Prison ministries, et al...

[mdehners]

It's interesting how some things come up, esp when they do so from mult sources. The issue of convicts and prison "ministries" for example as active subjects in play on both a couple of my Heathen lists AND my local Pagan list.
Personally, I don't have anything "agin" those who've "done their Time". I treat them like I would any other new person in my Life....with a "hairy eyeball! I've had a lot of Betrayal in the last couple of decades and have learned to treat folks in a friendly manner until they "Prove" themselves either to BE Trustworthy...or NOT. This "Probation Period" works just fine for the non and ex-cons...
That said, I PERSONALLY do not approve of prison ministries because BY DEFINITION they are Out-Law. My reading of the Lore shows it to be quite clear on the subject. If others don't agree, that's their choice but don't ask me or worse...EXPECT me to support those who are incarcerated. Apparently, this position is offensive to some coming from a Gay man, since I recieved a "Mr. Garrison"(You Go To Hell. You Go To Hell and Die!!") in my in-box this AM. The Het men who hold this opinion didn't recieve such a response in Open Forum. It was sad in a way...equating Sexual Orientation with Criminal Behavior, esp being considered equal to Rape and Murder which the criminal for which the discussion revolved was involved...
It's funny how folks on both the R and L expect Gays to have certain positions on certain issues and when we don't live up to their "stereotyping" they get angry and resort to "name-calling"...
Time to feed the "kids" and give the dog her "rumatiz" medicine....
Troth,
Pat