are intended to measure the work context of the

chaplains responding to this survey. The survey findings reported here are not weighted.

Response rate based on AAPOR’s RR4 formula. See Standard definitions: Final dispositions of case codes and outcome rates for

surveys, revised 2011 at

http://www.aapor.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Standard_Definitions2&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=3156.

Other kinds of surveys can be designed to represent organizations or institutions such as correctional facilities in proportion to

their size in the population. Such surveys provide estimates about characteristics of the organizations, themselves, such as the

prevalence of facilities at each security level or the number of facilities serving particular kinds of inmates.

Sample Disposition

Total sample

1,474

Eligible, interview (category 1)

Complete

723

Partials treated as complete

Eligible, non-interview (category 2)

Refusal

Web suspends (partially completed)

No response

645

Unknown eligibility, non-interview

Mail undeliverable

Not eligible

Response rate RR4

49.6%

Response rate calculations using AAPOR’s standard

definitions for final dispositions of case codes and outcome

rates for surveys, 2011.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER’S FORUM ON RELIGION & PUBLIC LIFE

www.pewforum.org

Appendix B: Topline

Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

National Survey of Prison Chaplains

September-December 2011

N=730

Notes:

 For exact question wording and layout, please see questionnaire.

 “No answer” was not offered as a response option, but is used to indicate cases in which a respondent did not provide

an answer to a question. Those responding to a paper questionnaire sometimes volunteered a “don’t know” response.

 All numbers are percentages unless otherwise noted. Percentages greater than zero but less than 0.5% are indicated

by an asterisk (*). Columns or rows may not total to 100% due to rounding.

Welcome to the National Survey of Prison Chaplains

This survey is being conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life and it has

been endorsed by The American Correctional Chaplains Association. The survey is designed to help better

understand the roles of chaplains and the place of religion in inmate rehabilitation and the community re-

entry process.

Q1. All in all, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with your job

as a prison chaplain or religious services coordinator?

Q2. Thinking specifically of the correctional system for which you work, do you think it…

Works pretty well and requires only minor changes

Needs major changes

Needs to be completely rebuilt

Don’t know/No answer

Q3. How would you rate the job the correctional system for which you work is doing in each of the following areas?

Excellent

Good

Only Fair

Poor

Don’t

know/

Answer

a. Maintaining order and discipline among

inmates

b. Meeting the religious needs of inmates

c. Helping inmates prepare to return to the

community

Very satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Somewhat dissatisfied

Very dissatisfied

Don’t know/No answer

www.pewforum.org

d. Providing self-improvement programs for

inmates

Q4. Do you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly oppose each of the following as a way to cut costs in correctional

systems?

Strongly

Favor

Oppose

Strongly

Oppose

Don’t

know/

Answer

a. Shortening prison sentences for non-violent

crimes

b. Dealing with non-violent, first-time offenders

without sending them to prison (e.g., through

community service or mandatory substance-

abuse counseling)

c. Allowing prisoners to earn early release through

completion of rehabilitation programs and good

behavior

d. Cutting back on correctional staff and prison

programs

Q5. In your opinion, how important, if at all, is each of the following for inmates’ successful rehabilitation and

reintegration into society?

Absolutely

Critical

Very

important

but not

critical

Somewhat

Important

Not

Important

Don’t

know/

No Answer

a. Treatment for inmates with substance

abuse or mental health problems in

prison

b. Access to high-quality rehabilitation

programs, such as continuing education

and job training, in prison

c. Access to high-quality religion-related

programs and services in prison

d. Help with things like getting a job and

finding affordable housing upon release

e. Support from religious groups or

spiritual leaders after release

www.pewforum.org

Q6. Do you perform the following tasks as part of your role as chaplain or religious services coordinator, or not?

Yes

Don’t

know/

No Answer

a. Personally leading worship services, religious instruction

sessions, or spiritual counseling sessions

b. Serving as an administrator helping to organize religious

programs

c. Supervising or training volunteers

d. Advising correctional staff on religious issues and related

policies

e. Supervising inmates to help maintain safety and security

f. Working with external faith-based and community

organizations

g. Administering educational or other secular rehabilitation

services

h. Facilitating interfaith dialogue among inmates or staff

i. Following-up with former inmates after they have been

released

j. Providing support and counseling for correctional staff

Q7. Are there any other activities on which you spend a significant amount of time in your role as chaplain or religious

services coordinator? If so, please describe them.

OPEN END—MULTIPLE RESPONSES ALLOWED

Answer given

Don’t know/ No answer

% of cases responding [N=472]

NOTE: MULTIPLE RESPONSES WERE ACCEPTED

NET Administrative Tasks

Completing paperwork (including all reports, handling of mail, correspondence and data entry)

Processing religious accommodation requests (including helping to access or supervise special

diets, handling request for religious items, diets, time off work, etc.)

Training staff

Serving on committees within the correctional system (for operations, grievance committee, etc.)

Overseeing religious diet program

Hiring/training/coordinating/supervising chaplains

Conducting inspections, audits and reviews (including checking for policy compliance)

Drafting and interpreting policy

Handling inmate requests (general)

Handling the chapel budget

Processing marriages

Supervising the cleaning of the chapel

Processing request to change faith

NET Connecting inmates with family

Informing inmates or family members of death, sickness or emergencies

Working with inmates’ families (including family reconciliation programs)

NET Pastoral care/counseling

Providing one-on-one counseling

www.pewforum.org

Providing Pastoral care

Running support groups

NET Facilitating religious practices/services

Performing weddings, funerals and memorial services (for inmates or staff)

Supervising religious services (including movement to and from the chapel)

Providing sacraments

Working with minority faith groups

Leading music for religious services

NET Recruiting/coordinating volunteers/donations

Recruiting and coordinating volunteer services

Securing and disseminating financial and in-kind donations (for things like televisions, books,

hygiene supplies, religious items, etc.)

Getting approval for volunteers including speakers and musicians

Supervise non-religious groups

Providing holiday gifts and cards

NET Visiting inmates

Visiting inmates

Making rounds

NET Teaching/educational activities

Teaching behavior modification and other therapy classes

Overseeing religious library including screening books and movies

Teaching bible studies, church history, etc.

