Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 125-4-7-.03

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through December 24, 2024

Rule 125-4-7-.03 - Visiting Clergy

(1) With the concurrence of the Warden/Superintendent, and Consistent with inmate and institutional needs, outside clergymen or guest speakers, recognized for their concern with religious matters, may be invited or authorized to conduct religious services for those inmates professing belief in that particular faith.

(2) Invitations to guest clergymen or other religious personalities shall be issued by the Chaplain or a representative designated by the Warden/Superintendent. Invitations shall require the concurrence of the Warden/Superintendent and shall clearly define the parameters of the visit to include restriction to religious matters, limitations of movement in the institution, etc. Special written authorization shall be required before any visiting clergyman or speaker is permitted to participate in any activity or procedure not specifically authorized in the invitation:

(a) Religious literature and related material which a visiting clergyman or guest speaker proposes to distribute shall be submitted to the institution in advance in order to avoid any inference of contraband entering the institution by this means.

(b) Visiting clergymen and guest speakers shall confine their religious activities while in the institution to those inmates who have professed a belief in the faith the visitor represents prior to their incarceration; provided, however, that upon written request an inmate shall be permitted to visit with a visiting clergyman or guest speaker regardless of the inmate's faith prior to incarceration. All visits are subject to reasonable restrictions consistent with institutional needs. Inmates who have not professed a belief in the faith the visitor represents prior to their incarceration may voluntarily attend religious services, but the visitor shall not initiate an attempt to convert such an inmate to the visitor's belief. A security officer should visit the service and he may record the presentation. Proper security, supervision and conduct shall be maintained during the service.

(c) Visiting clergymen and religious guests are subject to all rules, regulations, procedures and directives of the State Board of Corrections as well as to those of the institution which they are authorized to visit.

(3) Should a visiting clergyman wish to interview an inmate(s), he (she) shall be required to follow established institutional procedures, including those designed for the security of the institution and the safety of the individual concerned

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 125-4-7-.03

Ga. Constitution 1983, Art. XI, Sec. I, Par. (b); Ga. L. 1956, pp. 161, 170; 1969, p. 598; 1956, pp. 161, 171; 1956, pp. 161, 174 (O.C.G.A. 42-2-11); Ga. L. 1964, pp. 491, 492; 1970, pp. 318, 319 (O.C.G.A. 42-5-53); Ga. L. 1972, p. 838 (O.C.G.A. 42-10-2); Ga. L. 1956, pp. 161, 178 (O.C.G.A. 42-2-11); Ga. L. 1964, pp. 734, 735 (O.C.G.A. 42-5-57); Ga. L. 1968, pp. 1399, 1403 (O.C.G.A. 42-5-51).

Rule, entitled "Visiting Clergy," filed as Rule 415-4-7-.03 on November 14, 1984; effective December 4, 1984December 4, 1984, renumbered as Rule 125-4-7-.03. Filed June 28, 1985; effective July 20, 1985, as specified by the Agency.