WEEKEND MEMOS

'Weekend memos' give our editorial writers a chance to express their own opinions, comment on topics they have been writing about, or take a lighter approach. The opinions in 'Memos' do not always follow the Enquirer's editorial positions.

Any time convicts claim they've got religion, my first reaction ordinarily is: "What's the scam?" Yet religion is producing an extraordinary turnaround at a prison in upstate Ohio, and the Christian men's group Promise Keepers is holding its first ever prison rally there next Tuesday.

Marion Correctional Institution, a medium-security prison north of Columbus, is hosting the event, which put some civil liberties groups' shorts in a bunch. They want to know why a state institution is promoting faith to a captive audience? Joe Conn, a spokesman for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said, "Government officials should never be in a position of sponsoring what amounts to a high-tech tent revival."

Some folks are so afraid God might get equal time. Conn would rather convicts be doing what - making knives, plotting escapes, watching Jerry Springer? Warden's aide Tim Brant says Promise Keepers, not the corrections department, is "sponsoring" the event.

"Our doors are open for any faith to come in and have a conference," he says. Insofar as any prison's doors can be open. The American Jewish Congress wanted Ohio Corrections to pull the plug on grounds the event gives some inmates preferential treatment. Marion officials can cite plenty of other opportunities for Jewish inmates, Muslims and those of other faiths. The prison even offers kosher meals. To its credit, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio didn't go ballistic, as long as all faiths at Marion have equal opportunity.

If convicts want to change their lives even in a "high-tech tent revival," why stop them? Inmate Willie Chapman asked to stay two days beyond his release date so he could attend Tuesday's rally - another first for Ohio prisons. The parole board granted his wish. No tax dollars go to the event. For the free Webcast, see www.promisekeepers.org.

Marion's transformation began in 1996 with the arrival of Warden Christine Money. Assaults which can average 60 a year in other prisons have dropped to five at Marion. Idleness isn't a problem with some 90 programs, including parenting classes and a multi-faith dorm. Marion is onto something and it isn't drugs.

Tony Lang