Speaking to groups about prison ministry

Coordinating Bible College

NET Program management

Coordinating special projects and programs like Domestic Violence, Recovery

Supervising character development programs

Working in faith-based programs

Developing and supervising faith-based units (including programs like PLUS)

Identifying and integrating new programs

Organizing special events

Working with the music program

Assessing program outcomes

NET Other activities

Coordinating re-entry support and resources for ex-offenders and their families

Provide crisis intervention/ serve as first responder

Serving as a an expert for lawsuits and legal issues related to religious accommodation

Serving as an ombudsman

Maintaining good relationships with the religious community

Working with victims and their families (including facilitating restorative justice programs)

Other

Answer given, unclear

www.pewforum.org

Q8. In your role as chaplain or religious services coordinator, what are the TOP THREE activities you spend most of

your time on?

Please rank your top 3 activities by placing a 1 next to the activity you spend the MOST time on, place a 2 next to

the activity you spend the SECOND most time on, and a 3 next to the activity you spend the THIRD most time on.

Ranked

Not

ranked

in top 3

Don’t

know/

answer

a. Personally leading worship services, religious instruction

sessions, or spiritual counseling sessions

b. Serving as an administrator helping to organize religious

programs

c. Supervising or training volunteers

d. Advising correctional staff on religious issues and related

policies

e. Supervising inmates to help maintain safety and security

f. Working with external faith-based and community

organizations

g. Administering educational or other secular rehabilitation

services

h. Facilitating interfaith dialogue among inmates or staff

i. Following-up with former inmates after they have been

released

j. Providing support and counseling for correctional staff

k. Other (please specify)

l. Other (please specify)

m. Other (please specify)

Don’t know/No answer includes responses with unclear rankings.

www.pewforum.org

Q9. What activities do you, personally, see as MOST IMPORTANT for your role as chaplain or religious services

coordinator? Regardless of how you actually spend your time, what are the TOP THREE activities which you

think are MOST IMPORTANT?

Please rank your top 3 activities by placing a 1 next to the activity that you see as MOST IMPORTANT, place a 2

next to the activity that you see as SECOND most important, and a 3 next to the activity that you see as THIRD

most important.

Ranked

Not

ranked

in top 3

Don’t

know/

answer

a. Personally leading worship services, religious instruction

sessions, or spiritual counseling sessions

b. Serving as an administrator helping to organize religious

programs

c. Supervising or training volunteers

d. Advising correctional staff on religious issues and related

policies

e. Supervising inmates to help maintain safety and security

f. Working with external faith-based and community organizations

g. Administering educational or other secular rehabilitation

services

h. Facilitating interfaith dialogue among inmates or staff

i. Following-up with former inmates after they have been released

j. Providing support and counseling for correctional staff

k. Other (please specify)

l. Other (please specify)

m. Other (please specify)

Don’t know/No answer includes responses with unclear rankings.

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Q10. In the prison(s) where you work, do inmates have access to religion-related rehabilitation and re-entry

programs (such as faith-based job training or mentoring programs), or not?

Yes

Don’t know/ No answer

Q11. [ASKED IF Q10=Yes] In your opinion, during the past three years in the prison(s) where you work, would you

say the quality of the religion-related rehabilitation and re-entry programs has…

BASED ON THOSE WITH A PROGRAM [N= 449]

Gotten better

Gotten worse

Stayed about the same

Don’t know/No answer

Q12. [ASKED IF Q10=Yes] And during the past three years in the prison(s) where you work, would you say the

percentage of inmates who participate in religion-related rehabilitation and re-entry programs has…

BASED ON THOSE WITH A PROGRAM [N= 449]

Increased

Decreased

Stayed about the same

Don’t know/No answer

Q13. In the prison(s) where you work, do inmates have access to secular rehabilitation and re-entry programs (such

as continuing education and job training), or not?

Yes

Don’t know/No answer

Q14. [ASKED IF Q13=Yes] In your opinion, during the past three years in the prison(s) where you work, would you

say the quality of the secular rehabilitation and re-entry programs has…

BASED ON THOSE WITH A PROGRAM [N= 622]

Gotten better

Gotten worse

Stayed about the same

Don’t know/No answer

www.pewforum.org

Q15. [ASKED IF Q13=Yes] And during the past three years in the prison(s) where you work, would you say the

percentage of inmates who participate in secular rehabilitation and re-entry programs has…

BASED ON THOSE WITH A PROGRAM [N= 622]

Increased

Decreased

Stayed about the same

Don’t know/No answer

Q16. How much, if anything, have you heard about the Second Chance Act of 2007, which established policy and

funding to improve re-entry services and promote the successful return of inmates to their communities?

Q17. [ASKED IF Q16=A Lot or A little] In your opinion, how effective, if at all, has the Second Chance Act of 2007

been in improving re-entry services and promoting the successful return of inmates to their communities?

BASED ON THOSE WHO HAVE HEARD A LOT/A LITTLE [N=355]

A lot

A little

Nothing at all

Don’t know/No answer

Very effective

Somewhat effective

Not too effective

Not at all effective

Don’t know/No answer

www.pewforum.org

The next few questions ask about religious volunteers, that is, those who volunteer through a house of worship

(such as a church, synagogue or mosque) or a religious organization (such as The Salvation Army), or whose

primary motivation for volunteering is religious.

Q18. How would you rate the performance of religious volunteers in providing each of the following services in the

prison(s) where you work, if they do this at all?

BASED ON TOTAL

Excellent

Good

Only Fair

Poor

Not done

religious

volunteers

Don’t

know/

Answer

a. Leading worship services or other

religious rituals

b. Leading religious education classes

c. Leading prayer groups or meditation

groups

d. Mentoring inmates

e. Mentoring the children of inmates

f. Providing food, clothing, or holiday gifts

for inmates’ families

Don’t know/No answer includes responses with unclear evaluations.

