Hurdle Cleared to Build First “Faith-Based” Prison in Texas

Aimee Herd, Davin Dahlgren reporting : Apr 8, 2005
Houston Chronicle

The formation of a new corporation has helped to clear the way to build a faith-based corrections facility east of San Angelo, according to the Associated Press. The Concho Valley Community Facilities Corp. plans to build the private prison as a medium-security facility for inmates in the last two years of their sentences and would serve as a rehabilitation program.

Corrections Concepts Inc., based in Dallas, has submitted a proposal to run the prison and says its construction would require 200 workers while 250 more would be needed for daily operations. According to a local newspaper, 10 counties have already passed resolutions supporting the new facility, for economic reasons.

Though the prison will be “faith-based,” inmates may hold to whatever beliefs they have. Bill Robinson, chairman of the Corrections Concepts board says, "Every prisoner ... must sign an agreement to come -- it's voluntary. It's a faith-based facility, but their worship preferences will be respected."

The corporation’s mission statement declares using Christian principals to help prepare inmates for the world outside, but does not mention evangelization.