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Weekly Prayer Focus: Prison Chaplaincy

Week 31

From the beginning of the prison service the church, and more recently, multi- faith provision has been at the centre of care provided to people detained by the courts. Within the EBA there are a number of prisons, and each one is required by law to run a Chaplaincy supporting prisoners of all faiths and none. Unlike chaplaincies in hospitals and schools, in HMPPS it is a statutory one with specific duties required to be carried out every day, 365 days of the year.

Every day a member of the chaplaincy team meets face to face with every prisoner;

• within 24hours of their arrival, whether they have come in from outside or been transferred from another jail. Because of this, chaplains meet prisoners at a time of shock, uncertainty, and fear, often not expecting to find themselves in jail and with no idea what to expect next.
• held on the segregation wing. These are often the most vulnerable and troubled prisoners in the jail. They may be held in segregated accommodation for their own safety or the safety of others.
• in healthcare, where there is a wide range of needs, both physical and mental health related.
• before they leave custody.

Chaplains provide support in attending a funeral of a close family member or paying a final visit to a dying close relative. This is usually possible, albeit whilst cuffed to a prison officer.

On top of this, chaplains provide opportunities for worship and study as well as pastoral care for prisoners and staff of any faith or none.

Amongst all this activity, chaplains journey with prisoners, wondering about faith for the first time as they have more time to think about the important things in life or are rekindling a faith they have neglected for years. They share remarkable testimonies, celebrate baptisms and witness spiritual encounters that take us all by surprise. They see prisoners discovering hope, some for the first time in their lives. They see the Holy Spirit bringing transformation to broken and troubled lives. They often think of the truth of John 1:5, ‘The light shines in the darkness and the darkness will not overcome it’.

You can be part of this too, as we seek to make links with churches and other faith groups to enable ex-prisoners to become part of a faith community on the outside through The Welcome Directory.

Supporting files

Recent Weeks

Wisbech Baptist Church

26th July 2026

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Pilgrims Hatch Baptist Church

19th July 2026

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Canvey Island Baptist Church

12th July 2026

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