Picture by Ken Mayer, Creative Commons Licence

'Remember Me...'

Tuesday November 22 2016

In Prisoners Week, the Rev Jill Clancy and the Rev Bill Taylor ask how the churches are helping remember people in prison, their families and those affected by crime

His name is not known, his words have never been forgotten: “Remember me, Jesus.”

It is easy to forget those who are locked away and out from under the nose of society. Set within the liturgical season of Remembrance, Prisoners Week (November 20-27) invites us to “Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them.” (Hebrews 13.3)

The theme for 2016, 'Remember me...', is lifted directly from the lectionary reading for Sunday November 20 which marks the start of Prisoners Week.  Taken from Luke 23:33-43, these words appear in the account of how one prisoner calls out to another, on a cross next to his, “Remember me, Jesus, when you come as King!”  And Jesus said to him “I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with me.” Nameless perhaps, and so to all who may feel forgotten, there come words of grace and hope.

Prisons have changed in many ways. There has been a large investment in new or refurbished accommodation. A new vision of 'unlocking potential and transforming lives' drives a positive agenda, and many organisations partner with prison staff in offering support and in preparing people for returning to society.

Yet the privations of being in prison remain. Loss of liberty presents enormous challenges and many of those in prison are already much more affected than the population at large by mental health issues, trauma, bereavement, low self-esteem, poverty and inequality. People are separated from their children and families with consequent effects on all concerned. Those admitted to prison have to quickly adapt to a life where much that once was possible no longer is.

Prison is a powerful metaphor. There are many kinds of prison, not only the ones with high fences, cameras, bars and locks. People can feel trapped by circumstances, pressurised by demands, locked down by fear and limited by lack of opportunity. Maybe the prisoner’s cry ‘Remember me…,’ voices something we all want, to be thought of from time to time, to be seen as the person we are, to be remembered.

During Prisoners Week we also remember those who have been made victims of crime, the families and communities that are affected, people who have been hurt by the actions of others. We remember those who work in prison: prison officers, managers, health care teams, social workers, learning centre staff, housing officers, addictions workers, throughcare teams, visitor centre staff, chaplains and all who offer support in enabling people to make a smooth transition back into society and a life free of crime. Words from this year’s Prisoners' Week publicity encompass all who are touched by these things:

“You are remembered even if you are behind a locked door.
You are remembered in prayer because we understand it still hurts.
You are remembered for your patience and care.”

In addition, the Prisoners Week Prayer is sent out to all church leaders for their congregations to ‘remember’ people in that most special sense. Worship resources and further details about Prisoners Week can be found at www.prisonersweek.org.uk

During and around Prisoners Week, chaplaincy teams at prisons across the country, and those who work with them, are busy organising events. Community engagement involves visits to churches, schools, discussions, speaking engagements and Prisoners Week Services.

Prisoners Week activities also engage with prisoners, on the basis that not only is it good to remember those in prison; it is especially good, if you are in custody, to know that you are being remembered. In-prison activities include special services, explorations of the theme, quizzes, music concerts, and various meetings with invited visitors. Some will have activities to which the families of prisoners are invited, offering support also to the children and partners of those in custody.

Churches and faith communities are involved in the care of people in prison through the presence of chaplains and organisations providing support over the period of custody and as people prepare for release and afterwards, as returning citizens connect again with their community. Churches in communities all over Scotland can be unique gateways through which people can find support. Families who have a loved one in prison are supported or visited, and links can be made with family help hubs or prison visitor centres when they make the journey to see their loved one.

How will your Church remember people in prison and those affected by crime this Prisoners Week?

The Rev Jill Clancy is Chaplain at HMP Kilmarnock. The Rev Bill Taylor is Chaplaincy Adviser to the Scottish Prison Service.

This article first appeared in November's Life and Work. Subscribe here.