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This book is an attempt by the author to give us a brief human insight into life behind bars in one of our penal institutions. It is written from the perspective of someone who has walked the walk with the prisoner for twenty years and now questions the effectiveness of our criminal justice system. She is an advocate for a Restorative Justice System and sees this model as the way forward. She argues that true justice lies in healing for all involved in criminal behaviour, including victim, perpetrator and society. The second part of the book hears the voices of the prisoners in emotionally charged reflections on the reality of life within a prison cell. The author challenges the use of prisons to deal with addictions, mental health issues and homelessness.Where prisons are needed, as they are for a small cohort of people, they should be open institutions dedicated to rehabilitation based on the needs of the individual and on societal needs of the time.
"Glimpses of Grace" relates the joys and challenges of a prison chaplain through a series of one-page vignettes. The open-ended stories are written with a pastor's heart that seeks to minister to the needs and hopes of offenders who have committed serious crimes. The book takes the reader from opportunities of pastoral care to issues of relationships, authority, and restorative justice. The author explores the challenges of ecumenism and inter-faith dialogue while remaining true to his Christian faith. He looks at ministry from the perspective of volunteers and writes about how staff can be an ally in corrections. He regards offenders as subjects who define the nature of the pastoral relationship. Donald's high view of ecclesiology and solid theological background give this book a unique perspective. Don regards the chapel community as a natural extension of the visible body of Jesus Christ of which the larger church is a part. Don considers how offenders' experiences and other faiths can make one a more devout believer. The profound experiences of the "other" make one look more deeply into the resources of one's own faith....
Reflections of a Prison Chaplain by Jerry Welborn Pdf
The major theme in Reflections of a Prison Chaplain addresses the unexpected. These uncanny experiences concern the importance of human subjectivity. If glimpsed, these moments can be transforming; they take into account imagination and the power of imagination that drives our choices.Entering into the executions of Sedley Alley and Cecil Johnson is to experience a place where, at first, you think that there is no way out. Moving through the maze we discovered threads, objective threads or crumbs, that suggested a way out: Sedley Alley's dream, a skunk, a pigeon, a football game, a phone call, a rejection, a winning touchdown and finally, the faith of an inmate.People recognize this thread but keep it at a distance. An administrative captain, most likely the executioner, who smells the skunk in prison air after the execution of Sedley Alley catches the thread, but lets it go. There is the woman who participates in an execution and loses her baby or the man who goes into the death chamber alone to work on the sound system and falls through the ceiling. This employee hangs upside down just long enough to lose his sight. "Urban legends are not real threads," so it is said. "Such legends are turns of a collective imagination gone amok."Events that come together in an uncanny fashion beg the question: "What does one do with such experiences?" Do you call in a coincidence squad to identify it as such and then move on? What one does with that event or experience is a subjective move.An important task in life is acquiring the wisdom, the skill and the ability to discern right from wrong and have the courage act on it. This is a subjective move. This move is a choice. It is at the heart of a narrative adventure. It is also at the heart of Christian faith.
A Prison Chaplaincy Manual by Donald Stoesz,Hank Dixon Pdf
The manual provides a rationale for chaplaincy by using Winnifred Sullivan's three categories of religious secularism, irreligious secularism, and areligious secularism to outline the essential and transforming value of spiritual care services (preface, introduction). The manual provides a history of justice initiatives and chaplaincy services in a Canadian context (chapters one and two). The manual provides a rationale for spiritual care-giver training by showing how chaplaincy courses at a university level can build on the competencies of leadership and core knowledge that many ministers, rabbis, imams, priests, nuns, and other faith group representatives have. Emotional intelligence, professional practice skills, and diversity are additional competencies needed for spiritual care-givers to become effective prison chaplains (chapters three to six). Six principles shape the content of this book: (1) integration of chaplaincy into corrections (chapters three to six) (2) understanding of prison dynamics (chapters seven to ten), (3) complementary use of sociology and psychology (chapters eleven to fourteen), (4) provision of faith formation, rites and rituals, programs, pastoral care, and a ministry of presence (chapters fifteen to eighteen), (5) ecumenical and multi-faith religious accommodation (chapters nineteen to twenty-one) and (6) professional development (chapters twenty-four and twenty-five). The manual concludes with a statement of best practices by Dr. Thomas Beckner, long-time chaplaincy educator (Correctional Chaplains: Keepers of the Cloak, p. 24). "Chaplains are to have highly polished counselling skills, strong management and facilitation abilities, a working knowledge of various faith group requirements . . . and a strong commitment to serve all residents of the institution regardless of their faith identity or lack thereof."
