Inmate Religious Beliefs and Practices

Prepared by the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a guide for prison chaplains, this detailed summary of various religious practices and requirements provides a useful consistent reference work for many other purposes. The information for each religion is divided into two sections, The practical issues of each religion are placed in the first section; the history, theology and recommended resources are placed in the second section. If necessary, glossary and appendices are attached to the chapters.

The format for each religion is as follows:
1. Religious Practices
a. Required Daily Observances
b. Required Weekly Observances
c. Required Occasional Observances
d. Religious Holy Days
2. Religious Items
a. Personal Religious Items
b. Congregate Religious Items
3. Requirements for Membership
a. Requirements
b. Total Membership
4. Medical Prohibitions
5. Dietary Standards
6. Burial Rituals
7. Sacred Writings
8. Organizational Structure
a. Location of Headquarters
b. Contact Office/Person
9. History and Theology
a. Basic History
b. Theology
10. Resources
a. Periodicals
b. Bibliography
c. Resources/Supplies
11. Glossary (if warranted)
12. Appendices (if warranted)