Prison chaplains

20. Mrs Wendy Hunt asked -

With Simon Manchester testifying to the opportunities for Gospel ministry in jails and the Archbishop reminding us of our heritage as descendants of the wretched convicts Richard Johnson was sent to minister to, I ask Synod is prison chaplaincy recognised as part of the diocesan Mission and our evangelistic outreach?

To which the President replied -

I am advised that the answer is as follows -

Prison chaplaincy is fully recognised as part of the diocesan mission.

The Anglicare Council has determined that chaplaincy in prisons, juvenile justice, general hospitals and mental health is an effective ministry of gospel outreach and compassionate caring to some of the most needy people in society who are otherwise largely beyond the reach of churches but who, because of their circumstances, may be especially open to the gospel.

Prison ministry in particular results in lives changed for Christ, the formation of congregations which meet for worship and study of the scriptures within correctional centres and reduced recidivism rates among those participating in Christian programs. Anglicare appoints seven full time chaplains in the following centres: Long Bay (2 chaplains), Silverwater, Metropolitan Remand and Reception, Parramatta, John Morony (2 chaplains) and Dillwynia (women's prison). A part-time chaplain also currently works two days per week with women at the Mulawa and Berrima centres.