CAPTION: Devon has three prisons: Dartmoor, Exeter and Channings Wood
Bishop of Plymouth Challenged by Visit to Exeter Prison Sunday Services
The Bishop of Plymouth has visited Exeter Prison ahead of Prisons Week, which runs from 8 to 14 October.
Prisons Week is an annual week of prayer for the needs of all those affected by prisons: prisoners and their families, victims of crime and their communities, those working in the criminal justice system and the many people who are involved in caring for those affected by crime.
It has been running for 40 years and is organised by the ecumenical charity Prisoner’s Week.
The Rt. Rev’d James Grier joined prisoners and the prison chaplains for two services on Sunday 1 October.
There was also a team there from a local Anglican church, which supports the prison chaplaincy and leads monthly services there.
Bishop James said “I had the privilege of taking two services at Exeter Prison.
“Two things particularly struck me. First it was the range of men that came to the service, from those who seemed so young to those who were in later years.
“Those who had dropped out of the education system to the highly educated. Many had made bad choices and done bad things, but equally their own life experience was tragic.
“There was a lad who was homeless, who thought it was a good idea to return to prison for a bed and food and who has been in and out of prison for all his adult life.
“According to the Children’s Commissioner, “More than half (52%) of children in care had a criminal conviction by age 24 compared to 13% of children who had not been in care.”
“I was profoundly challenged in my superficial understanding of prisoners and their lives.
Raw Honesty and Spiritual Poignancy
“The second thing that struck me was raw honesty and spiritual poignancy of the service. One guy having read the lesson challenged the congregation on what they thought about it, before I had a chance to preach.
“A lad falteringly read the other reading stumbling over some of the words and was met with applause at the end.
“Someone interrupted the prayers because he was so upset by a child being killed on the news and wanted the person praying to pray for her family.
“Several men talked about previously having no faith and how God had met them in some way during their time in trouble with the law or in prison.
“These are people with so little hope who are discovering the hope and love of God on a regular basis.
“There was a small team helping at the service from a local church. They go every month to faithfully pray for those who attend the service. I can see why.
Bishop James, who has oversight of Devon’s prisons as part of his role, is due to visit Channings Wood and Dartmoor Prison over the next few months.
Bishop James encouraged churches to pray for their local prisons on the 8 October, which is Prisons Sunday.
“Our prisons are not without their problems and challenges. Exeter Prison has had many challenges in recent times. But the staff and chaplains are amazing in their resilience and care. Please do pray for not only the prisoners but also the staff in our three prisons in Devon,” he said.
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