Dangerous Convictions for PDF - ADL

prisoners usually have restrictions on writing to each other), arranging a conference
call, or setting up a post office box. In 1999, Morin boasted of his
successes to the National Alliance-owned magazine Resistance, writing that he
was “in the process of once again spreading our message of preparedness for
an all out HOLY WAR with the Ragheads, Kikes, Indians and other
mudraces. Yes, we will be prepared for the WAR with our enemy the
Government.”
The Round Hill, Virginia-based Chuck Kuhler runs another Christian
Identity prison ministry. His newsletter, the Virginia Christian Israelite, is sent
to many inmates—in fact, it claims to have 637 inmates on its mailing list and
programs in 48 states. One such program, referred to as the “congregations”
of “YHWH’s Messianist Assembly,” was approved in December 2000 for the
California State Prison in Solano.
P AGAN P RISONERS
Dangerous
Convictions:
AN INTRODUCTION TO EXTREMIST ACTIVITIES IN PRISONS
White supremacists in prison frequently claim adherence to various religious
sects not just to indulge in racist beliefs but also as a way to circumvent prison
regulations. Inside America’s penitentiaries, Asatru is establishing itself as
another religion of racism and a way in which white inmates can continue
their organizing efforts. Asatru, an Icelandic term for an ancient pagan
Northern European religion that has been revived in modern times, incorporates
the worship of Odin, Thor and other Norse gods and goddesses. It is
widely practiced by non-racists, but a number of white supremacists are
increasingly attracted to it, especially to the form of it called Odinism.
Although there are clearly genuine believers in Asatru in prison—and nonracist
Asatru groups who reach out to prisoners—the sect also attracts apostate
inmates interested merely in gaining privileges such as meeting opportunities,
either among themselves, or with people from outside prison. This is
much more often the case than with more dogmatic and restrictive religions
such as Christian Identity. White supremacists may claim to be adherents of
Asatru not because they actually believe in the tenets of the religion, but
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