Religion does not make people better. It promises punishment for those who don't reform, and rewards for those who do. It's emotional bribery, pure and simple,and I doubt these people won't be able to recognize that con, and if they do accept it, it will not stick. Morality based on the carrot and stick is false.

But the major point is that in our country we do not give religious organizations powers in the public sector. It is unfair to other religions, and to people who recognize no religions. Criminals will take advantage of these programs purely to get benefits, every prison is full of converts, because prison authorities reward those who claim "faith". Religionists will use it to gain followers, and eventually, government funding.

All you have to do to realize what a really stupid idea this is is to imagine how you'd feel if, instead of Christians, you found out that Muslims were sponsoring it. Or the Hare Krishnas.

I'm not opposed to this idea because I'm anti-religion. I'm all in favor of religions ministering to the spiritual needs of convicts, and convicts deserve freedom to practice their faith without interference. But this is a bad idea because it violates a key American principle: separation of church and state.