A therapeutic space
Sheila Stevenson discusses the 2018 Quaker prison chaplains’ conference
‘Working as part of a multi-faith team’ was the theme at this year’s conference at Woodbrooke for Quaker prison chaplains. I found it interesting and enjoyable, with a good blend of learning, sharing, challenge and support. The first plenary speaker was Ahtsham Ali, Muslim adviser for the Prison and Probation Service. He started by addressing the question: ‘Why enable faith in prison?’ He quoted a study by the HM Prison and Probation Service Chaplaincy HQ showing the positive influence of encouraging involvement by prisoners with their chosen faith group. It reduces anxiety because prisoners can feel safe in custody. It offers hope; changes motivation, leading to a desire for change; helps towards victim awareness and rehabilitation by instilling the idea of ‘love for brother and love for self’; increases empathy for others; and encourages the seeking of forgiveness and repentance.
Ahtsham Ali described the challenges of a multi-faith team trying to work together. Chaplains are not supposed to proselytise or poach prisoners! The very human arrogance or pride that can arise from one’s own principles of faith can lead to tensions. He mentioned that Quakers are famous for their humility – that led to some surprised smiles from his listeners! He said that Imams are undervalued within Muslim communities in the outside world: to become one is considered a job of last resort because of low expectations or lack of education. This means Imams can apply to become chaplains in prison because of the salary, and it may be seen as a position of power. He asked: ‘Can you be perceived as powerful and remain humble?’
The second plenary speaker was Helen Rowlands, who served for two years as secretary to the Book of Discipline revision preparation group and edited the book God, words and us. She asked us to think about the language we use in our role as chaplains, as well as the kind of person we are trying to be. We need to be authentic as ourselves in holding a space for prisoners to encounter faith without the framework of organised religion that may trigger bad experiences from the past.
As Friends, we believe that there is that of God in every person – good and bad – so that puts each of us on a level with the prisoners as ordinary human beings. I could resonate with Helen saying we provide a therapeutic space for each prisoner outside their life in the rest of the prison. We need to hold onto the belief that we try to build a sacred community in every encounter, even without using ‘God language’.
Helen led one of the workshop: ‘A confident Quaker voice.’ She asked: ‘What do Quakers believe?’ More personally: ‘How do I respond to questions about my own experience of being Quaker?’ and ‘What is the language I am comfortable in using and what are words I don’t use?’ I found this workshop helpful in thinking about my role with prisoners, as well as how my faith is rooted in the Christian tradition but has developed over the years. Another workshop was led by three experienced chaplains about preparing to hold a Meeting for Worship in prison. Michael Hennessey led a workshop about prayer. Catherine Todd led a workshop about being a managing chaplain. So far, she is the only managing chaplain who is a Quaker. She said the responsibilities that management carry include endless meetings about performance, health and safety, and staff recruitment. They also have to help address issues between the various faiths, and issues concerning some who perceive that their ‘rights’ are not being sufficiently observed.
Over the weekend we broke into groups for those working in similar prisons to discuss a variety of issues, including helping Local Meetings when a prisoner is due for release and hoping to find a welcome at a Quaker Meeting. We agreed that the prison estate is now more dangerous than it has ever been, with increasing instances of suicide and self-harm placing extra burdens on chaplaincy and prison staff. Frequently, men who move around the prison estate will be known to us, and it can be reassuring to hear how someone is progressing in their sentence.
On Saturday we had a very enjoyable musical evening that included piano recitals and singing. Ruth Moore Williams, Quaker prison chaplain at Berwyn prison, Wrexham, entertained us with ghost stories, singing, playing the Welsh harp and the hurdy-gurdy.
It was an excellent conference that fed us spiritually and renewed friendship. It also gave encouragement and increased my commitment to a ministry amongst those who are some of the poorest and most disadvantaged members of society.