BASED ON ALL ANSWERING

Excellent

Good

Only Fair

Poor

a. Leading worship services or other

religious rituals

698

b. Leading religious education classes

685

c. Leading prayer groups or meditation

groups

619

d. Mentoring inmates

545

e. Mentoring the children of inmates

197

f. Providing food, clothing, or holiday gifts

for inmates’ families

374

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Q19. Are there any religious groups from which there are too few volunteers to meet the religious needs of inmates

in the prison(s) where you work, or not?

% of cases responding Yes, there are religious groups with too few volunteers… [N=503]

NOTE: MULTIPLE RESPONSES WERE ACCEPTED; MOST COMMON RESPONSES SHOWN

NET Christian

NET Protestant

Protestant (not specified)

Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, Four-Square Gospel, Church of God)

Catholic

Mormon/Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS)/Community of

Christ

Jehovah’s Witness

Messianic Jews

Hebrew Israelites/ Black Hebrew Israelites

House of Yahweh

Christian (not specified)

Jewish

NET Muslim

Muslim (includes Islam, Sunni, Shia)

Moorish Science Temple of America (MSTA)

Nation of Islam (NOI)

NET Other religions

Pagan/Earth-based (includes Wicca, Odinism, Asatru, Druid, Thelema)

Native American spirituality

Buddhist

Rastafarian

Hindu (includes Hare Krishna)

Satanism/Left Hand Way

Other responses

All of them

Non-Christian (not specified)

Prison Ministry groups/Yoke Fellowship/Kairos

Spanish-speaking/Hispanic/Latino (no religion or multiple religions mentioned)

Other

No religious group specified

Yes (please specify groups)

Don’t know/No answer

www.pewforum.org

Q20. Are there any religious groups from which there are more volunteers than necessary to meet the religious

needs of inmates in the prison(s) where you work, or not?

% of cases responding Yes, there are religious groups with more volunteers than necessary… [N=234]

NOTE: MULTIPLE RESPONSES WERE ACCEPTED; MOST COMMON RESPONSES SHOWN

NET Christian

NET Protestant

Protestant (not specified)

Evangelical/Evangelical Protestants/Fundamentalist Christians

Baptist

Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, Four-Square Gospel)

Seventh-Day Adventist

Charismatic Christians

Mennonites

Catholic

Jehovah’s Witness

Mormon/Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS)/Community of Christ

Christian (not specified)

Jewish

Muslim

NET Other religions

Buddhist

Native American spirituality

Pagan/Earth-based (includes Wicca, Odinism, Asatru, Druid, Thelema)

Other responses

Prison Ministry groups/Yoke Fellowship/Kairos

Spanish-speaking/Hispanic/Latino (no religion or multiple religions mentioned)

Other

No religious group specified

Yes (please specify groups)

Don’t know/No answer

www.pewforum.org

The next several questions focus on the religious preferences of the inmates in the prison(s) where you work.

Q21. See Q37b for table

Q22. Thinking of all the inmates in the prison(s) where you work, approximately what percentage of them identify with

the following religious groups?

Q22a through Q22m OPEN END: Enter percentage from 0 to 100

Don’t know/No answer includes responses with unclear percentage allocations and those who listed item m as 100% don’t know inmate religious

preference.

BASED ON ALL ANSWERING

Mean

Median

Range

a. Protestant (e.g., Baptist, Methodist, non-denominational

Christian, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Presbyterian,

Episcopalian, Reformed, Church of Christ, Adventist,

Jehovah’s Witness, those who think of themselves as

“Just Christian,” and others)

50.6

0-97

b. Catholic

14.5

0-65

c. Mormon

0.8

0-32

d. Orthodox Christian (e.g., Greek Orthodox, Russian

Orthodox and others)

0.4

0-30

e. Jewish

1.7

0-28

f. Muslim (including Nation of Islam, Moorish)

9.4

0-80

g. Native American spirituality

2.7

0-40

h. Pagan/Earth-based religion (e.g., Wicca, Odinism, and

others)

1.7

0-20

i. Buddhist

0.9

0-18

j. Hindu

0.2

0-5

k. Other non-Christian religion (e.g., Baha’i, Rastafarian,

Santeria, Sikh, and others)

1.5

0-70

l. No religious preference (e.g., atheist, agnostic, no

particular religion)

10.6

0-70

m. Don’t know (if there is a percentage of inmates about

whose religious preference you are unaware, put that

percentage here)

5.0

0-88

Answered Q22a-m

Don’t know/No answer

www.pewforum.org

Q23. Thinking only of the Protestant inmates in the prison(s) where you work, what percentage do you think consider

themselves born-again or evangelical Christians?

OPEN END: Enter percentage from 0 to 100

Q24. In the prison(s) where you work, is there a formal system in place for documenting and tracking the religious

preferences of inmates, or not?

Q25. And in your opinion how common is it, if at all, for inmates to attempt to convert or proselytize other inmates?

Very common

Somewhat common

Not too common

Not at all common

Don’t know/No answer

75-100%

50-74%

25-49%

0-24%

Don’t know/No answer

50.4

Mean

Yes

Don’t know/No answer

www.pewforum.org

The next three questions ask about religious switching among inmates, that is, becoming religious after having

no religion, changing from one religious preference to another, or leaving religion altogether.

Q26. What’s your impression of how much religious switching, if any, occurs among inmates in the prison(s) where

you work?

A lot

Some

Not much

None at all

Don’t know/No answer

Q27. [ASKED IF Q26=A lot, Some, or Not much] For each of the following faith groups, please indicate whether it

is growing, shrinking, or staying the same size as a result of inmates switching from one religious

preference to another in the prison(s) where you work.

