ITEMS OF INTEREST September 8, 2008 Issue

ITEMS OF INTEREST

with contributions from Hilary Costa, Jackie O'Neal

THE HALF-DOZEN MEN gathered at an outdoor picnic table with Chaplain Len Maselli bow their heads and share Bibles to follow along with a reading. There's nothing to tell them apart from any other group of devout Christian aside from their yellow jumpsuits and flimsy plastic sandals.

These are not average churchgoers, and Maselli is not an average preacher. Maselli is the head chaplain for Contra Costa [California] Country's detention facilities, working with two other chaplains and an army of volunteers to minister to the spiritual needs of the country's 1,500 inmates.

"I'm only here because God wants me here," Maselli said. . . .

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

YOUR DIVINE RIGHT