NEWS
Have you heard about the work of the International Prison Chaplain's Association?
The International Prison Chaplain’s Association (IPCA) has its roots in Scandinavia where Prison Chaplains from Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden have held biennial conferences since 1973. The FCG Secretary for prison chaplaincy and the Free Churches Faith Adviser, Revd Bob Wilson, serves as the Vice Chair for IPCA Europe UK.
You can read more about the important work which IPCA does HERE.
Revd Bob Wilson has written about a recent IPCA Steering Committee where they explored issues with UN in Vienna in the run-up to the Crime Commission.
You can read Revd Wilson’s full article HERE
Join us as we pray for the work of IPCA and all those who work in prisons and who are serving sentences:
PRAYER
Lord God, Blessed are you, creator of the universe. You have called us to serve you in bringing good news to the poor and liberty to those in prison. Look with kindness upon all who serve you in this ministry, grant us the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of your mission to all. Fill our hearts with zeal and perseverance as heralds of the Gospel. Amen
BLESSING
May the Lord bless you, and keep you; May the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
IPCA now has six regions, Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America and more information can be found on their website at www.ipcaworldwide.org. IPCA-Europe has been the strongest regional organization and has developed a life of its own with many initiatives such as a link with the Council of Europe and the C.P.T. It has always elected its own Steering Committee as well as linking in with IPCA-Worldwide and the International Commission for Prison Pastoral Care.
(photo courtesy of Thomas Dils @ Unsplash)
"The breathing sacrament of chaplaincy"
In May 2019, a profound and interesting piece was published by a university student about her experience of chaplaincy whilst studying.
Shanika Ranasinghe writes, “University chaplains champion faith presence and practices on campus. What is sometimes less obvious is that they are part of university well-being teams: there for anyone of any faith, denomination or none, for pastoral support. Personally, chaplains have been a lifeline whilst battling health issues – indeed, a chaplain was the only reason I left my first university alive.”
Please join us as we pray for the vital work of chaplains in our universities:
At the start of the academic year (autumn)
Merciful God, we pray for all those starting university courses for degrees and vocational programmes. We know this is a time of great change, so we humbly ask that you uphold and guide the students at this time of transition. Living God, we pray for the parents, carers and church families who are waving off their church / family members who are embarking on university courses. Give the parents, carers and our churches the courage to be brave about this change in their family and church community, as they see their loved ones go on to a new phase in life.
Throughout the year
Majestic God, as students aim higher and develop their God-given potential, give students firm foundations in your wisdom, rooted in your love and stability. We pray for the tutors and chaplains in universities - loving God, give them the wisdom, clarity and patience to support the students and staff with compassion. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen
You can download resources and prayer sheets to help your churches to support work in universities and other educational sectors HERE
(image courtesy of Hannah Grace @ Unsplash)
Clinks Training: Introduction to working and volunteering in prison
17th July, Bristol | 24th July, London | £75 members, £150 non-members
Do you have staff and volunteers who are new to working in a custodial setting?
This interactive and engaging one-day course aims to raise awareness of the prison environment and enable voluntary sector staff and volunteers to have meaningful and professional engagement with prisons.
Delegates will:
Discuss concerns and fears, and acquire a confidence boosting approach
Be guided through an up to date overview of the criminal justice system, including different elements of the prison and probation services
Gain an understanding of the prison environment and the demographics of those in custody
Consider safe and responsible working within custodial settings, and be confident working within their boundaries.
"I wanted to let you know I thought the day was excellent and very informative. It was both engaging and interactive." – Training delegate, London 2018
Each training day has a maximum of 15 places so book now to avoid disappointment.
Read all about it! Education publications and resources for our members
Over the last few years, the Free Church Education Committee has been busy working on behalf of our member groups and churches to widen our field of work in education.
We have just compiled an easy to use summary of all of our key reports, case studies and prayer resources for you, as our member churches / groups, to have access to.
You can review these here.
Please feel free to download, print and share in your church fellowships.
Please join us as we continue to pray for the work of the Free Church Education Committee and the work we do with churches, schools, colleges and universities…
(photo courtesy of David Iskander @ Unsplash)
Faith Leaders' Training Initiative
Photo by David Travis on Unsplash
The Edward Cadbury Centre for the Public Understanding of Religion in collaboration with a series of consortium partners leads this work on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
This voluntary training is delivered both in-person in four locations across England (Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and London) and also online. It focusses on up-skilling faith leaders and improving their capacity to identify and address issues like domestic and sexual abuse and mental health concerns, as well educating them on equalities legislation and UK marriage law. The initiative seeks to develop well-qualified, informed and confident faith leaders who will be able to better support their communities and signpost them to the relevant professional services. The programme curriculum was designed and shaped in direct collaboration between the Government, the Cadbury Centre and leaders of various faiths and denominations to ensure the training offer meets the needs of religious ministers themselves.
Find out more: https://spark.adobe.com/page/NuyVB2k73JSn7/
Any queries? We’re here to help.
Email: flti@contacts.bham.ac.uk
OR contact the programme co-ordinator directly at: A.Davies.4@bham.ac.uk