Crucifix Banished ?

I read in one of the daily papers this morning that a new prison chapel built in HMP Lewes in East Sussex, will not have a crucifix in case it offends Muslim inmates. Governors have been told that the traditional Christian symbol , featuring Jesus nailed to the cross, must not be used in the Grade 2 listed Victorian jail's 'multi faith space'.

The £200,00 development has been designed as a multi faith room. It is divided into two sides, one for Christian worship and the second side for other faiths. On the Christian side there is a plain wooden cross and a portable alter, both can be removed if necessary. While all this has been carefully planned, foot baths are being provided on the Muslim side for Muslims to wash their feet before prayers.

I spoke with my former colleagues on the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) this afternoon, and they cannot, of course, comment on other prisons, but the general feeling was that the Politically Correct Brigade have taken over, interfering where they are not needed. I have to say in my own considerable experience in jails, I don't think Muslim or Christian inmates could care less about the provision in Chapels, as such a very small percentage of them attend anyway, and when they do it is mostly to avoid other duties!