Lofton: Media Spotlight Was Necessary

After 15 years with the Charleston County Detention Center's Chaplain Program, Rev. Monsignor Ed Lofton was booted out of the program earlier this week.

Lofton was removed from the program after a dispute with jail officials over whether he would be allowed to use sacramental wine when performing Catholic Masses at the facility. , but Lofton told West Ashley Patch on Friday that the media coverage he sought out was necessary to deal with a long simmering issue.

"I have been told so many different things over the years about this," Lofton said. "If I didn't bring the press heat nothing would have changed."

Lofton maintains that he has always used a small amount of sacramental wine during Masses performed at the jail, and that questions around the jail's policy regarding that use of alcohol have been simmering on a back burner for years. He said he didn't know why it had come to a head this week in particular.

Lofton and Chief Deputy Mitch Lucas, director of the Al Cannon Detention Center, argued Tuesday over the policy banning wine from the services because it is considered contraband. Lofton refused to substitute grape juice for the wine because the sacramental wine is integral to the Mass, according to the Catholic faith.

Lofton maintains that barring a Catholic chaplain from using sacramental wine during a Mass is a violation of the First Amendment's protections of religious freedom and said the policy Lucas attempted to enforce violates both federal law and the State of South Carolina's own policies on prison chaplains from the Department of Corrections (see below for the policy - courtesy of S.C. Department of Corrections).

"It is about religious freedom," Lofton said. "And this crap has been going on for years."

During his press conference Thursday, Sheriff Cannon announced that moving forward the Detention Center will allow Catholic chaplains, and chaplains of other religions that require wine for services, to consume wine during their services as long as the inmates do not also receive any alcohol.

Prior to the press conference Lofton and Cannon met to discuss the issue and Lofton's dismissal from the program. Due to his strained relationship it was determined that Lofton would not return to the program but would help the county find another priest to replace him in the chaplain program.

Lofton said anywhere between five and 25 inmates take advantage of Mass services each week. Prior to the county establishing a chaplain program, Lofton, who is the pastor at St. Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church in Summerville, visited the jail complex for 10 years, so his total involvement in prison ministry spanned 25 years before this week.

"We had a two-hour meeting that was heated and intense, but we left as friends," Lofton said. "He understands my position better and I understand theirs better."

Lofton said he still believes a problem exists with the detention center management, but Cannon stood firmly behind Chief Deputy Lucas during the Thursday press conference.

The portion of the policy dealing specifically with Catholic chaplains and services reads as follows:

2.2 Catholic Practice:

2.2.1 Baptism: Baptism marks the beginning of a Catholic's entry into the church. When an inmate requests Catholic baptism, a Catholic Priest/Deacon or other official of the Church will be contacted to interview the inmate, provide instruction, and make the arrangements for the reception of the sacrament. The service can include visitors and other inmates if requested by the Chaplain and approved by the Warden.

2.2.2 Confirmation: The Sacrament of Confirmation is scheduled for Catholic inmates when the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is completed. The Priest/Bishop anoints the head of the candidate for confirmation with Chrism oil. Often this event will occur at the time of Baptism, and after confirmation will participate in his/her first Mass to receive First Communion.

2.2.3 Penance/Reconciliation: Catholics are expected to confess their sins regularly to a Priest and receive absolution and penance. The SCDC will provide a quiet, private place where a Priest can hear the confessions of inmates. This will often occur in the period of time before a Mass is scheduled.

2.2.4 Eucharist or Mass: The celebration of the Mass is the central act of worship for Catholics. Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is truly present, body and soul, in the bread and wine received in the Holy Communion. This sacrament requires wine (required by church law) and bread (hosts). A Priest/Bishop (the only ones to celebrate Mass) will be allowed to bring in both bread and wine for Mass. Since wine is otherwise considered contraband in the SCDC, the Priest/Bishop will bring in only the amount necessary to meet the needs of the celebrant(s). (NOTE: This is usually about an ounce or two since communicants will receive only the host at communion.) When this service is scheduled, the Chaplain will notify security to ensure that the Priest has necessary clearance. Other items allowed for this service include: vestments, altar and linen cloths, chalice, paten, pyx (host container), crucifix, and other items. A quiet room with adequate space for the service will be provided. If requested and available, a piano and hymn books will be provided.

2.2.4.1 Communion Service: This is a service that is conducted by a Deacon or a designated Lay Person when a Priest is not available to visit the facility for Mass. It consists of a prayer service of scripture, hymns and distribution of the Holy Eucharist consecrated at Holy Mass in the parish church the Deacon/Lay Person ministers from. This will require them to bring in a Pyx of consecrated communion host. (NOTE: This should not be handled by staff if possible.) Wine is not required for this service.

2.2.5 Holy Orders/Ordination: The vows of ordination are part of an extended process or preparation and commitment and are not likely to occur in an institution.

2.2.6 Anointing of the Sick: The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of intercession in the time of sickness. As requested a Priest (the only one who can administer this sacrament) will be allowed to visit those inmates who request this sacrament and be permitted to bring the sacred chrism oil with him.

2.2.7 Holy Days: The Roman Catholic Church emphasizes the Christian calendar that divides the year into different emphases in the life of Christ. The two most important holy days are Christmas and Easter. Arrangements for special services will be allowed during these seasons. During Lent, the period from Ash Wednesday till Good Friday, Catholics observe a period of fast and abstinence (do not eat between meals, and no meat) on Ash Wednesday and Friday of Lent. Food Service will provide at least one meal with a fish entree on Ash Wednesday, and on each subsequent Friday through Good Friday. The other meals on these days will be planned to be adequate when the entree is omitted (no meat casseroles). The Chief, Pastoral Care Services Branch, will be responsible to notify the Chief, Food Service Branch, of the dates for the Lenten fast.