The answer to this question is both complex and simple. The short, simple answer: because there is a growing need. According to the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion and Public Life, Pagan/earth-based, Native American, and other non-Abrahamic religions are growing in our prisons nationally at a combined rate of 71%.
The more complex answer is that studies have shown, time and time again, that spiritual growth of any sort is helpful in reducing recidivism rates. What that means to the general public is that these inmates, when released (and yes, many will be released...sooner then most realize), when they are released, they will be less likely to re-offend if they have built strong coping skills and developed positive life strategies prior to release. Helping to foster and develop a stronger spiritual foundation, especially one based on self-growth and accountability, can only aid in this endeavor.
Around the nation, various Dept of Corrections are changing their viewpoints on pagan religions in the prisons. West Virginia, thankfully, is one of those. Appalachian Pagan Ministry is now the first pagan ministry allowed in West Virginia prisons. We have begun our ministry at Lakin Correctional Center, and our now setting dates for three more prisons in the State. Prior to this, pagan inmates in the West Virginia prisons were allowed to meet once a week and to celebrate two holidays a year. However, they have not been allowed to have any service or ritual deemed “religious” without an outside pagan clergy present. The Ancestor Ritual we will be doing at Lakin on Samhain will be the first in a State facility.
The fact that this is being allowed in a State prison is a giant step forward for the pagan community at large. Yet, this and others, will be short lived if we can not gain support from our community. The bottom line is we need help. This is not an inexpensive process; it costs for copies of materials, postage, printing, purchasing of supplies and books for the libraries, fuel for travel to and from facilities, faxing the necessary documents (sometimes repeatedly) to various officials. I am asking for help from my community, whether you are of a pagan faith or not, to donate whatever you can. We will also gladly accept donations of materials and time. If you wish to join us at a prison we are attending, please notify me directly, and I will forward the necessary information to you. Right now, our immediate need is funding.
These inmates are desperately seeking our help in being able to continue to learn and grow in their spiritual path. We are not doing this to judge these inmates' guilt or innocence...the fact remains that they are incarcerated, for whatever reason, and unable to practice their faith and work on their own self-growth that matters. Please help in any way you can. Thank you, Rev. Donna Donovan
You can donate here https://www.gofundme.com/kn4j7zv2 or on our website www.appalachianpaganministry.com