How does a holy God associate with paedophiles, murderers, drug addicts, alcoholics and others rejected by mainstream society? This book is a product of many years working with and in some cases befriending the most despised people in society, prisoners. It addresses questions such as: Why do some people end up in prison? Do they just wake up one morning and think: ‘I am going to rob a bank today’? What happens when they get to prison? How do they cope with the violence? Is rehabilitation a realistic expectation? How can victims of crime be helped and supported? Ideal for outsiders, volunteers and others helping out with prisoners. Contains wise advice based on years of experience. Places imprisonment in a Christian context. Captures the essence of why some people end up in prison. Reviews (of the 1st edition) 'Exceptionally insightful, not to say riveting. There is good theology too and difficult issues are addressed with great humanity. The lavish presentation makes the book especially accessible and invites further reading and reflection'-- Michael Hirst 'Handsomely-produced... a handbook for future prison chaplains, Opening the Doors is indispensable, beginning with the first day on the job, the processes involved and the nexus between prison, community and justice system... Rarely is the inner world of prisoners offered with such detail and precision... Every reader will learn something new... whether it be the day-to-day life of chaplains or searing insights into the spirit and nature of humanity itself, drawn from unsparing reality. Ultimately it is Gill’s sheer honesty and those of the prisoners themselves that remains with the reader.'-- Dr Toby Davidson, lecturer at Macquarie University, Sydney, editor of Francis Webb’s Collected Poems and author of the critical study Christian Mysticism and Australian Poetry 'Knitting together stories and facts about the prison experience to provide an insight into this world, and a helpful guide to anyone wanting to work within it'-- Catholic Record 'The book itself matches what a day working inside of prison is like. For example: the language is coarse and honest; the stories are jarring and emotive; the artworks and layout keep you guessing as to what is going to be around the next corner. Gill’s reflective poetry interspersed examines the role and the emotions of the chaplain... Gill’s book should be a guide to prison chaplaincy as it gives a window to humanising the dehumanised. The book reminds us that there is a person behind the wall, isolated and hurting, who needs peace and grace: without diminishing the effect of their actions or the damage caused to others and the need for justice. The stories that are included are varied and poignant'-- tasmaniananglican.com.au 'Raw and real, confronting and challenging, brutally honest tinged with touches of humour, and provides the reader with a valuable insight into a prisoner’s life... The book is beautifully produced, colourful and easy to read'-- crosslight.org.au 'A timely and realistic introduction to, and insight into, a system that most people are not exposed to... Paul’s book is a passionate and accurate insight into life on the inside. It looks at the process of incarceration and its effects on people... This is a good book and highly recommended'-- The Melbourne Anglican ‘This attractively colourful edition shines a light not only into the depths of prison life but into the innermost thoughts and feelings of its inmates. A powerful account, occasionally confronting yet laced with humour and pathos… It is raw and real, confronting and challenging, brutally honest tinged with touches of humour, providing the reader with a valuable insight into a prisoner’s life behind the razor-wire… beautifully produced, colourful and easy to read’-- Reverend Graham Wright, Senior Prison Chaplain for the Anglican Diocese of Perth
Magic of Fiction in Illuminating Transformation by Donald Stoesz Pdf
This book is a direct response to the two most frequently asked questions that I receive as a prison chaplain: Are offenders remorseful for what they have done? Is it possible for them to change? While the answer to the first question is often a resounding Yes!, this does not mean that it is always possible for inmates to change. Some of them find it too difficult, too much sacrifice, too much work. Others are willingly to make the long journey toward healing and wholeness. The intractability of Tom Riddle in the Harry Potter series is used to look at the challenges of feeling remorse. The story of Jean Valjean details the journey from remorse to forgiveness, from grace to justification, from being reborn to becoming sanctified, from becoming holy to learning how to love. Jesus’ remarks that “he can lay down his life and take it up again” is used to develop a stronger theology of the will. The divine and human will are ever present in enabling change to occur. The sacrificial example of Saint Francis of Assisi shows how voluntary poverty, chastity, and obedience are necessary ingredients in becoming spiritually whole. The book concludes with a reflection on Dismas, the first Christian martyr.
