Let compassion shine: Restore religious freedom in San Mateo County jails

For decades, volunteers representing many faith traditions have entered San Mateo County’s correctional facilities to lead services, offer individual spiritual guidance and provide printed materials. These visits offered lifelines for people navigating one of the darkest chapters of their lives.

Formerly incarcerated individuals have told me that having access to religious services and materials gave them hope when they otherwise had none. Unfortunately, current policy has made religious experiences less accessible to those who desperately want and need them.

Before COVID, chaplains were allowed access seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Religious groups created their own visitation schedules and could visit specific pods or individuals to provide regular and ongoing counseling. This access allowed incarcerated individuals to develop relationships with chaplains — an essential part of healing and spiritual development.

Now, chaplains have limited hours and are sent to different pods, unable to build ongoing relationships with those they serve. The current system effectively denies people their constitutional right to religious expression, not because they don’t want to worship, but because the jail’s schedule prohibits them from doing so.

People of all faith traditions find peace, guidance and strength when they can connect and share their beliefs. A rigid, inadequate schedule sends the message that spiritual life is not valued.

Chaplains are no longer permitted to hand out Bibles, printed literature or prayer cards. Incarcerated individuals must apply to access religious texts through a shared tablet, available only during recreation time. Requests can be delayed or denied.

A tablet cannot replace the intimacy of a hand-delivered prayer card, a worn Bible or a printed message of hope from a caring volunteer. Digital access is not a substitute for human connection, spiritual guidance or the physical presence of sacred texts.

In jail, where people are already cut off from loved ones and their communities, these restrictions further isolate them. Those making decisions about access to chaplains and materials must show compassion and change course for the good of all involved.

Currently, chaplains must be escorted by a deputy. When staff shortages occur, access is denied. If our jails returned to pre-COVID access, many more would benefit.

Faith has the power to transform lives. Countless incarcerated individuals have found purpose, healing and peace through connecting with their religious community. Studies show that people who participate in religious programs are more likely to avoid violence inside jail and less likely to return to violence after release. Supporting religious access is not just a moral and compassionate issue — it’s a public safety one with lasting benefits for society.

I urge Sheriff Corpus to understand that religious rights are basic human rights with lasting impact.

Let hope shine in the hearts of incarcerated individuals by allowing chaplains more time to do their work in our county jails.

Let compassion shine forth.

The Rev. Lauren Patton McCombs is an Episcopal deacon serving at Christ Church Portola Valley and Woodside. She is a member of Fixin’ San Mateo and the Peninsula Solidarity Cohort, an interfaith clergy group..