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)

Hold Fast to Hope for Prisons Week 15-21 November 2009

Churches across Great Britain are being encouraged to hold special services and events to mark Prisons Week from 15-21 November.

The theme for Prisons Week this year is Hold Fast to Hope, encouraging Christians to focus on real stories of hope and redemption from around the world.

Revd David Gamble, President of the Methodist Conference, said; “Prisons week reminds us of the harsh realities of crime and imprisonment, but it also speaks of hope in dark places. This is a time to pray for those in prison and those affected by crime as we seek a better future for all. It's also a time to give thanks for and remember the contribution made by chaplains to the lives of those living and working in prisons.”

The Prisons Week website (www.prisonsweek.org) offers a range of free resources, including prayers, sketches and stories of hope from the UK and further afield.

Revd Alan Ogier, Superintendent Methodist and Free Church Chaplain to the Prison Service, said; “The Christian message is one of real hope for all – not just shallow optimism. This is a solid belief that no one is beyond redemption, that change can and does happen.”

You can listen to an interview with Alan about the reality of prison life online here: http://www.methodist.org.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=opentogod.webradio.


Source: Methodist News Service 09/11/2009