Ryan van Eijk,Theo De Wit,Gerard Loman,Theo W a Wit
Author : Ryan van Eijk,Theo De Wit,Gerard Loman,Theo W a Wit Publisher : Wolf Legal Publishers Page : 382 pages File Size : 52,6 Mb Release : 2016-10-23 Category : Electronic ISBN : 9462403309
For Justice and Mercy by Ryan van Eijk,Theo De Wit,Gerard Loman,Theo W a Wit Pdf
Publications on an international level that address prison chaplaincy from different (continental and disciplinary) angles are rare. Most publications regarding prison chaplaincy are monographies by theologians or prison chaplains, or books from (ex-)inmates witnessing their personal conversion. For Justice and Mercy offers international texts on the positioning of prison chaplaincy and examples from the praxis, as well as from several contexts and concepts. The publication is international, with contributions from academics and experienced prison chaplains from all continents. They offer their research and reflections from different scientific disciplines on aspects which are of interest for prison chaplaincy in general. However, the focus is not exclusively on global perspectives. Most articles are written from the Catholic point of view. The reason is that the initiative for this publication was taken by the executive board of the International Commission of Catholic Pastoral Care (ICCPPC) to pay extra attention to its 65 years existence, and to the Year of Mercy. [Subject: Human Rights Law, Theological Studies]
Drawing on her experience of chaplaincy in prison, hospice and university contexts, Rosie Deedes reflects on the nature of good pastoral care and chaplaincy as a model of ministry for our time.
Confessions of a Prison Chaplain by Mary Brown Pdf
Mary Brown’s engaging book describes the ‘lifeline’ work of the prison chaplaincy. Written by a Quaker chaplain, it shows how important to prisoners this contact is and how it blends into the ever-pressing world of prison regimes. Among the topics covered are the ‘statutory duties’ of chaplains, forgiveness, ‘prison chapel goers’, Christmas in prison, delivering bad news, dealing with grief or anxiety, learning in prisonand restorative justice (which is in line with the teachings of many faiths: as old as religion itself). As the author insists, there is ‘that of God’ to be found in everyone no matter what their crime. Critical, perceptive and of particular interest to people working in or learning about crime and punishment, Confessions of a Prison Chaplain contains insights for people of all faiths (or none); looks at restorative justice and positive justice; and re-affirms the importance of pastoral support in the reform and rehabilitation of prisoners.
The prison world is one that is largely hidden from our view, secret and removed. Part of the reason for this secrecy may be a fear that we will discover something of ourselves in those in prison. In Inside Faith, William Noblett attempts to bring the secrecy to light through the stories of individuals, and to bring to view something of the ministry of chaplains, and others, in a complex, emotional and sometimes violent environment. Taking the form of short reflections, William Noblett explores real situations that arise in prison life and offers theological insights, along with prayers and narratives that can be used in a prison, liturgical, or house-group setting. Inside Faith is an invaluable resource book for anyone wishing to know more about prisons, and prison ministry, as well as all those involved in more formal chaplaincy work. 'If you've ever wondered what life was like inside a prison, step inside the pages and the prayers of this book.' From the foreword by Rt Rev James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool and Anglican Bishop to Prisons.
Heartbreak, Hope and Holy Moments by Katy Canty Pdf
"Our calling as Chaplains is to listen; to sit where they sit and allow them to tell us what they will." Who are the people that end up behind bars? What led them to this place and what do they care about in life? Katy Canty unlocks the experiences of prisoners, shedding light on the way a chaplain cares for the convicted. Recounting the true stories of those she's served, Katy gives a raw and authentic account of prison-life. Her stories might shock you, surprise you, and open your eyes to an unfamiliar world. With a compassionate and humble approach, Katy walks alongside those on the inside. And she reveals the most important realities of all - the depth of God's love and forgiveness and the possibilities of change with Him.