BASED ON TOTAL

Growing

Shrinking

Staying

the

same

size

Don’t

know/

Answer

Q26

switching

Q26

Don’t

know

a. Protestants (e.g., Baptist, Methodist,

non-denominational Christian, Pentecostal,

Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian,

Reformed, Church of Christ, Adventist,

Jehovah’s Witness, those who think of

themselves as “Just Christian,” and

others)

b. Catholics

c. Mormons

d. Orthodox Christians

(e.g., Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox)

e. Jews

f. Muslims (including Nation of Islam,

Moorish)

g. Practitioners of Native American

spirituality

h. Practitioners of Pagan/Earth-based

religions (e.g., Wiccans, Odinists, and

others)

i. Buddhists

j. Hindus

k. Practitioners of other non-Christian

religions (e.g., Baha’is, Rastafarians,

practitioners of Santeria, Sikhs, and

others)

l. Inmates with no religious preference

(e.g., atheists, agnostics, no particular

religion)

www.pewforum.org

BASED ON ALL ASKED (THOSE RESPONDING A LOT,

SOME, OR NOT MUCH TO Q26) [N=710]

Growing

Shrinking

Staying

the same

size

Don’t

know/

Answer

a. Protestants (e.g., Baptist, Methodist, non-

denominational Christian, Pentecostal, Lutheran,

Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Reformed, Church of Christ,

Adventist, Jehovah’s Witness, those who think of

themselves as “Just Christian,” and others)

b. Catholics

c. Mormons

d. Orthodox Christians

(e.g., Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox)

e. Jews

f. Muslims (including Nation of Islam, Moorish)

g. Practitioners of Native American spirituality

h. Practitioners of Pagan/Earth-based religions

(e.g., Wiccans, Odinists, and others)

i. Buddhists

j. Hindus

k. Practitioners of other non-Christian religions (e.g.,

Baha’is, Rastafarians, practitioners of Santeria, Sikhs,

and others)

l. Inmates with no religious preference

(e.g., atheists, agnostics, no particular religion)

www.pewforum.org

Q28. In the prison(s) where you work, is there a formal system in place for documenting and tracking when inmates

change from one religious preference to another, or not?

Q29. In the prison(s) where you work, how often are the following requests from inmates for religious accommodation

approved or denied, if they have come up at all?

BASED ON TOTAL

Usually

Approved

Sometimes

approved-

sometimes

denied

Usually

Denied

This

request has

not come

Don’t

know/

Answer

a. Requests for religious leaders from

inmates’ own faith traditions

b. Requests for a special religious diet

c. Requests for special accommodations

relating to hair or grooming

d. Requests for permission to have

religious items or clothing (e.g., crucifixes,

eagle feathers, turbans, etc.)

e. Requests for religious books or texts

BASED ON ALL ANSWERING

Usually

Approved

Sometimes

approved –

sometimes

denied

Usually

Denied

a. Requests for religious leaders from

inmates’ own faith traditions

673

b. Requests for a special religious diet

711

c. Requests for special accommodations

relating to hair or grooming

559

d. Requests for permission to have

religious items or clothing (e.g., crucifixes,

eagle feathers, turbans, etc.)

711

e. Requests for religious books or texts

715

Q30a. When managing religion-related services in the prison(s) where you work, how common is it, if at all, to

encounter religious groups that express extreme religious views?

Very common

Somewhat common

Not too common

Not at all common

Don’t know/No answer

Yes

Don’t know/No answer

www.pewforum.org

Q30b. What kinds of extreme religious views do you have in mind? Please describe the kinds of extreme religious

views that you encounter.

OPEN END—MULTIPLE RESPONSES ALLOWED

% of cases responding with a mention of extreme views [N=338]

NOTE: MULTIPLE RESPONSES WERE ACCEPTED

EXTREME RELIGIOUS VIEWS MENTIONED

NET Intolerance/prejudice

Racial separatist/Racial nationalism/Racial supremacist

Anti-government/anti-authority sentiment

Anti-gays

Anti-women/anti-women in religious leadership roles

Specific types of criminal offenses not tolerated by other inmates, such as sex offenders

NET Exclusivity of faith/inflexibility

Exclusivity of faith/my faith only way to believe/”religious bigotry”/judging others because of

their views/ general “judgmental”

Inflexible/dogmatic or doctrinaire

King James only/Only the King James Bible is authentic

Militant faiths

Intimidation/trying to control others/coerce others to believe/do what they want

Christian Perfectionism

NET Specific Requests

Specific requests for food, clothing, rituals, ceremonies

Using specific requests for food, clothing, rituals, ceremonies as a way to get special treatment

or manipulate the system

NET Other

Using religious group or rituals as a “cover” for other beliefs

Pro violence/pro rape

Gang activity

Creation of new/own religions/religious beliefs

Jihad/Holy War

Specific mention of a role/named “position” in the religious group

Gave a response

No answer

Mentioned one or more extreme

religious Views

Yes

Unclear if extreme view

mentioned/None/No answer to

question 30b

Mentioned specific religious

groups

Yes

Unclear if religious group

mentioned/None/No answer to

question 30b

www.pewforum.org

End of world type theologies

Other theological differences between groups

All groups have extreme views/customs

Volunteers with extreme beliefs/behaviors

Other

Unclear response

% of cases responding with a specific religious group [N=248]

NOTE: MULTIPLE RESPONSES WERE ACCEPTED; MOST COMMON RESPONSES SHOWN

RELIGIOUS GROUPS MENTIONED

NET Christian

NET Protestant

Fundamentalist Christians/Evangelical Christians/Born Again Christians

Protestants (general—no specifics given)

Hebrew Israelites/Black Hebrew Israelites

“Christian Identity”

Christians (general—no specifics given)

Jewish

NET Muslim

Muslims/Islamic radicalism/Salafi teachings/Fundamentalist Islam

Nation of Islam (NOI)/Radical Nation of Islam

Five Percent Nation of Gods and Earths

Moorish Science Temple of America (MSTA)

NET Other religions

Pagan/Earth-based/Wicca

Satanism/Demonic/Left Hand Way

Odinist

Rastafarian

Native American spirituality

Asatru

Other

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Q31. In your experience, how common, if at all, is religious extremism among each of the following groups of inmates

in the prison(s) where you work?

