The federal government's decision to not renew part-time contracts for non-Christian prison chaplains is "not just" and "not right," United Church of Canada leader Gary Paterson wrote in a letter to Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews earlier this week.

By the end of March 2013, 49 part-time chaplains of various faiths will be removed from Canada's prisons, according to the CBC. About 80 full-time chaplains will keep their jobs, who are all Christian except for one.

The cuts are expected to save the government $1.3 million, the Globe and Mail reports.

Conservative MP Candice Bergen, also parliamentary secretary to Minister Toews, said earlier this month that the full-time chaplains would provide ecumenical multi-faith counselling to inmates. The CBC points out that 57 per cent of inmates in federal custody are Christian.

"In addition to serving members of their own faith, these chaplains also make themselves available on a by request basis to provide spiritual advice to the general population," said Bergen, adding it's the same type of chaplaincy service the Canadian Forces offers.

But United Church of Canada Moderator Paterson says the federal government's measures to ensure spiritual care for prisoners of all faiths despite the cuts aren't sufficient.

"Whether intentional or not, the result of your decision appears discriminatory. Its effect, with only one exception, will be the elimination of all contracts with non-Christian religious organizations," he wrote to Minister Toews on Oct. 15.

"Given the mix of faiths in the prison population, there will always be a need for part-time chaplaincies. True, there is always the question of a wise use of financial resources, but money invested in chaplaincy services is money well-spent. People need spiritual care, and in the case of people whose troubled lives and relationships have been a factor in the commission of serious crimes, it can help put them on the path to a better future."

The church moderator joins other religious leaders in denouncing the cuts.

Robyn Smith reports for The Tyee.