The Covenant and Constitution of the Chaplaincy Partnership at H.M. Prison, Philippi
The Covenant
We recognise that we share a common faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and that we have much to offer and receive from one another in the rich diversity of our traditions. We also acknowledge our common calling to serve Christ in this place.
We believe that our Lord calls us to work together, in the power which his Spirit gives, to further the visible unity of the Church within this prison, to minister to all, irrespective of denominations, and to make the Gospel known to all.
We pledge ourselves:
- to share our diverse traditions and spirituality to the glory of God;
- to support one another in our work of Christian Ministry in this prison
a. by helping people to repent and believe in Jesus Christ
b. by helping Christians to grow into disciples
c. by endeavouring to uphold God’s justice within the structures and organisation of the Prison
Service.
d. by caring pastorally for all members of staff, the inmate population, and their families;
- and to act together on all matters, as personal conscience and the discipline of our denomination or religious society permits.
The Constitution
1. Purpose
The purpose of the Partnership shall be to direct and co-ordinate Christian Ministry within H.M. Prison, Philippi.
2. Participants
The participant members shall be the Chaplains statutorily appointed by
- The Church of England
- The Methodist Church
- The Roman Catholic Church
and members of the Chaplaincy Team representing
- The Congregational Federation
- The Prison Fellowship
- The Religious Society of Friends
- The Salvation Army.
All the above shall together form the Chaplaincy Team.
3. Area of Ministry
The Partnership shall extend over the area covered in the pastoral care for inmates and their families and staff, and shall respect the religious and cultural values of those of any faith or none who make up the prison community, and respond to them sensitively.
4. Oversight
The Partnership looks to the Central Services Chaplaincy, to the Sponsoring Denominations and to Westshire Churches Together for support, oversight and the reviewing of the life of the Partnership and Covenant, which shall take place at an interval of not more than five years.
5. The Chaplaincy Team
- The Chaplaincy Team shall meet as often as necessary, but at least four times a year.
- The Chaplaincy Team shall appoint co-ordinators who will represent the Chaplaincy on the various Boards of the Prison.
- The full-time Chaplain shall be responsible for deciding how money allocated for chaplaincy is spent, in consultation with the team.
- The Chaplaincy Team shall consult with the Governor from time to time on the development of Christian Ministry within the prison.
- Final responsibility for decision-making in matters connected with Christian Ministry within the Prison resides with the three chaplains who hold statutory appointments.
- The Chaplaincy seeks to influence policy decisions at management level within the Prison.
6. The Chapel
The Chapel of St Michael and All Angels shall be available for use by the whole Christian Chaplaincy and is hereby designated as the Ecumenical Chapel of St Michael and All Angels.
7. Amendments
Any amendments to the constitution may be made only with the consent of the Chaplaincy Team, the Sponsoring Denominations and Westshire Churches Together.
Signed by:
…………………. The Church of England Chaplain
…………………. The Methodist Chaplain
…………………. The Roman Catholic Chaplain
and
…………………. for the Congregational Federation
…………………. for the Prison Fellowship
…………………. for the Religious Society of Friends
…………………. The Divisional Commander, Salvation Army
Endorsed by
…………………. The Chaplain General of the Church of England
…………………. The Superintendent Methodist Chaplain
…………………. The Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain
and
…………………. The Governor, H.M. Prison Philippi
and
…………………. The Bishop of Westchester(Church of England)
…………………. The Chair of the Westshire Methodist District
…………………. The Bishop of the Cotswolds (Roman Catholic)
and
…………………. The County Ecumenical Officer, Westshire Churches Together.
Date: …………………………………………………