Living Christ’s Mercy, Justice and Hope
Christians unite to strengthen prison ministry
On Tuesday 10 March, around 120 church leaders, charity representatives, prison chaplains, volunteers and people with lived experience gathered at the Abbey Centre in London for a day focused on one question: how can the Christian community better support people in prison and those rebuilding their lives afterwards?
The event, Living Christ’s Mercy, Justice and Hope, was convened by Rachel Treweek and funded by the Diocese of Gloucester and the Bishop Radford Trust.
Representatives from organisations across the Christian prison ministry landscape were present, including Prison Fellowship England and Wales, Prison Advice and Care Trust, The Message Trust, Langley Trust and Welcome Directory, alongside many others serving people affected by the criminal justice system.
Together they represented a remarkable breadth of experience, compassion and commitment.
Restoring relationships
Opening the day, Bishop Treweek spoke about the central role of restored relationships in transforming lives.
At the heart of many of the challenges people face — both inside and outside prison — are broken relationships: with family, community and often with God. Christian prison ministry, she suggested, is about patiently helping rebuild those connections and offering hope where trust has been lost.
That theme resonated throughout the day.
During a panel exploring work inside prisons, we shared how the charity’s projects are built around this same principle. Drawing on the 2018 Farmer Review — which highlighted relationships as a key pillar of rehabilitation alongside education and employment — we emphasised how initiatives such as letter writing, Angel Tree and pastoral care all seek to rebuild vital human connections.
We were also able to highlight how we are able to equip and support churches and volunteers who feel called to prison ministry.
The power of volunteers
One highlight of the event was Lord Timpson, Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending who joined the event for the start and took a moment to thank all the volunteers and organisations present.
Stories of transformation
For many in the room, the most powerful moments came from hearing directly from people who had experienced prison themselves.
Two speakers shared moving accounts of how faith communities and prison chaplaincy teams had played a vital role in their journeys.
One spoke about building a healthy relationship and looking forward to getting married. Another now works for the same organisation that supported her while she was in prison, helping other women rebuild their lives and demonstrating that change is possible.
Their stories were a powerful reminder that hope and transformation are not theoretical — they are happening every day.
Stronger together
In the afternoon, participants gathered in breakout discussions to reflect on what had inspired them and what might change as a result of the day.
What became very clear to everyone was that collaboration matters.
Many were encouraged by the sheer range of ministries represented. Across the country, churches and charities are already supporting people in prison and those leaving custody — but there is enormous potential to strengthen that work through better networking, shared training and deeper partnership.
A movement growing
One moment captured the spirit of the day particularly well.
Bishop Treweek reminded the room that each person present represented a much larger community — a church, charity, ministry or team committed to supporting people affected by imprisonment.
Looking around the room, it was striking just how many people shared that calling.
Together they represented hundreds more volunteers, churches and supporters, all working to bring mercy, justice and hope to those often forgotten.
And when those people work together — sharing knowledge, resources and prayer — the impact can be extraordinary.
Looking ahead
The hope following the gathering is that the day will spark:
- stronger collaboration between prison ministries
- more volunteers serving in prisons
- more churches welcoming people leaving prison
- and greater prayer and awareness across the Christian community.
When the Church chooses to stand alongside people in prison, it becomes a powerful sign of the gospel in action — restoring relationships, rebuilding lives, and offering hope for the future.
