Worship behind bars

Recorded at 3 sites - HMP Stocken in Rutland, HMP Low Newton in Durham and HMP Pentonville in London - the service included contributions from prison staff and chaplains along with prayers, reflections and artwork written and created by prisoners.

The service, with the theme of hope, was streamed into the prisons, including those in our Diocese, while their families could watch via the Church of England website and Facebook.

It was led by the Revd Helen Dearnley, Anglican Chaplaincy Adviser for HM Prison and Probation Service.

Speaking from the chapel of HMP Stocken, Revd Dearnley said that the online service was “enabling us wherever we are to unite in hope and prayer and praise.”

She said:

“For the first time, those in prison and their families will be able to worship virtually together, and all of us, separated from our communities by coronavirus, can share in this worship.”

Lucy Frazer QC MP, Prisons and Probation Minister at the Ministry of Justice said:

“To prevent outbreaks of coronavirus in our prisons, we have temporarily put in place a restricted regime and paused all social visits to help protect staff, prisoners and the public.

“It is great to see examples of how technology is allowing prisoners to connect remotely with their families, and I am delighted that we can continue to do that with our first-ever virtual prison church service.

“I would like to thank all of our prison staff who have made this possible - you truly are hidden heroes.”