But the use of tax money by an Evangelical group does not seem to be Pratt’s bedrock complaint – that is religion et al.

“Even if this program in Iowa was fully funded by private dollars,” said Earley, “in Pratt’s opinion it would be unconstitutional. This has far-ranging ramifications for any religious group. We’re providing religious services and ministry to prisoners. But his ruling means that no one can provide religious services to anyone in a governmental setting, even if it is fully funded by private dollars.”

In essence, the same federal courts that took religion out of the schools are now determined to take religion — and hope — out of prisons. There is hope that Pratt’s ruling will be reversed upon appeal. If it is, it will be the only way prisoners in America will have a prayer.

Rebekah Montgomery is the editor of Right to the Heart of Women e-zine, a publisher at Jubilant Press, and the author of numerous books on spiritual growth. She can be contacted for comments or speaking engagements at www.rebekahmontgomery.com