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A three-decades-old partnership between the city's black ministers and the Houston Police Department has ended after pastors refused to agree to new guidelines issued by Chief Charles McClelland that prohibits them from criticizing the police or city administration.

The ACLU and longtime civil rights activists blasted the prohibition against criticism by clergy who volunteer with the department.

McClelland changed the organization of HPD's religious volunteers by forming a group called the Police and Clergy Alliance (PACA). He issued guidelines governing the new alliance that took effect April 26.

Last week, an estimated 100 to 150 black ministers who are members of the Houston Ministers Against Crime turned in their HPD-issued credentials, saying they would no longer work with police, the pastor's group director confirmed.

The ministers against crime organization was founded in 1976, and Houston leaders have since heralded the group's accomplishments at improving relations between police and minorities at national mayor's conferences and other forums.

"It's hurting that in 2012 preachers cannot say in the United States what they want to say about what's going on that's not righteous," said the Rev. Robert Jefferson. "If anybody stands for righteousness, it ought to be a preacher. But if you got to obey a piece of paper saying you can't associate with people who are against the police department, you can't say nothing against the mayor or say nothing against the police chief, I quit because I'm going to be free to say what God tells me to do."

No individual limits

In a statement, McClelland said the prohibition against criticizing HPD is in force only while the clergy members are wearing an HPD-issued badge. The badge is essentially a photo identification card with the city's seal and motto and under the words "Houston Police Department."

McClelland said the police department has had multiple ministerial groups with various missions and whose activities were difficult to coordinate.

"With the formation of PACA this is a good way that we refocus, make sure we're all on the same page and committed to the same goals," McClelland said. "It is unfortunate some ministers feel they are being silenced by myself or HPD. As I have stated from the outset, they are free to do or say whatever they want as individuals. Any guidelines apply only when they are speaking in their official capacity as representatives of the alliance with an HPD badge."

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Pastors end partnership with HPD, accusing chief of censorship