LAWTEY, Fla., Dec. 24 -- Gov. Jeb Bush told nearly 800 prisoners Wednesday that religion can help lead them to a better life as he dedicated the nation's first faith-based prison -- an institution officials hope will lead to fewer repeat offenders.
A little more than a month ago, inmates in this northern Florida prison were told that it was going to be converted to a faith-based institution and were given the option to transfer out. At the same time, prisoners elsewhere were told they could transfer in and take part in more intensive religious programs.
That prompted 111 inmates to transfer, but their beds were quickly filled with inmates who said they wanted to dedicate more time to their faith.
"You don't have to be here, you've chosen to be here. It's no different, from what I've been told, from the other correction facilities. You still have to work, you still have to follow the rules,...
Dr. Steven J. Lawson | 6/23/2017
