Prisons’ Sunday is on 10 October in 2021.
Each year, the Diocesan Criminal Justice Affairs Group (CJAG) works with the Cathedral on a specific theme – this year, the focus will be on the Church Welcome Pilot which commenced in Autumn.
This scheme is being delivered by CJAG, in partnership with the Safeguarding team and the probation service. It aims to support those who have committed low risk offences to be introduced to and join a local church if they wish to do so.
Charmian Manship, from the CJAG, said: “This is a potentially exciting opportunity to widen doors and welcome people safely into the church family.”
CJAG aims to offer a Christian perspective and advise the diocese on criminal justice matters. Members have experience of working within the criminal justice system, through the courts (crown and magistrates), crown prosecution service, police, prisons, probation, youth justice, the parole board and defence lawyers, as well as the Church.
The pandemic has had a heavy toll on those in the criminal justice system - on staff, prisoners, those under supervision in the community and their families, alike. The impact on an already stretched and under-resourced system continues to be largely hidden and there are very real concerns about the breaching of human rights.