Finding God at Gitmo

April 22, 2010 by Timothy Dalrymple

Continued from Page 1

What is religious freedom like at Gitmo for the detainees? Whatever was the case in the past, are the detainees treated well now?

There is a broad space for religious freedom here. Arrows pointing to Mecca are located throughout the camp. Muslim prayer calls are recognized and respected by silence throughout the camp. The health care, dietary needs, spiritual needs, and everyday concerns of the detainees are addressed daily, and they're accommodated if they're reasonable and don't conflict with Standard Operating Procedures.

Are detainees ever interested in talking with you about their faith -- or about your own?

I am not allowed to speak with detainees at all.

What are some of the hardest things you have had to deal with at Gitmo? What have been some of the greatest blessings?

The hardest things have to do with life back in the States. The Rhode Island Reserves, for instance, were here during the flooding in Rhode Island. When personal issues arise, it's difficult to be so far from home.

I don't think my greatest blessing has happened yet.

Is God at Gitmo?

God's grace sustains Gitmo. In large ways and small, God makes His presence known.

Finally, when the time comes for you to leave, what will have made your time there worthwhile?

What will make my time here the most worthwhile are the relationships I have built and my witness to the guards.

God is real, and God can sustain us anywhere, even when we are far from our families.

Lieutenant Carr was raised in Adelphi, Maryland, and attended the University of Maryland, College Park. He received his M.A. and M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.

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About Timothy Dalrymple

Timothy Dalrymple is the CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Polymath Innovations, a strategic storytelling agency that advances the good with visionary organizations and brands. He leads a unique team of communicators from around North America and across the creative spectrum, serving mission-driven businesses and nonprofits who need a partner to amplify their voice and good works. Once a world-class gymnast whose career ended with a broken neck, Tim channeled his passions for faith and storytelling into his role as VP of Business Development for Patheos, helping to launch and grow the network into the world's largest religion website. He holds a Ph.D. in Religion from Harvard's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Tim blogs at Philosophical Fragments.

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