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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 prison¿and 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. Contains insights for people of all faiths (or none). Looks at restorative justice and positive justice. Re-affirms the importance of pastoral support in the reform and rehabilitation of prisoners.
As the author describes in Chapter 4, long ago she was shocked to be held for ten days in a prison cell after taking part in a peace demonstration. Much later in life she became a teacher in an open prison then, in more recent times, a Quaker prison chaplain for ten years in a closed men's prison. She is the author of Inside Art (2001).
List of contents
About the Author; The Author of the Foreword; Foreword; Preface; 1. Portrait of a Prison; 2.Faith in Prison; 3.Seeking 'A Gathered Stillness'; 4. A Confession; 5. Learning in Prison; 6. Death in Prison; 7. Christmas in Prison; 8. Stories from Prison; 9. Lifers; 10. Restorative Justice; 11. Positive Justice; 12. Conclusion: Children of God; Bibliography; Index.
About the author
Mary Brown has spent time in three very different prisons: long ago in a women's prison as an inmate on remand for ten days following a peace demonstration; an open prison as a teacher in the 1980s; and a closed prison where she was latterly a Quaker prison chaplain for some ten years. She is the author of Inside Art (2001).
Summary
A highly informative account of prisons and imprisonment by a prison chaplain containing insights for people from ALL faith groups. Tells how religion, morality, offending and the rehabilitation of offenders can inter-act. Critical, insightful and of interest to students of criminology and penology everywhere.
