4 jailed men moved after denial of Holy Communion

[estesbob]

HAMMOND, Ind. - Federal marshals moved four accused illegal immigrants from the Hammond City Jail after the police chief clashed with the immigrants’ priest, family and attorneys over whether their could receive Holy Communion.

Chief Brian Miller said he asked the U.S. Marshals Service to transfer the four workers, who are among 15 people arrested last month on charges of entering the country illegally.

Marshals declined Friday to disclose the men’s new location, but their attorney Jim Foster, and their Catholic priest, the Rev. Steve Gibson, said the marshals moved them to the Porter County Jail in Valparaiso, 25 miles east of Hammond.

chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-rel-aliens-commun,0,3308045.story

 

[chicago]

'Cuz, you know, that Jesus stuff is DANGEROUS!

 

[Dale_M]

Gibson was allowed to give the workers Communion on Christmas Day, but problems began when the jail denied his request to offer it to them a second time. Gibson was allowed to visit once a week, but only with glass between him and his parishioners.

Miller said the jail was not equipped for face-to-face meetings with inmates. He said his staff offered the men religious materials in their cells and participation in prayer groups.

The jail warden came in Christmas Day, his day off, so Gibson could say Mass for the four men, Miller said.

“We have bent over backwards to make reasonable accommodations,” he said. “Lawful incarceration brings about necessary limitations of a person’s rights and privileges. Family, friends and clergy cannot expect unrestricted access to inmates in a specialized holding facility.”

It was very nice of the jail warden to come in on Christmas day just to allow communion, but I don’t see why it required special effort which couldnt’t be continued. If the Porter County Jail allows communion, why can’t the Hammond City Jail?