Articles about chaplains & prisons
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By Paul Rogers President ACCA
Editor's Note: This article is the first of a three-part series written by member of the American Correctional Chaplains Association about the role of chaplains in the corrections community.
Corrections Today Febuary 2003
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The Bureau’s
Faith-Based Program Promotes Change
Chaplain Christopher Jones and USP Memphis
Threshold participants
The Threshold Program helps inmates open the door to a life of
understanding and growth. Over a period of six months, Chaplains assist a group
of religiously and culturally diverse inmates address issues that are critical
to a successful life in the community after release. Some inmates enter the
program with no professed faith and others are deeply religious, but all receive
guidance and instruction on many different religions and beliefs.
Lorenzo Suttles, a FCI Memphis Threshold graduate, states that "the
best thing about Threshold is that it teaches the spiritual principles of
change and that change is possible." Chaplain Jones, who coordinates the program
at both the medium and minimum security facilities at Memphis, describes the Threshold Program and other reentry initiatives offered by the Bureau of
Prisons, as "the lifeblood" of reentry. Chaplain Jones emphasizes the critical
need for staff, as well as the participating inmates, to believe change is
possible.
Threshold participants learn about goal setting, relationships,
journaling, and how to apply their faith to better decision-making. In many
cases, inmates discover a new perspective on how to treat and respect each
other. Ed, a Threshold graduate and gang member at FCI Seagoville, spent
the first two months of the program with his arms folded, not interacting with
the other participants. Slowly, he began to open up and build a rapport with the
facilitator. By graduation, Ed shared that he no longer wanted to be part of a
gang and commented, "I really want to change and lead my family in a different
direction."
FCI Manchester Threshold participant Clarence Spear stated, "I gained
a better understanding of other faiths, and now view people with an unbiased,
open mind, no matter how different we are in color or beliefs." The Threshold
Program, held in more than 70 institutions across the country, partners and
collaborates with local faith-based community and non-profit organizations.
BOP/MMH's: 13 June 2016, Pg. 5.
The passing of the "Voice of ACCA"
Corrections Industry 'Chaplain of the Year' 2005-2006
The Passing of Correctional Chaplain Gary Friedman …
It is our sad duty to inform you that Correctional Chaplain Gary Friedman passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2016, in Seattle, WA, of a heart condition. We remember Gary as a devoted member of ACCA giving support above and beyond for many years, for his work founding the ACCA Website, founding this ACCA Online Newsletter - 'Correctional Chaplain Clips' - and for being the "Voice of ACCA" for nearly 20 years. Gary was a good friend and mentor to many over the years. He was a primary source of research into correctional chaplaincy through the ACCA website. His devotion and support for Jewish Prisoner Services International, the Congregation Shaarei Teshuvah, and the American Jail Association are legendary. In chaplaincy to inmates in the jails in Washington and Oregon, he will be greatly missed -- as he will be greatly missed by so many in correctional chaplaincy.
Rest in Peace, always in our hearts …
“I also am indeed saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. I remember when my wife and I visited Seattle a few years ago, Gary insisted that we go with him to a wonderful Chinese restaurant where he bought us the best meal on our trip.
Gary was instrumental in carrying forward news and information, as Chair of the American Correctional Chaplains Association Communications Committee, about our ACCA, for nearly 20 years. He will be missed by all who knew him and appreciated his tireless work for Jewish prisoners and the ACCA.”
“In many respects, Gary Friedman became "the spokesperson" for A.C.C.A. in the past 20 years. More than any other member, Gary spoke up for our profession to other groups. During my term as President of A.C.C.A., 2010 to early 2013, Gary spoke in our behalf to defend or deliver our objectives of our organization. It was Gary who gave the Pew Research Foundation many of the facts and information written in the final document of their research on professional chaplaincy.”
I would add that Gary became every correctional chaplain's friend, as he talked about professional chaplaincy wherever he traveled. He communicated strongly against non-institutional volunteer chaplains who claimed they understood facility needs, and more importantly, religious services for inmates. In summary, Gary Friedman could be described as "the voice of A.C.C.A." in recent history.”
“I have counted Gary Friedman as a friend and colleague for many years through ACCA and ACA. I found him to be passionate about meeting the religious and spiritual needs of all those incarcerated and doing so in a way that was fair and equal for all religious practices. He was quick to take on those who did not understand the need to meet the needs of those of minority faith or practice and quick to work eagerly with those willing to try. He diligently reviewed policies and legal issues impacting meeting the religious practices, religious dietary needs, and spiritual needs of inmates and sent us many, many notifications about important issues. He was appointed as “Chair of Communications” establishing, advertising, and maintaining our Web site until resigning that position this past year.”