BASED ON TOTAL

Very

common

Somewhat

common

Not too

common

Not at all

common

No inmates

belong to

this group

Don’t

know/

Answer

a. Protestants (e.g., Baptist,

Methodist, non-

denominational Christian,

Pentecostal, Lutheran,

Presbyterian, Episcopalian,

Reformed, Church of Christ,

Adventist, Jehovah’s Witness,

those who think of themselves

as “Just Christian,” and

others)

b. Catholics

c. Mormons

d. Orthodox Christians (e.g.,

Greek Orthodox, Russian

Orthodox)

e. Jews

f. Muslims (including Nation of

Islam, Moorish)

g. Practitioners of Native

American spirituality

h. Practitioners of

Pagan/Earth-based religions

(e.g., Wiccans, Odinists, and

others)

i. Buddhists

j. Hindus

k. Practitioners of other non-

Christian religions (e.g.,

Baha’is, Rastafarians,

practitioners of Santeria,

Sikhs, and others)

l. Inmates with no religious

preference (e.g., atheists,

agnostics, no particular

religion)

www.pewforum.org

BASED ON ALL ANSWERING

Very

Common

Somewhat

Common

Not too

Common

Not

at all

Common

a. Protestants (e.g., Baptist,

Methodist, non-

denominational Christian,

Pentecostal, Lutheran,

Presbyterian, Episcopalian,

Reformed, Church of Christ,

Adventist, Jehovah’s Witness,

those who think of themselves

as “Just Christian,” and

others)

665

b. Catholics

657

c. Mormons

454

d. Orthodox Christians (e.g.,

Greek Orthodox, Russian

Orthodox)

420

e. Jews

575

f. Muslims (including Nation of

Islam, Moorish)

677

g. Practitioners of Native

American spirituality

592

h. Practitioners of

Pagan/Earth-based religions

(e.g., Wiccans, Odinists, and

others)

614

i. Buddhists

529

j. Hindus

381

k. Practitioners of other non-

Christian religions (e.g.,

Baha’is, Rastafarians,

practitioners of Santeria,

Sikhs, and others)

502

l. Inmates with no religious

preference (e.g., atheists,

agnostics, no particular

religion)

594

www.pewforum.org

Q32. How often does religious extremism among inmates pose a threat to the security of the facility?

Almost always

Sometimes

Not too often

Rarely or almost never

Don’t know/No answer

Q33. Has the prison(s) where you work implemented the following measures to address extreme religious views

among inmates, or not?

Yes

Don’t

know/No

answer

a. Provided additional supervision for religious gatherings

b. Limited the number of gatherings held by religious groups

c. Consulted with experts in dealing with religious groups among

whom extremism is suspected

d. Isolated certain inmates

Q34. Have you ever served as a chaplain or religious services coordinator for an institution other than a prison or a

house of worship, such as the military, a hospital, or in some other institutional setting?

Q35. In total, how many years have you been employed as a prison chaplain or religious services coordinator?

If you have been employed for less than one year please enter 1 as your answer

OPEN END: Enter number of years

1 to 10 years

11 to 20 years

21+ years

Don’t know/No answer

11.3

Mean

Q36a. In total, how many hours per week do you work on average as a chaplain or religious services coordinator?

Less than 10 hours per week

10 to 19 hours

20 to 31 hours

32 to 40 hours

41 or more hours per week

Don’t know/No answer

Yes

Don’t know/No answer

www.pewforum.org

Q36b. About what percentage of inmates do you have one-on-one contact with?

Almost all

About three-quarters

About half

About one quarter

Almost none or few

Don’t know/No answer

Q37a. Which of these best describe you?

Employee of state correctional system

Employee of private management firm

Contractor

Staff sponsored by religious organization

Don’t know/No answer

Q37b. Do you work exclusively at one correctional facility or at more than one facility?

[ASK ALL]

Q21. First, approximately how many inmates are there, all together, in the prison(s) where you work? We are

interested in the total number of inmates (not just those who participate in religious services). If you work in

multiple prisons, please indicate the combined number of inmates in all the prisons where you work.

Q21 - OPEN END: Enter number of inmates

One facility

1 to 500

501 to 1000

1001 to 2500

2501+

No answer Q21

More than one facility

Don’t know/No answer Q37b

1965.2

Mean – Single facility

4967.6

Mean – Multiple facilities

Q38a. Which of these best describes the correctional facility where you work?

If you work at more than one correctional facility, respond based on the facility where you spend the most time.

Minimum security

Medium security

Maximum security

Don’t know/No answer

www.pewforum.org

Q38b. Which of these best describes the location of the correctional facility where you work?

If you work at more than one correctional facility, respond based on the facility where you spend the most time.

Urban

Suburban

Rural

Don’t know/No answer

Q38c. Is the correctional facility where you work for male inmates or female inmates?

If you work at more than one correctional facility, respond based on the facility where you spend the most time.

Male inmates

Female inmates

Both male and female inmates

Don’t know/No answer

Q39. In addition to your position as chaplain or religious services coordinator, do you also currently serve as a

minister or pastor at a church or house of worship, or not?

Q40. In general, how would you describe your views on political issues?

Very conservative

Conservative

Moderate

Liberal

Very liberal

Don’t know/No answer

Q41. And in general, how would you describe your views on social issues?

Very conservative

Conservative

Moderate

Liberal

Very liberal

Don’t know/No answer

These final questions are for statistical purposes only…

Q42. Are you…

Yes

Don’t know/No answer

Male

Female

Don’t know/No answer

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Q43. What is the highest level of education you completed?

[IF Q43=MASTER’S DEGREE OR DOCTORATE]

Q44. Do you have a master’s degree or a doctorate in a religion-related or ministry-related field from an accredited

college or university?

Doctorate

Master’s degree

NET Graduate degree

Religion-related degree

No religion-related degree

Don’t know/No answer Q44

Bachelor’s degree

Some college/no 4-year degree

High school or equivalent

Less than high school

Don’t know/No answer Q43

Q45. How many units of clinical pastoral education training have you completed, if any?

None

1-2 units

3 units

4 or more units

Don’t know/No answer

Q46. What is your present religion, if any?

