Church Leaders go to Prison

Prison Hope got off to a great start in 2017 when 26 Rugby church leaders were invited to breakfast by David Spademan, Managing Chaplain at HMP Onley. He said: ‘As a chaplain I am passionate to get church leaders into prison to show them how they can help support men and women in prison and on release.’

The leaders enjoyed a cooked breakfast in the Lock Inn, the prison’s training catering facility. They also spent time in the Prison Chapel for worship and to ask questions about work in the prison. Then 14 of the leaders toured some of the training workshops and heard about how the men are helped to find employment and accommodation after leaving prison. For many of the leaders it was their first time in prison. The aim was to break down preconceptions and to explore ways for them and their congregations to partner with the prison Chaplaincy Team. It is hoped that many prison chaplains will link with local churches in this way through Prison Hope. Visit www.prisonhope.org.uk to find out how your church can get involved in your area.

Gracious Lord, who told us to look for you in the isolated and the excluded, bless, we pray, the efforts of Prison Hope to stir up your Church. Give us wisdom to restore the fallen, encourage the fainthearted, welcome the stranger, and proclaim the year of the Lord's favour – even the redemption of our debt through your grace and mercy. Amen. Bishop James Langstaff, Bishop to Prisons