A Visit to a Category A Prison Chaplain

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Free Church Chaplain at a Category A prison. It was a deeply moving experience to shadow him and witness firsthand the extraordinary nature of his ministry within the prison. I have visited prisons before, but during this visit, the Holy Spirit spoke to me in a profound way.

The presence of a chaplain offering words of hope and a listening ear should never be underestimated. Prison staff work in extremely challenging conditions to ensure that prisons remain safe environments where men and women can serve their sentences, face the consequences of their actions, and begin the journey toward acknowledging their wrongs and embracing rehabilitation.

In a place where many have lost their sense of hope because of their crimes and the length of their sentences, the chaplaincy provides a vital voice of compassion, faith, and reason.

A prison is, in many ways, a community within a community, shaped by its own unique circumstances. During my visit, I clearly saw how much the prisoners benefited from the spiritual care and pastoral support offered by the chaplaincy team.

The Free Churches have over 225 chaplains serving with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) across the prison estate, and many more volunteers who lead programmes and support worship services.

Let us continue to pray for the victims of crime, for those who work in prisons, and for the prisoners themselves, that God’s transforming grace may bring hope and strength to every life.

If you are one of our chaplains, please also pray for those of us who are not, that we too may be inspired to bring hope and seek transformation in whatever situations we find ourselves.

Paul Rochester

General Secretary