RESOLUTION CHAPTER 52

Chaplains in California State Service.

[Filed with Secretary of State May 30, 2008.]

legislative counsel’s digest

SCR 92, Perata. Associated Chaplains in California State Service.

This measure would commend 41 years of professional service by the

Associated Chaplains in California State Service in assisting chaplains in

implementing religious programming and training within the Department

of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the State Department of Developmental

Services, the State Department of Mental Health, and the Department of

Veterans Affairs.

WHEREAS, The First Amendment of the United States Constitution

assures the free exercise of religion; and

WHEREAS, The California Constitution also guarantees the exercise of

religious freedom without discrimination or preference; and

institutionalized persons should be enabled to practice the religion of their

choice; and

WHEREAS, Chaplains in state service manage and direct all religious

programming within juvenile and adult facilities, prisons, developmental

centers, hospitals, and assisted living facilities operated by the state, and

invite the active assistance of staff members in each institution as essential

elements in the success of every religious program; and

WHEREAS, Chaplains in state service are ordained or licensed, and

endorsed by associated religious bodies that require a high standard of

practice and programming within state juvenile facilities, prisons,

developmental centers, hospitals, mental health and veterans hospitals and

assisted living centers operated by the state Department of Veterans Affairs;

WHEREAS, Addressing spiritual needs of inmates and patients who are

confined in juvenile facilities or state prisons or who reside in developmentalcenters, and hospitals presents unique challenges to the public of

chaplains, and religious groups; and

WHEREAS, Special relationships exist between the larger community

and the unique environment in juvenile facilities, state prisons, state

hospitals, and state care facilities; and

essential aspect of the relationship between family members, wards,

prisoners, clients, patients, and staff; and

in the community play an important role in the spiritual health of wards,

prisoners, clients, and patients; and

WHEREAS, The Associated Chaplains in California State Service

WHEREAS, ACCSS is the recognized professional training organization

that provides service to the departments of the executive branch of

government in cooperation with faith communities, and, for 40 years has

provided yearly training conferences and other opportunities for professional

training and growth of chaplains; and

WHEREAS, ACCSS remains committed to the continued spiritual and

professional support of our chaplains as they seek to improve the welfare

of wards, prisoners, patients, clients, and employees of state institutions;

now, therefore, be it

by the Associated Chaplains in California State Service in assisting chaplains

in implementing religious programming and training within the Department

of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the State Department of Developmental

Services, the State Department of Mental Health, and the Department of

Veterans Affairs; and be it further

resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

Res. Ch. 52 — 2 —