Christians doing hard time: What can possibly go wrong?

Here's an exciting new development in the Canadian penal system:

Plans underway for Canada's first faith-based prison unit: Christian group

OTTAWA — A Christian organization is in talks with the Manitoba government to create the country's first "faith-based" prison unit for inmates to explore their spiritual side, Canwest News Service has learned.

Prison Fellowship Canada says the plan involves a new provincial women's institution, including a separate prison unit that teaches Christian principles and values.

The proposed unit follows a growing trend in Christian prison programming in North America and abroad. In the United States, Prison Fellowship runs five faith-based units under the name InnerChange Freedom Initiative, and there are others in Singapore, New Zealand, and Brazil. Another Christian group has recently proposed a Christian prison in Oklahoma.

I, for one, totally support this new initiative. I think it's laudable to take these hardened criminals, and put the fear of Jesus in them, and turn them into law-abiding, productive members of society. Hey, here's one guy who turned his life around:

Clemmons said he came from "a very good Christian family" and "was raised much better than my actions speak (I'm still ashamed to this day for the shame my stupid involvement in these crimes brought to my family name.)," he wrote.

"Where once stood a young (16) year old misguided fool, who's (sic) own life he was unable to rule. Now stands a 27 year old man, who has learned through 'the school of hard knocks' to appreciate and respect the rights of others. And who has in the midst of the harsh reality of prison life developed the necessary skills to stand along (sic) and not follow a multitude of do evil, as I did as a 16 year old child."

Clemmons added that his mother had recently died without seeing him turn his life around and that he prayed Huckabee would show compassion by releasing him.

Awesome. Another lost soul saved by the love of Jesus. How'd that turn out, anyway?

Maurice Clemmons, man wanted for questioning, has troubling criminal history

The man sought for questioning in the execution of four Lakewood police officers was granted clemency in 2000 by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and released on bail just six days ago on a child rape charge in Washington state.

Maurice Clemmons, the 37-year-old Tacoma man being sought for questioning in the killing this morning of four Lakewood police officers, has a long criminal record punctuated by violence, erratic behavior and concerns about his mental health.

Huh. Funny how they missed that in his prison Bible study class.