The work of chaplains throughout Her Majesty’s Prison Service never ceased to amaze me. The burdens they shoulder, and the multifaceted ministry they carry, demand respect, prayer and support. If my observations are correct, chaplaincy is the heart of each of these establishments. H.M. Prison Chaplains bring support, comfort, admonition and therefore hope. When hope is present it bodes well for everyone in an establishment for staff and detainees alike.

I pastored two churches, in the West Midlands and South East London, over a period of twenty five years, and from 1990 I combined my pastoral ministry with voluntary visiting first in Belmarsh and then Brixton. Since then I have worked in some twenty-five establishments. With my experience of over two decades in pastoral ministry, I see many ways in which CPRs work is of benefit to churches too. It is a contribution to the overall theme of Christian care for those in our society who are disadvantaged in one way or another and provides an opportunity for an outlet through a specialist ministry.

Serving together,

David Fortune