Prison Chaplains on the Beat in US and UK Prisons by George Walters-Sleyon, PhD Pdf
This book is about prison chaplains and their care for aging, dying, and dead prisoners in the penal systems of the United States and the United Kingdom. Since the 18th century, prison chaplains have served as priests and pastoral caregivers to prisoners and prison staff. The book traces the historical roles of prison chaplains in developing the managerial aspects of prisons, focusing on their presence, best practices, and ways of conceptualizing their prison experiences in the modern prison cultures of the United States and the United Kingdom. While prison chaplains have historically provided care to prisoners, prison chaplaincy after 1970 has transformed. This book shows how prison chaplains face new challenges in caring for prisoners under the penal policies and practices of mass incarceration. Prison Chaplains on the Beat demonstrates how prison chaplains have conceptualized the practice of providing pastoral care to aging, dying, and dead prisoners in the United States and the United Kingdom through a person-centered approach. The book is both theoretical and empirical. The empirical aspect focuses on the prison experiences of 31 prison chaplains from the United States and Scotland. The theoretical aspect provides a conceptual understanding of the multi-faceted roles of prison chaplains in the United States, Scotland, and England and Wales. As a research in comparative criminal justice, it argues that prison chaplains are fundamentally indispensable to prison management practices and managerial theories in the United States, Scotland, and England and Wales post-1970. “Powerfully combines historical and empirical approaches to religion in prisons. Brings new understanding of the pastoral and prophetic roles of prison chaplains and launches a searing ethical critique of mass incarceration. The comparisons between the United States and Britain are instructive for current and future prison policy in both locations.” Dr. David Grumett, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh, UK “George Walters-Sleyon’s *Prison Chaplains on the Beat* offers a new perspective on the predicaments of contemporary penal politics and practices, especially their racialized harms. Chaplains are both observers of and participants in the contemporary prison scene, and their perspective is a special, but hitherto under-reported one. By reconsidering our carceral condition through this lens, Walters-Sleyon illuminatingly re-states the moral and political challenges of mass incarceration.” Dr. Richard Sparks, School of Law, University of Edinburgh, UK
Reflections on the Stations of the Cross with St Paul by Paul J. Broadbent Pdf
The collected reflections on the Stations of the Cross from some community members at Cat D resettlement prison, HMP Thorn Cross, Cheshire, UK. The reflections are honest, sometimes brutal, sometimes self-centered but mostly reflect the impact that crime has had on their own lives, the lives of their victims and, not least, the lives of their family members.In their own way, the Prison community have reflected the journey of Christ told in the Stations of the Cross; of condemnation, rejection, of falls, of help from others, of punishment and seeming failure, yet triumph and recovery from brokenness. Passages accompanying each Station are from the Bible letters of St Paul with space for personal reflection and new commitments. A book, written in the tradition of Henri Nouwen, with reflections to accompany you through the course of a year, and words from St Paul to inspire you for a lifetime. The passages are offered with personal reflections of the writer drawn from life, family and work as a Prison Chaplain.
Chaplains to the Imprisoned begins to fill the information gap through its in-depth study of prison chaplains as seen by co-workers, inmates, and the chaplains themselves. They describe their roles, share difficulties which are encountered in their ministry, and personal methods for coping with these difficulties, especially those which may be internalized as stress. The author, a Roman Catholic priest with a doctorate in criminal justice, provides a fascinating look into the work of chaplains who serve in correctional institutions. This new book sheds a much-needed light on the often hidden, yet significant, role played by chaplains within correctional facilities. Little is known of these chaplains and the work that they do. Though they are frequently depicted in television and film, many of these images are stereotypes from writers’imaginations. In this unique book, chaplains speak for themselves through the results of a survey questionnaire sent by the author to local- and state-level chaplains in New York State and to chaplains throughout the federal prison system. Chaplains to the Imprisoned, the first non-denominational book on these clergy, explores: the history of chaplaincy in this country, including the irony that chaplains have often been treated as unwanted intruders in penitentiaries--which were created originally by religious groups chaplains as seen by other professionals in the field--sometimes positive, often negative, opinions of chaplains drawn from literature written by wardens, corrections officers, and others who deal with chaplains on a routine basis chaplains as seen by inmates--published opinions by inmates who have recorded their impressions of facility chaplains chaplains as seen by chaplains--their own descriptions of their work, frustrations, successes, and failures, along with suggestions for the betterment of the role of chaplains This book is an eye-opening look into the world of prison chaplaincy for students of criminal justice and religion, policymakers for prisons and jails, seminary students, and clergy members themselves, as well as individuals interested in what often goes on behind prison walls from a chaplain’s perspective.
