MA DOC Fires Prison Chaplains

Speak Out!

Dear Friend,

The Massachusetts Department of Corrections is planning to layoff Prison Chaplains of all faiths within the next week or month. I’m writing to ask you to make your voice heard by contacting Commissioner Harold Clarke RIGHT NOW!   Details follow:

PLEASE PASS THIS AROUND! It’s time for the voices of the churches to be heard.

The Commissioner’s Address:

Commissioner Harold W. Clarke

50 Maple Street Suite 3

Milford, MA 01757

Phone: 508-422-3330

FAX: 508-422-3385

Email: HWClarke@doc.state.ma.us ; or HWClarke@state.ma.us

Please copy, the Governor, Assemblyman and State Senator.

Here’s a sample letter and talking points:

Sample follows:

________________________________________________________________________

Dear Commissioner,

I’m writing to ask you to reverse Department of Corrections plans to layoff Chaplains in State Correctional Facilities. This is an affront to the faith community of this Commonwealth whose churches and individual members provide thousands of man hours of volunteer programming for your organization. Consider the following:

1. The faith communities of this Commonwealth provide almost 1,000 volunteers for DOC programs. Faith-based volunteers account for two thirds of the total volunteer force. Chaplains recruit, train and coordinate this significant resource.
2. Faith-based programs have been shown to be the most effective programming in maintaining order and safety within the facility and are the foundation of effective re-entry efforts.
3. This would have an immediate negative impact on the ability of the Commonwealth to support the constitutional right of inmates to religious practice.
4. This would seem to be a direct violation of the provisions of 103 CMR 471.07 and .08.

Thank you for the opportunity to express my concern. Given the investment the faith community has made in your organization over many years, I think we deserve an explanation of this decision. 

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, 

YOUR NAME

_________________________________________________