Just as the U.S. military hires on Spiritual Counselors, so does the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The makeup of San Quentin’s five chaplains is as divers as the population: Catholic, Islamic, Jewish, Native American, and Protestant. The Chaplains serve Death Row, Reception Center, North Block, and H-Unit, as well as the Hospital.
SQ Chaplains have each gone through extensive theological training and education in their respective faiths. Each Chaplain conducts religious services for those of their faith in areas appropriate for the prison security, and, when necessary, becomes the bearer of bad news for family tragedies to many who aren’t expecting to hear it.
Each Chaplain brings to their duties a focus of their own religious convictions, with the intentions of providing a depth of understanding and ability to participate and practice in their chosen faith. Interviews with the five chaplains: Father Barber, Imam Rafeeq Hassan, Rabbi Carol Hymen, Hector Heredia, and Pastor Morris Curry, were quite revealing as to how each one has approached their responsibilities.