Bishop’s senior staff visited La More Prison in Jersey on 10 October during their annual residential meeting, which also coincided with the national ‘Prisons Week’ initiative. Senior staff were led in worship by prisoners in the prison chapel, based on theme of Prisons Week this year which is: Look up”, using Psalm 19 as its focal point. (The heavens declare the glory of the Lord)
It was profoundly moving, not only to hear about the retreat that some of the prisoners had attended in the previous week and how that had been an opportunity for reflection and change, but also to listen to prisoners praying for victims of crime, for those who serve in the judicial system, as well as for us, as visitors to their community.
The visit also included a tour of the prison and an opportunity to meet with the Prison Governor to hear how prison culture has been transformed in the last two years in the Island, which was clearly evident as we were shown around.
Prisons Week prayer:
Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those in prison. Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist. Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends, prison staff and all who care. Heal those who have been wounded by the actions of others, especially the victims of crime. Help us to forgive one another, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ in his strength and in his Spirit, now and for ever, Amen