CHAPLAINCY
The emotional and spiritual welfare of all at HMP Rye Hill is a high
priority. The Chaplaincy is a resource for both prisoners and staff,
of all faiths or of none.
The Team
Full-time, part-time and sessional chaplains and ministers work together
to provide opportunities for worship, prayer and study for members
of any faith whose practice is permitted in prison. An increasing
number of volunteers provide a valued input to pastoral care and to
our programme of groups and courses.
The team currently includes ministers and volunteers from the traditions
of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Paganism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism,
Quakers, Jehovah's Witnesses and the Church of the Latter Day Saints. |
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| The
Mulit-Faith centre at HMP Rye Hill |
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Members of the core team also contribute a Chaplaincy perspective
on a wide range of issues within the prison such as diversity, race
relations, drugs strategy and bullying.
The Multi Faith Chaplaincy
In recognition of the wide diversity of faith backgrounds in the prison
population, HMP Rye Hill is fully committed to the 'Multi-Faith Chaplaincy'.
This means team members from different faith backgrounds should respect,
value and support each other's ministry.
All prisoners who wish to practice their faith are treated fairly.
Chaplaincy staff and volunteers from all faith backgrounds receive
appropriate training and support.
All staff in the prison should understand the importance of faith
to those who practice it and all permitted faiths are treated with
equal respect. The integrity of all faith groups should be maintained.
Statutory Requirements
Chaplaincy has a duty of care to the whole establishment. As part
of this duty staff are required by Home Office regulations to make
a daily visit to any prisoner held in segregation or who is resident
in the health care centre. We are also required to provide for the
practice of any faith permitted in prison by finding a minister and
providing a suitable environment for groups to meet for worship and
teaching. The issue of religious practice in prisons is under constant
review and we take advice as required from the Prisoner Administration
Group, Chaplaincy Headquarters and accredited representatives of faith
communities to make sure we are doing everything we should to support
prisoners in the practice of their faith.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is a major part of our daily work. People who are bereaved,
having relationship problems or just feeling the pressure of being
(or working) in prison often feel the need to 'talk to someone'. Our
job is to provide sympathetic and non-judgemental short-term support
to anyone who needs it, regardless of faith background. We are happy
to be contacted in any case of need, whether emotional, spiritual
or practical. Chaplaincy operates within the wider prison team and
if we are not able to help, we can probably find someone who can.
Classes and groups
We are continually developing the range of opportunities we offer
to explore faith, spirituality and personal development. All courses
in the Chaplaincy are offered in the context that
Faith is important.
We recognise the validity of accepted moral codes and acknowledge
the possibility that there is a higher power or ideal against which
our actions can be judged.
We do not give up hope on anyone.
Currently on offer or in development are Alpha, Bible Study, Buddhism,
Choices for Change, Explaining Paganism and Qur'an classes. |
