Confessions of a Prison Chaplain - Softcover

Mary, Brown

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1909976040 ISBN 13: 9781909976047

Publisher: Waterside Press, 2014

Synopsis

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).

About this title

Review:

'Engaging, thought-provoking - contributes to our understanding of the hidden, often neglected world of prison': Juliet Lyon, Director of the Prison Reform Trust.

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).

About this edition

• Publisher: Waterside Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1909976040
• ISBN 13: 9781909976047
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 138