Despite ongoing efforts to reduce the rate of recidivism among those who are released from prison, statistics show that nearly 70% of those released will commit further crime within five years of getting out. More than half of all inmates of prisons have served time in the past. And chances are they will again. . . . .

What can we do about this disturbing cycle of crime? There are many fine organizations that provide job training, mentoring, education, housing, reconciliation with family and counseling for those who are newly-released. All of these support organizations help reduce rates of recidivism among those who are involved. There are also educational and counseling programs that begin within the walls of prison. But there is another blue ribbon program that is providing valuable results: religious congregations.

My friend and fraternity brother from Augustana College – Pastor Paul Stone — has spent nearly four decades in prison . . . . as a visitor. . . . Pastor Paul has been setting up and overseeing prison congregations on a regular basis through Prison Congregations of America and the Iowa chapter – Church of the Damascus Road. Prison congregations encourage inmates to become involved in faith-based programs. Bible study. Church services. Meetings. Spiritual awakening. There are two things that are important to know about prison congregations: they are open to everyone — to those with faith and to those with none; and rates of recidivism among those who participate in prison congregations show a drop of nearly 50%.

On December 4, 2023, Pastor Paul made his debut in The Wall Street Journal talking about the value of prison congregations. This last Saturday (February 17th), he is quoted in the Chicago Tribune on the same topic. Regardless of where one stands on matters of religion, the point is that prison congregations make a difference. There is literally no “downside.” And everyone wins. . . . .