I wonder how the “Christians” would feel if Buddhists wanted “access” to send information about Buddha, Buddhism and its principles, and other religious materials?
I wonder how the “Christians” would feel if Muslims wanted “access” to send information about Allah, Islam and its principles, and other religious materials?
I wonder how the “Christians” would feel if Wiccans wanted “access” to send information about Gaia, Wicca and its principles, and other religious materials?
I wonder how the “Christians” would feel if Hindus wanted “access” to send information about Vishnu, Hinduism and its principles, and other religious materials?
I wonder how the “Christians” would feel if Taoists wanted “access” to send information about Taoism and its principles, and other religious materials?
Etc.
I know, it would be anathema, but it would also be TRUE “religious freedom”. Until that happens, America is still going to be mocked as ‘Jesusland’ by countries that actually have freedom of religion.

Oklahoma treats their prisoners like they are in prison. Bad joke!
This Ministry, and any bodies ministry, such as no name listed above, should be allowed to send the prisoners their books. Freedom of religon means freedom of religion and every state should pratise what is in our constitution. Our Constitution should be respected, as in equality for all it’s citizens, not just in some states, and not others. Dos our Constitution only apply in little snitches and snatches, here and there? Looks as though it does. I hope that President Obama will finally see that all Americans are equal under our Constitution, be it religon, Sexual-Orientation, or anything else. These nit-picking arguments are a waste of time and we could be discussing more important things in America if we just are all on the same page, “Being Equal under our Constitution”.

Your Name, the Nation of Islam is VERY active in prison ministry. I’m not sure about Buddhists, Taoists, Hindus, or Wiccans but I imagine they could do the same if they so choose (if they’re not doing so already).
From my limited perspective, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections seems to be somewhat anal retentive on this issue. I’m not aware that Christian inmates are taking over the drug racket or causing any other increase in criminal activity. If spirituality, even specific to a certain religion, gives these men (and women) peace of mind and keeps them out of trouble, then it may be in the best interests of everyone concerned to allow it.

Guess the OK prison system is afraid some of the inmates “finding Jesus”, having a sudden conversion!
A few other states don’t seem to have a problem with religious materials being sent/brought to inmates. I’m guessing that OK must also restrict other religions from sending their materials? (Jews, RCC,etc.?)
Guess things will be worked out. Expect there will be some prisoners still there to get the “Good News” when/if the group wins it’s suit.

It seems, according to the information in the article, that the issue is not with religion, but with the way a religious group tries to work. Perhaps this group could modify their work to meet the strictures of the Corrections Dept. It can’t be too difficult to get a publisher or bookstore approved. And it would seem that sending personal letters rather than tracts or pamphlets would meet their goals better. The need for control and restricted access seems prudent for prison safety. But it also seems that both sides might benefit more if each were willing to think a little more creatively.

OK has a high rate of religiosity so I doubt they are concerned about conversions. Possibly they are worried about what might come in with/inside books. Possibly they figure if they allow Christian stuff they have to allow eg Muslim stuff. Maybe the prison chaplains don’t want competition. Just guessing. If this goes to trial maybe we’ll find out.

speaking from a perspective of someone who was imprisoned back in the civil rights era prisons are hard and cruel places to be sometimes rightfully but mostly just overkill broad brushed hard. Christianity has done more for rehabilitation and changing people then the prison system itself. It not only gives a way to cope with the harshness of prison life but it is an encourager for change.

Yours is not the first ministry to run up against this wall. DOC will win on procedure (materials coming directly from the manufacture, etc.) but they crossed the line rejecting communication stating, “only from individuals – not from ministries.” You’ll win on that point. Ministries are people deticated to human rehabilitation.
My prison ministry from a neighboring state ran into much of the same as yours (rejected tracks, etc…) until I moved to Oklahoma and married a lifer. This gave me the opening I needed to send in tracks, etc. I still, however, have to send books and magazines directly from the book stores. I never sent in money. It’s bad policy for ministries to send in money. Most chaplins will deliver a bible, etc. if you send one to them for a particular inmate, but sending cash is never a good idea. Cash creates more problems than it resolves. Other inmates may begin to force the inmate to provide this and that, etc… the inmate may give in to old addictions, etc… If you are concerned about a particular inmate, communicate with the chaplain.
I’ve been married into the system now for two decades. Where there’s a will there’s a way. Blessings,
Jean