Churches propose Christian prison

Cornish churches have united behind proposals for a prison run on Christian principles as a solution to woefully high reoffending rates. Free, Independent Evangelical and Pentecostal churches have joined Quakers and Anglicans in support for a new model of prison. The Carpenter’s House would draw on approaches used by the Kainos Community programme which has slashed reoffending rates in three prisons by 87 per cent. The idea coincides with Prisons Week (15–21 Nov) and an appeal for churches to become much more prison-aware. Revd Bob Payne, chair of the Prisons Week Committee, urged churches to invite prison representatives to present the ‘reality of prisons’ to congregations. Churches should also learn about the challenges for ex-offenders and the developing role of community chaplaincy, he said.

Sources: Church Times (13/11); Baptist Times (12/11)