[IF Q46=Protestant] Q47. Is your denomination part of the evangelical Protestant tradition, mainline Protestant

tradition, historically black Protestant tradition? (please select one)

Protestant (please specify)

Evangelical Protestant tradition

Mainline Protestant tradition

Historically black Protestant tradition

Don’t know/No answer Q47

Catholic

Mormon

Jewish

Muslim

Native American spirituality

Other religion (please specify)

No religious preference

Don’t know/No answer

OPEN END: Specify Protestant denomination

Among

Total

N=730

Among

Protestants

N=519

Protestant Family

Baptist Family

Pentecostal Family

Nondenominational Family

Methodist Family

Lutheran Family

Holiness Family

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Presbyterian Family

Restorationist Family (e.g, Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ)

Congregationalist

Episcopalian Family

Adventist Family

Reformed Family

Just a Christian/Protestant, blank (no denomination given)

Something else/Other (unclear)/mixed

[ASK IF ANY RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION]

Q48. Thinking about your religion, which of the following statements comes CLOSEST to your view?

My religious tradition should…

BASED ON TOTAL

Preserve its traditional beliefs and practices

Make some adjustments to traditional beliefs and

practices in light of modern beliefs and practices

Adopt modern beliefs and practices

Don’t know/No answer

No religious preference (Q46)

Don’t know/No answer Q46

Q49. What is your current age?

OPEN END: Enter age

18 to 49

50 to 64

65+

Don’t know/No answer

57.0

Mean

Q50. Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin, such as Mexican, Puerto Rican or Cuban?

Q51. Which of the following describes your race? (White, Black or African-American, Asian or Asian-American, Other.

Please select as many as apply.)

White, non-Hispanic

Black or African-American,

non-Hispanic

Hispanic

Other

Don’t know/No answer

www.pewforum.org

Q52. To conclude, please share with us any additional thoughts on the issues raised in this survey, further insights

about your experiences as a chaplain or religious services coordinator, or comments about this survey.

OPEN END—MULTIPLE RESPONSES ALLOWED

NET Answer given

Beliefs about the system including the importance of rehab, volunteers, etc.

Views on role or value of religious services

Job satisfaction-positive

Job satisfaction-negative

Survey-related comments negative (includes difficulties answering questions, feeling that some

questions not applicable to their situation)

Survey-related comments positive (includes want to see the results)

Role of prison chaplains

Other

None/Don’t know/ No answer

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Appendix C: The State and Federal Correctional System

The U.S. prison system is composed of federal

prisons and state prisons. State prisons hold the

bulk of the total prison population. Nearly 1.4

million inmates, or 87% of the total U.S. prison

population, are under the jurisdiction of state

correctional authorities. About 200,000 prison

inmates, or 13% of the total, are under the

jurisdiction of federal authorities.

These figures

from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics include

persons held in state- and federally run prisons,

penitentiaries, correctional facilities, halfway

houses, boot camps, farms, training or treatment

centers and hospitals. They also include persons

held in privately operated facilities or local jails

under contract to state or federal correctional authorities.

In addition, county and city jails hold many people who are awaiting trial or have been

sentenced for misdemeanors to terms of one year or less. These people are not, technically, in

the prison system, as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice, though they are considered

part of the broader penal system. Counting all the men and women held in jails, the U.S. penal

system has about 2.3 million adults under incarceration.

That figure does not include those

on probation or parole.

The U.S. prison population is quite different from the general public on a number of

demographic characteristics. For example, 93% of sentenced prisoners in the U.S. system are

men; only 7% are women. The general population in the U.S. is composed of roughly equal

numbers of men and women.

In addition, incarceration rates are higher among racial and ethnic minorities than among

whites. A majority of the U.S. prison population is made up of racial and ethnic minorities:

For more details on the U.S. prison system, see Paul Guerino, Paige M. Harrison and William J. Sabol, “Prisoners in 2010,” U.S.

Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2011, http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/p10.pdf.

This figure includes those who are in county or city jails awaiting trial or serving time for misdemeanor offenses. See “One in

100: Behind Bars in America 2008,” Pew Center on the States, Public Safety Performance Project, February 2008,

http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/report_detail.aspx?id=35904. For more details on local jails, see Todd D. Minton, “

Jail Inmates at Midyear 2010 - Statistical Table,” U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2011,

http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/jim10st.pdf.

U.S. Prison System

No. of

prisoners

Estimated

no. of

facilities

Estimated

no. of

chaplains

All U.S.

1,605,127

1,132

1,674

Federal

209,771

110

200

State

1,395,356

1,022

1,474

Sources: Number of prisoners under the jurisdiction of

correctional authorities as of Dec. 31, 2010, from Bureau of

Justice Statistics. Estimated number of facilities and number

of chaplains/religious service coordinators from website for

each state correctional system or private communication

with state authorities. The state systems in Alaska,

Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Texas and

Vermont are integrated with local jails.

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38% of U.S. prisoners are black and 22% are

Hispanic. Just 32% are non-Hispanic whites,

and 8% are of other racial backgrounds.

Among the general population, 68% are non-

Hispanic whites, 12% are non-Hispanic blacks,

14% are Hispanic, and 7% are of some other

background.

Most state prisons employ at least one full-

time, paid chaplain or religious services

coordinator to meet the needs of the adult

prison population.

The job of the chaplain

typically involves serving all faith groups in

that institution. Some states also contract with

outside clergy or rely on volunteers to meet the

needs of faith groups not represented by full-

time chaplaincy staff.

General population figures represent the percentage of adults age 18 and older. See “Current Population Survey, 2011 Annual

Social and Economic Supplement,” U.S. Census Bureau, 2011, http://www.census.gov/apsd/techdoc/cps/cpsmar11.pdf.

One state, South Dakota, employs a “cultural activities coordinator” whose responsibilities include religious programs in

prisons.

Prison Population Characteristics

Sentenced

prisoners

General

population

Male

Female

100

White, non-Hispanic

Black, non-Hispanic

Hispanic

All others

100

Source: Figures represent the percentage of sentenced

prisoners under the jurisdiction of state and federal

correctional facilities. From Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Estimates as of Dec. 31, 2010. General population figures

represent the percentage of adults age 18 and older. From

U.S. Census Bureau’s 2011 Annual Social and Economic

Supplement. Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding.