“I became acquainted with Gary in early 1987 while a Chaplain at the Kentucky State Penitentiary. He helped me resolve an issue with a couple of inmates concerning their Jewish faith. We talked periodically and crossed paths many times in the years since. I considered him a friend. He will be missed.”
“Gary contributed significantly toward chaplaincy in jails. I recommend sending a tribute to him to the jail publication for which he established a chaplain column.
I am saddened to hear of his death...Gary was relentless in supporting all faiths ministering in correctional facilities, as well as chaplains and volunteers. He truly lived the spirit of interfaith cooperation and respect.”
“I knew Gary for but a brief time – less than three years. I was appointed to be the second Chairperson of the Communications Committee for the ACCA on July of 2015, replacing (as if that was possible) Gary Friedman who had created the position from scratch and became the “voice of ACCA” over the years. I appreciate all that Gary did to assist me in taking on this huge role and will feel his presence for many years in whatever capacity I am serving the ACCA and its members.”
It is with sadness in our hearts that we announce the untimely passing of Chaplain Gary Friedman. Gary was born in Seattle in 1944 at Swedish Hospital. He grew up in Vancouver, B.C. As a young adult he served in the U.S. Army and served overseas in Europe. After the Army, he was involved in the music business, traveling up and down the West Coast. He moved to Hawaii and was involved in a small imports business.
Around 25+ years ago, Gary founded Jewish Prisoner Services, International [JPSI] which was originally part of B'nai B'rith until JPSI became an independent organization under Gary's leadership throughout - he was the Chairman and the Voice of JPSI. A few of his other honors were his appointment as the first Jewish staff chaplain for the Washington DOC in 1992, continued until 2004; his appointment as Communications Director of the ACCA in 1997, a position he held until 2015; his appointment as the primary instructor for the American Jail Association's 'Religious Issues in Jails' seminars in 2010, continued until his death. Lastly, he won a significant victory for correctional chaplains in the U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, granting exemption from liability for correctional chaplains when operating in an ecclesiastical capacity.
Gary was always ready to help others, especially those that most of society would rather forget. He will be greatly missed, as we at JSPI work to maintain our services.
"Larger than life" is often used to describe a person who just "doesn't fit in the mold"- that describes Gary. Information delivered with a big voice and a big smile, by this very large man with a big black hat, that many persons did not understand was an important part of his religious attire, and was not intended to influence men's fashions. He followed his Jewish faith religiously (no pun intended). By the way he lived in service to God, he taught others to better understand and respect the faith that gave meaning to his life.
Gary Friedman was one of those rare individuals you liked even when he was pleading an unpopular position. He never hesitated to speak up for those in need of a champion and he will be missed. Deeply.
Articles about chaplains & prisons
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By Gary Friedman
Editor's Note: This article is the second of a three-part series written by members of the American Correctional Chaplains Association about the role of chaplains in the corrections community.
Corrections Today August 2003
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Articles about chaplains & prisons
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By Judith Coleman
Editor's Note: This article is the third of a three-part series written by members of the American Correctional Chaplains Association about the role of chaplains in the corrections community.
Corrections Today August 2003
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Faith Based
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By Stephen T. Hall
Corrections Today, December 2003
By Tom O'Connor, Tim Cayton, Jeff Duncan
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Spring 2007
Articles about chaplains & prisons
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By SARA RIMER
New York Times Company, July 25, 2001
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By Bill Bishop
The Register-Guard August 31, 2003
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Time, March 8, 1993
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By Sister Margaret Graziano
New York Times Company, July 25, 2001
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By Phyllis B. Taylor, RN, BA, CGF and Ginette G. Ferszt, PhD., RN, CS,
Articles about chaplains & prisons
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By Yonat Shimron
Posted By Admin February 23, 2003 09:00 AM
"The following link is to a newspaper article about challenges currently being faced by prison chaplains in North Carolina. Although it was not mentioned in the article, ACCA President Paul Rogers provided strong advocacy on behalf of NC chaplains by attending the described commissioning event and also speaking at a statewide chaplains meeting." http://www.newsobserver.com/news/nc/story/1992576p-1936852c.html
American Jails Article January/February 2004
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By Robert Toll, D.Min.
Posted By Admin April 21, 2004 011:00 PM
PROFESSIONAL CORRECTIONAL CHAPLAINS: FACT AND FICTION
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By Vance Drum
Posted By Admin April 21, 2004 011:00 PM
ACCA Webmaster Hosts Radio Show
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Hosted by Chaplain George A. Bryant"