2026 Information

Serving Every Soul

Chaplaincy Ministry and Minority Religions in Corrections

This presentation examines the vital role of correctional chaplains in supporting and accommodating minority religious groups within prison environments. As correctional institutions become increasingly diverse, chaplains are called to minister beyond traditional faith boundaries while balancing institutional security, religious freedom, and ethical pastoral care. The presentation explores the beliefs, practices, and unique challenges faced by minority faith groups in corrections, including issues related to religious accommodation, sacred items, dietary requirements, worship opportunities, and volunteer support. Attention is also given to the legal and constitutional foundations that protect religious expression in correctional settings, as well as to the chaplain’s role as both spiritual caregiver and institutional advisor. Drawing from practical correctional experience, the session highlights strategies for building respectful interfaith relationships, reducing religious misunderstanding, and fostering an environment of dignity and inclusion. Ultimately, the presentation emphasizes that effective chaplaincy requires a commitment to serving every individual with fairness, compassion, and professional integrity, regardless of faith tradition.

Speakers Include

Jamie Dana is a leading voice in the Heathen community and serves as the primary High Priest of Temple Gaia. With 30 years of dedicated practice, he has developed extensive expertise as a Gothi and Vitki within the Pagan faith tradition. His work focuses on helping Heathens and the broader Pagan community integrate ancient spiritual practices into modern life. Jamie emphasizes enduring values such as accountability, reputation, and integrity as guiding principles for contemporary living. Outside of his spiritual leadership, he is an avid outdoorsman who strengthens his connection to ancestral traditions through nature. As a devoted father, he seeks to model a life in which ancient faith, family, and modern fatherhood exist hand in hand.

Rabbi Vogel received an internationally grounded education, studying in Great Britain, Jerusalem, and New York, where he earned his Rabbinical Ordination from the Central Lubavitch Academy “Tomchei Temimim.” In 1984, shortly after his ordination, he began leading High Holiday services at the Federal Prison Camp in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, launching a lifelong ministry to incarcerated Jewish men and women. Since founding the Aleph Institute – Northeast Region in Pittsburgh in 1991, he has worked extensively with federal, state, and local officials to support the religious needs of Jewish inmates and the humanitarian needs of their families. Recognized as an expert in prison ministry, Rabbi Vogel has testified before the Pennsylvania State Judiciary Committee and assisted Senator Arlen Specter’s office in drafting federal legislation affecting Jewish inmates. In 2018, he was appointed by Judge Joy Flowers Conti to serve on Merit Selection Panels evaluating the reappointment of two U.S. Magistrate Judges for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Rabbi Vogel resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Brachah Nechama, and their children.

Prof. Dr. Khaled Mohamed Aboelhassan Hassan is a distinguished scholar of Oriental Languages and Islamic Studies with extensive academic, pastoral, and administrative leadership. A specialist in Islamic Turkish literature and a fluent speaker of four languages. He earned both his Master’s and Doctorate in Islamic Studies, focusing his research on Turkish literary traditions. His commitment to interdisciplinary leadership is reflected in his current pursuit of two additional Master’s degrees in Human Resources and Health Services Administration at IUP USA. Dr. Hassan served as a university professor of Oriental Languages and Islamic History in Egypt from 1996 to 2008. Since 2011, he has served as an Imam across multiple institutions at the DOC including Cresson, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Frackville, Smithfield, and Forest, while providing chaplaincy and spiritual guidance at the Abraxas Center for Juvenile.

Abby Trovinger, Tara Wikhian, and Sarah Simkin are Assistant Counsel for the Department of Corrections, where they handle inmate litigation matters.