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Appendix D: Glossary

The following list includes brief descriptions of some religious groups and other terms used in

the survey report that may be unfamiliar to readers. Descriptions have been adapted from the

website of the American Correctional Chaplains Association, Associated Press Stylebook,

ReligionFacts.com, the Religion Newswriters Association’s Religion Stylebook and

ReligiousTolerance.org.

American Correctional Chaplains Association

A professional association founded in 1885, the ACCA’s goals include providing a network for

sharing information among chaplains, formulating standards for chaplaincy and religious

programs, and communicating the religious and spiritual aspects of corrections to the larger

community.

Asatru

An Icelandic term for “faith in the gods,” Asatru is a modern attempt to recreate the

polytheistic, pre-Christian faith of the Nordic/Germanic people. Like Odinism, it is often

associated in prisons with Aryanism and other white supremacist theories.

Hebrew Israelites

Members of this group, also known as Black Hebrew Israelites and Black Hebrews, believe

themselves to be descendants of the ancient Israelites, although their theology is historically

rooted in a Christian understanding of the Old Testament. There are several denominations

within this umbrella group, including the Church of God and Saints of Christ, Church of the

Living God and African Hebrew Israelite Nation of Jerusalem.

Christian Identity Movement

A movement that asserts that white Europeans or Caucasians are God’s chosen people.

Theologically, it holds to a belief known as “Anglo-Israelism” – that the Anglo-Saxon, Celtic,

Scandinavian, Germanic and associated cultures are the true descendants of the ancient tribes

of Israel.

Moorish Science Temple of America

An American offshoot of Islam founded by Noble Drew Ali in 1913, Moorish Science draws on

elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Freemasonry, Gnosticism and Taoism and is often

distinguished from traditional Islam.

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Nation of Islam

A movement founded by Wallace Fard Muhammad in 1930 based on principles of Islam and

black pride. It was led for more than 40 years by his disciple Elijah Muhammad, who taught

that black Americans were descended from the ancient tribe of Shabazz. Its current leader is

Louis Farrakhan.

Odinism

Like Asatru, Odinism is an attempt to recreate the indigenous, pre-Christian religion of

Northern Europe. It is named for Odin, a major god in Norse mythology, also known as Wotan

or Woden. The modern practice of Odinism is often associated in prisons with white

supremacist theories.

Pagan and earth-based religions

These spiritual movements seek to revive reverence for nature and to emulate the polytheistic

beliefs and rituals of pre-Christian religions in Europe (particularly Norse and Celtic

traditions) or the Middle East (particularly ancient Egypt). Such religions include Asatru,

Druidism, Odinism, Thelema and Wicca. They are sometimes called neo-pagan religions.

Prison Chaplains

These correctional employees often are ordained clergy but include lay people with religious

and pastoral training. Although they usually represent a particular denomination or religious

tradition, they are charged with helping to meet the religious and spiritual needs of inmates of

all faiths. Their duties may include providing pastoral care to inmates, inmates’ families and

prison staff as well as organizing religious programs for inmates, training and supervising

volunteers, advising correctional officials on religion-related policies and various

administrative functions.

Rastafarian

The Rastafari movement is a “messianic religio-political movement” that began in the

Jamaican slums in the 1920s and ’30s. The movement has no formal organization, but some

common threads include belief in Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I as a divinity,

the influence of Jamaican culture and pride in African heritage.

Rehabilitation programs

These prison-based programs are intended to help inmates become law abiding citizens by

providing services such as substance abuse treatment, vocational training, education,

counseling, victim-offender mediation, faith-based support groups and prison contemplative

programs (such as meditation and yoga).

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Recidivism

A former inmate’s relapse into criminal or delinquent behavior, recidivism is measured by the

rate at which former inmates return to prison.

Re-entry

An inmate’s transition from prison back to the community is known as re-entry. Many prisons

offer programs to aid inmates in this transition. The programs typically begin with pre-release

services such as counseling, mentoring, parenting advice and religious programs, but they may

also include services delivered after release from prison through parole offices, community

organizations and transition centers.

Religious accommodation

This term refers to efforts to ensure the constitutional rights of inmates to practice their

religion while in prison. Accommodations may include making available religious services,

leaders, diets, books and other resources, as well as allowing for observance of religious

holidays and customs.

Religious diet

While in prison, accommodations are often made for inmates to receive special meals that

conform to the laws and regulations of different faith traditions, such as kosher diets for

Jewish inmates, halal diets for Muslim inmates, and vegetarian or vegan diets for Seventh-day

Adventists.

Religious service coordinators

Some states employ religious service coordinators in addition to, or instead of, chaplains. They

perform many of the same functions, including organizing religious programs and supervising

religious volunteers. Unlike chaplains, however, religious service coordinators typically do not

provide pastoral counseling or lead worship services themselves.

Religious rights of prisoners

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees all Americans the right to free

exercise of religion. Congress has passed two laws to help ensure that inmates’ religious rights

are reasonably protected without threatening the security of the prison: the Religious Freedom

Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act

of 2000 (RLUIPA). (For more on RFRA and RLUIPA, see the Pew Forum’s 2007 legal report,

“A Delicate Balance: The Free Exercise Clause and the Supreme Court.”)

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Salafism

Salafism is a puritanical movement in Islam that emphasizes a conservative and literalist

interpretation of scriptural sources. Literally followers of the salaf as-salih, or “pious

predecessors,” Salafis emphasize exclusive reliance on the teachings of the early Muslims

closest to the Prophet Muhammad.

Santeria

Known by several other names, including Lukumi, Santeria began as a combination of Catholic

traditions and traditional West African folk rituals practiced in the Caribbean.

Satanism

The term Satanism has many possible meanings. However, some experts distinguish between

two main types of modern Satanists: theistic Satanists, who worship the devil as a deity, and

atheistic Satanists, who do not worship or even believe in the Christian notion of the devil but

rather embrace Satan as a symbol of individualism, self-indulgence and vengeance (or “eye-

for-an-eye” morality). The best-known atheistic Satanist organization is the Church of Satan,

founded by the musician and writer Anton LaVey in 1966.

