Prisoners Day of Prayer

St Peter's Italian Church, Clerkenwell, London

14 November 2006

Pictures and story by Victor Hulbert

"We all need someone to believe in," Baroness Patricia Scotland QC told an ecumenical gathering of prison visitors, chaplains and ex-offenders. Closing a special service for National Prisoners' Week, "A Prayer for our Prisons" on Tuesday 14 November, the Minister of State for the criminal justice system and offender management paid tribute to "the humble, quiet and patient prison visitors" and to the prison chaplains who "walk with people when there is no one else to walk with them."

The service, led by Rev Monsignor Malachy Keegan, Principle Roman Catholic Chaplain for Prisons and organized by PACT (the Prison Advice and Care Trust) was held at the imposing St Peter's Italian Church in Clerkenwell, London, and attracted a congregation from across a broad spectrum of faith communities including many Seventh-day Adventists. The main emphasis of the evening meeting was prayer. These came in various forms including a prayer on behalf of prisoners by Pastor Roy Chisholm, Prison Ministries coordinator for the South England Conference.

Special music was presented by invited guests, the London Adventist Chorale and the close harmony quartet, Recall, from St Albans Adventist church. Both these groups have had a ministry to prisoners.

Moving testimonies were given by ex-prisoners as to the power that Christ and prayer can have in their lives but emphasis was also placed on the difficulties that prisoner's families go through and the Christian support they need. Dee spoke of the stigma and shame she found when her husband was handed a seven month prison term. While the whole family stayed committed Christians during the experience she was troubled by the friends she lost, the lack of support and understanding, and the reality of loosing financial security. In her testimony she shared the hope of Micah 7:8 (NIV). " Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light." Andy Keen-Downs of PACT emphasized how much such families need support. Baroness Scotland highlighted the "aftercare" needs of prisoners. While commending the good work of prison visitors and chaplains she expressed the concern of many prisoners that "often when I leave that gate [of the prison] there is no one to walk with me." She emphasized her full support for the community chaplaincy scheme that will continue to mentor prisoners following their release.

The work of Search, the Prison Ministries department of the South England Conference has developed over the last 18 years. Sixteen churches are today actively involved in their local prisons. Pastor Chisholm burns with passion for this ministry. He says that he and his team "have had many opportunities to share with non-Adventists who gladly welcome our fellowship and compassionate service to so many who may have lost their way and are seeking a hand of friendship." The principle of Search is to follow the commission of Jesus who said, "I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance," and "It is the sick who need a physician and not the healthy." Pastor Chisholm has learnt from the experience. "Those of us who labour in Prison Ministries have seen humanity at its worst. We are learning all the time not to project a holier than thou attitude."

For more information on volunteering for Prison Ministries please contact Pastor Chisholm: 01923 232728. More information on PACT can be found at < www. prisonadvice.org.uk>.