Prison Ministry

Pagans in Prison: The Pagan Ministry.

Since May 1997, the Race Relations policy in prisons was extended to include religious discrimination, the impact of which is that anyone who chooses to declare themselves Pagan, or change their religion to Pagan whilst in prison, are entitled to have a Pagan Chaplain if they request this. Paganism is now recognised as a religion by the Home Office for prison purposes, and though management of prisons has now been passed to The Prison Service this recognition remains unchanged. To accommodate these needs, The Pagan Ministry was set up by the Pagan Federation to ensure that where possible, the spiritual needs of Pagans in prisons would be met, and to acknowledge this is quite an important recognition of Paganism itself.

Often prisoners discover or rediscover their Pagan spirituality while imprisoned, and it is important to them that they are able to express this and receive support and assistance in following their chosen path. If a prisoner is of another faith, spiritual support systems are in place already in many cases, so why is it happening that Pagans are denied the same access? The problem is that there are too few Pagan Chaplains at present to accommodate the needs of prisoners, particularly in some areas of the UK.

Why become a Pagan Chaplain? I personally became involved because I strongly feel that whatever the crime a prisoner has committed he or she are entitled to the same spiritual support offered to those of mainstream religions. In addition, it is a huge forward step for Paganism to be recognised by a government body, which would be diminished if no one actually came forward and filled this role! It can be uncomfortable, tiring and take up your time, but also rewarding and a humbling experience. It certainly makes you appreciate the small things that we take for granted. We have our freedom to read what books we wish to, buy any paraphernalia we wish to and can afford both in person and through the Internet. We are able to connect directly with nature, if only with a window box or a walk in a city park, these small freedoms become appreciated and viewed very differently when the effects of the denial of these is seen first hand. Paganism practised as a nature religion is probably the most difficult path to follow while imprisoned.

Many prisoners have long sentences to face and have committed unpleasant crimes, often addiction related and having being judged by society are often alienated from family and friends. It is not the place of Pagan Chaplains to judge them a second time but to support and ensure their rights to practise their religion is protected. The positive effects on the prisoner themselves of being able to discuss their path with another person is important, and if they are the only Pagan within that prison, the Pagan Chaplain can be of immense support.

The essential characteristics for being a Chaplain (The description is not ideal, but is the title imposed on us by the Prison Chaplain Service) are a mature attitude, good communication skills and recognition of the need to keep confidentiality. Knowledge of Pagan traditions apart from your own is ideal, as is a sense of humour!

The details of the application & screening process are too long for this article, but if I have tempted you find out more, please write to pfprisonministry@gmail.com

(Original article by Suzanne White)

Jo Matthews
Prison Ministry Manager
PFPM
PO Box 1318
Bagshot
GU19 5YN