Religion Roundup
Messianic Jewish Inmates Say Prison Discriminates
Associated Press
July 24, 2008
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Some Messianic Jewish inmates at the Richland prison in Mansfield, Ohio, are claiming discrimination in their attempts to keep kosher.
Messianic Jews believe Jesus is the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament, but unlike other Christians, many of them observe the Jewish Sabbath, holy days and dietary restrictions.
The Reverend Gary Sims, who handles religious issues for Ohio prisons, said he revoked the inmates' kosher privileges after consulting with Messianic rabbis who told him the meals were not essential.
The inmates also complained about having to worship on Sundays because there's no chaplain to serve them on the Jewish Sabbath.
Federal law says the government cannot impede the religious exercise of an inmate unless those restrictions support a compelling governmental interest.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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