Diane's Days

This is a repost from Brett's forum.

As some of you may know, Brett has become an ordained minister.
On 4/12/08 Brett sent a kite (means of communication between inmates and OSP prison staff).
This is what Brett wrote to the chaplains.

"Dear Chaplain Tate / Rader,
I am enclosing a copy of my certificate of ordination for you to please place in my inmate file.
I was also recently licensed by the state of Ohio to solemnize marriages. Once I receive back a copy of my license I will forward that to you to be placed in my inmate file.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Brett Hartmann"

On 4/24/08 he received this reply from Chaplain Rader.

"Mr Hartmann,
I will place the certificate in your file. Congratulations and blessings.
You will need to wait until you are released to "do ministry" other than leading prayer.
Scripture reading or song when a staff member is present and gives permission.
You may also give testimonials with permission from staff when staff is present; if you need to know the difference between testimonials and sermons or teaching (which are forbidden), I would be glad to help you with that.
Many blessings for a fruitful ministry upon your release.
Blessings,
Chaplain Rader"

Without actually getting out the letters from Brett in reference to this kite and the response from the Chaplain, let me summarize Brett's comment as, he felt this put excessive restrictions on his ability to practice religion.
He is asking all of us to help him with contacting groups that may help him. His appeal attorneys are unable to take this aspect on, but feel it is worth looking into on Brett's behalf.
So any actions on Brett's behalf, or recommendations on who to contact are appreciated.

Online references to religion and Brett;
http://www.enddeathpenaltyforbretthartmann.com/biblestudy.html

http://bretthartmann.proboards107.com/in....read=231&page=1

http://www.deathrowspeaks.info/interviews/interviewhartmann.html
(Question 16)

This is a copy of an email I sent to the following web addy since they have the following (on their "About Us" page), "defend the rights of people of faith";
http://www.cc.org/contact.cfm

I have a brother who is in need of help defending his rights of faith. He has recently become an ordained minister, but his ability to practice is being limited by the prison he is in. He is a death row inmate in Ohio. This is what he has been told so far.
"You will need to wait until you are released to "do ministry" other than leading prayer.
Scripture reading or song when a staff member is present and gives permission.
You may also give testimonials with permission from staff when staff is present; if you need to know the difference between testimonials and sermons or teaching (which are forbidden), I would be glad to help you with that.
Many blessings for a fruitful ministry upon your release."
His appeal attorney is in favor of us finding help for him.
More information can be provided.
Thank you,
Diane Morretti
(sister to Brett Hartmann)

admin@enddeathpenaltyforbretthartmann.com