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RELIGIOUS AND VOLUNTEER SERVICES
Religious ministry to the incarcerated is as old as incarceration itself. The
long tradition of prison chaplaincy is continued in the Arizona Department of
Corrections (ADC) through the services of a variety of different channels.
The Pastoral Activities program of the ADC consists of 44 chaplains and
approximately 800 religious volunteers who provide religious services and
coordinate religious privilege accommodation for the approximately 70 different
religions routinely represented in the offender population.
While religious services are coordinated by the chaplains, these services are
presented by both chaplains and the approximately 800 religious volunteers. In
addition, other community groups and individuals assist with special services
and seminars scheduled periodically at each complex.
An additional 200 volunteers assist the ADC with provision of other services,
including substance abuse meetings, education, and administrative tasks.
Studies have shown that offenders active in religious programming are less
likely to be involved in negative behavior within the institution, profit from a
spiritual support system during transition, and also develop skills that enhance
their chance for long-term success in society.
Providing offenders the opportunity to examine their behavior in the light of
the teachings of their religious traditions assists in holding offenders
accountable for their actions and presents them with hope for a change to more
appropriate behavior and positive personal outcomes.
Religious Services ensures that offenders are provided access to religious
activities, religious materials, religious diets, and other legitimate
requirements of their faith. Regularly scheduled worship/study opportunities are
provided for the religions represented in our offender population based upon
inmate requests and available time and space for services.
Mission of Religious Services To provide an opportunity for offenders to pursue personal development, find hope and understand accountability through connection
with religious leaders and personal religious commitment.
Further Information
Offender Religious Property
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Religious Services and Volunteer Programs
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