Commissioner : Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Lee Arrendale State Prison partners with the Atlanta Theological Association (ATA)

FORSYTH, Ga. – On April 29, 30 female offenders graduated from the Theological Studies course at Lee Arrendale State Prison (LASP) in Alto, Ga. Seventeen of the offenders received their Certificate in Theological Studies (CTS) and 13 received their Advanced Certificate in Theological Studies and Leadership.

“Lee Arrendale State Prison is one of our Faith & Character Based facilities, and we have seen a great deal of success from the programs offered there,” said Commissioner Bryson. “The Theological Studies program is no exception, because it doesn’t just offer the offenders academic and leadership skills, it offers them a sense of purpose.”

The CTS program began in 2009 through the Chaplaincy Department of Metro State Prison and the ATA, which consists of The Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Columbia Theological Seminary, The Interdenominational Theological Center, and McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University. The program moved to LASP in May 2011.

To receive a CTS certificate, the offenders must complete three electives, two intensive foundation courses in Biblical and Theological Studies, and an individual project. To receive an Advanced Certificate, students must complete five electives, a research project of their design, and a leadership and service project.

The CTS program teaches the offender spiritual leadership, academic skills, and explores several theological disciplines. The program also gives them an opportunity to design and teach their own theologically based course within the prison.

For more information on the CTS certificate visit: https://candler.emory.edu/about-candler/institutes-initiatives-affiliates/the-certificate-in-theological-studies-program/

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.