Wicca

There are many forms of Wicca, but they generally involve the worship of a divine feminine, or

goddess, and a reverence for nature and its cycles, marked by seasonal festivals called Sabbats.

Wicca is traditionally believed to be based on the symbols, celebrations, beliefs and deities of

ancient Celtic peoples. Many Wiccans practice witchcraft, but they typically do not engage in

devil worship or Satanism.

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Appendix E: External Advisers and Prison Chaplain

Working Group

EXTERNAL ADVISERS

Stacey Bouchet is a co-director of Women In Fatherhood and a senior consultant at the

Lewin Group. Her work focuses on children with incarcerated parents, responsible fatherhood

and marriage.

Anthony Bruno is the chancellor and former president of the American Correctional

Chaplains Association and the director of the Religious Services at the Connecticut

Department of Correction.

Todd Clear is the dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University. He has

authored or co-authored 12 books, including “Imprisoning Communities: How Mass

Incarceration Makes Disadvantaged Neighborhoods Worse” and “Community Justice.” He is

also the founding editor of the journal Criminology and Public Policy.

John DiIulio is the Frederic Fox Leadership Professor of Politics, Religion, and Civil Society

at the University of Pennsylvania, where he directs the Robert A. Fox Leadership Program and

the Program for Research on Religion and Urban Civil Society. He was the first director of the

White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in 2001. He has authored or co-

authored more than a dozen books, including “Godly Republic: A Centurist Blueprint for

America’s Faith-based Future.”

Beverly Frazier is an assistant professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the

City University of New York and an ordained minister. She is also a senior scholar at the

University of Pennsylvania’s Program for Research on Religion and Urban Civil Society and a

visiting scholar at the Robert A. Fox Leadership Program.

Catherine A. Gallagher is an associate professor at George Mason University’s Criminology,

Law and Society department, the founder of The Lloyd Society and member of the Campbell

Collaboration's Crime and Justice Steering Group. Her research focuses on the intersection

between health care and justice agencies. She also collaborates with federal agencies on large-

scale data collection projects.

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Dale Hale is the president of the American Correctional Chaplains Association, a Salvation

Army major and the Divisional Correctional Services secretary in the Salvation Army’s

Northern Division.

Martin Horn is a distinguished lecturer at the Department of Law & Police Science at the

John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York. He is the former

commissioner of both the Department of Correction and the Department of Probation in New

York City.

Mumina Kowalski is an independent consultant on faith-based projects and a member of

the Islamic Society of North America’s Chaplaincy Board. She was the first woman to serve as a

Muslim chaplain at Pennsylvania’s State Correctional Institution at Muncy.

James Logan is an associate professor and the director of African and African American

Studies and an associate professor of religion at Earlham College. He is the author of the book

“Good Punishment? Christian Moral Practice and U.S. Imprisonment.”

Ingrid Mattson is a professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations, the

founder and director of Islamic Chaplaincy and the director of the Macdonald Center for the

Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations at Hartford Seminary. She is also an associate

editor of The Muslim World, an academic journal.

Tom O’Connor is the CEO of Transforming Corrections, an adjunct professor at Western

Oregon University and represents North America on the International Prison Chaplains’

Association Worldwide’s steering committee. He also is the founder and former president of

the Center for Social Research, Inc., and previously was the research manager and

administrator of religious services for the Oregon Department of Corrections. He has degrees

in law, philosophy, theology and counseling, including a Ph.D. in Religion and Religious

Education from Catholic University.

Farid Senzai is the director of research and a fellow at the Institute for Social Policy and

Understanding whose research focuses on Muslims in the United States. He is also an assistant

professor of political science at Santa Clara University and co-editor of the book “Educating the

Muslims of America.”

Jody Sundt is an assistant professor and graduate coordinator in the Division of Criminology

and Criminal Justice at Portland University’s Hatfield School of Government. Her research

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interests include the effectiveness of correctional policy, religion in prisons and public

attitudes toward crime and punishment.

Faye Taxman is a professor in the Criminology, Law and Society department and the director

of the Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence at George Mason University. She is

recognized for developing “seamless systems of care” models that help incorporate treatment

programs into criminal justice systems. She is also the principal investigator for the

Coordinating Center for the Criminal Justice National Drug Treatment Studies (CJ-DATS),

which is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

H. Dean Trulear is an associate professor of applied theology and director of the Doctor of

Ministry program at the Howard University’s School of Divinity. He is the director of both the

Healing Communities Prison Ministry and the Prisoner Reentry Project of the Philadelphia

Leadership Foundation. He is also an ordained American Baptist minister and the founding

president of GLOBE (God Leading Our Best Efforts) Ministries of Philadelphia.

Susan Van Baalen is the executive director of the Prison Outreach Ministry and its Welcome

Home Reentry Program. Previously, she served as chief chaplain at the Federal Bureau of

Prisons for over a decade. She has a doctorate in liberal studies from Georgetown University, a

Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology and a master’s degree in history

from DePaul University. She is also an Adrian Dominican sister.

PRISON CHAPLAIN WORKING GROUP

Bryn Carlson formerly served as chief chaplain at the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Gary Friedman is the communications chairman for the American Correctional Chaplains

Association and the executive director of Jewish Prisoner Services International.

Stephen Hall is first vice president of the American Correctional Chaplains Association and

the director of the Religious Services division for the Indiana Department of Correction.

Ulli Klemm is the Religion, Volunteer, and Recreational Services program administrator at

the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ Bureau of Treatment Services.

Michael Martin is the special activities coordinator for the Michigan Department of

Corrections.

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J. Randy Myers is the vice president of the Chaplain Service Prison Ministry of Virginia and

a religious adviser to the Virginia Department of Corrections.

David Skaggs is the president of the Associated Chaplains in California State Service and a

chaplain for the California Department of Corrections.

Alex Taylor is the chaplaincy services administrator for the Florida Department of

Corrections.

Janice Thompson is a chaplain at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.