Understanding a Ministry to Prison Officers

Abstract

On encountering a persistent degree of non-cooperation or opposition from prison officers to his work as a chaplain, the author undertook a project seeking to understand prison officers’ view of the chaplain’s role and office and thereby to try to determine an implied theological understanding of his/her ministry. Two broad themes emerged from initial interviews: a retributive theology, emphasizing the law and its demands, and on the other hand, those who expressed views more in line with a consequentialist theology, emphasizing grace. Further investigation however uncovered attitudes closer to the gospel position of embracing both law and grace. The paper concludes by suggesting the church needs to take prison officers’ views of the penal system more into account, particularly in its role of serving to protect society.