Ecumenism, Interfaith Cooperation, and Inmate Ministry: Religious Pluralism at Louisiana State Penitentiary

• In Event: The Angola Prison Seminary: Effects of Faith-Based Ministry on Identity Transformation, Desistance, and Rehabilitation

Abstract

Louisiana State Penitentiary, more popularly known as Angola, offers a unique case study of religious diversity among prison inmates serving long sentences due to the presence of a Baptist seminary among a religiously diverse and active population. This presentation draws upon extensive interviews and survey data from graduates of Angola’s prison seminary, congregation members, and general population inmates to explore the diversity of religious life at Angola. The presentation characterizes the practice of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism at the prison as well as perceptions of the non-believing population.

Author

• Joshua Hays, Baylor University