Faith services and pastoral care are an important part of prison life. Current guidance from religious leads in the UK are that corporate worship is to be suspended and prisons will reflect the same during the period of COVID-19 in order to prevent the spread of the virus where possible.
We are approaching a busy period for Chaplaincy teams with Ramadan, Eid al Fitr, Easter and Passover all falling during the minimum predicted COVID-19 period. It is paramount that the faith needs of those in our care are dealt with sensitively and effectively and this will involve radically adjusting the way pastoral care is delivered. Governors are encouraged to make arrangements with their chaplaincy team to support prisoners with their faith needs during this time. Chaplaincy Headquarters are providing ongoing updates to local Chaplaincy teams. Below is a useful Q&A from Chaplaincy Headquarters to assist establishments in their planning:
Currently, we are trying to make as much alternative provision as possible. A number of the Faith Advisers have produced worship material and sermons/meditation notes which can be given to prisoners and used in cell. Please make sure that you make use of these. If you have not received these please speak to the relevant Faith Adviser.
In addition there is a daily slot on National Prison Radio which has been shared out amongst the different Faiths providing reflection and spiritual guidance. This includes a Friday lunchtime Muslim sermon and a Sunday morning Christian service. There are also programmes taking place on Wayout TV which have Chaplaincy input for those prisoners who have access to this facility.