UK Church Chaplains’ Conference 2024

Chris Woodward

Eighteen members of the Church, endorsed as Chaplains by the Church’s Military and Chaplain Services Division and vetted by the Ministry of Justice in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, to work in its prisons, met in conference for about three days at Eastwood Hall in Nottinghamshire. The theme was “Because I Have Been Given Much, I Too Must Give”. (“Because I Have Been Given Much,” Hymns no. 219).

This event occurs every two years and allows our chaplains to associate and share thoughts, as well as hear from their leaders and advisors. Many of our chaplains work as volunteers, while some are part-time paid chaplains, and one is a full-time employee. All chaplains have equal status (paid or not paid); all are treated as regular chaplains to all offenders and staff located in the prisons in which they serve.

Chaplains serve those of all faiths, as well as those of no faith at all. Church-endorsed chaplains are set apart as service missionaries to chaplaincy. They provide pastoral care to those they minister to. They do not proselytise, but are very happy to answer questions about their faith, and provide instruction when sought

Brother C. Todd Linton, Director of Military Relations and Chaplains Services Division of the Church in the USA, spoke of the ‘Prisoners Dilemma’ and its message of reaching out with care and concern to others who may otherwise wish to challenge us.

Sister Tamara Harris, Chaplain Manager, Associate Endorser Military Relations and Chaplain Service Division of the Church spoke of the need for resiliency in growing from traumatic experiences: “lean into trauma”, don’t avoid it; by avoiding it, suffering is prolonged.

Chaplains also received a visit from The Venerable James Ridge, Chaplain General, and head of Chaplaincy to His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Services (HMPPS). He commended our chaplains for the valued contribution they make to the welfare of prison offenders and staff.

Elder Rob Schwartz, the Area Seventy who presides over chaplaincy in the United Kingdom and Ireland, emphasised the need to ensure that the Saviour was manifest in what we do.

Sister Mandy Kitsell, a relationship counsellor as well as a chaplain, spoke of her work and drew attention to the need, where possible, to facilitate improving relationships between offenders and their families.

Brother Jay Marshall, a managing prison chaplain, and Chair for the Chaplaincy Council and National Faith and Belief Advisor to HMPPS for the Church, spoke about the statutory duties of prison chaplaincies, for which we may be asked to undertake from time to time. Brother Jay, with the assistance of fellow chaplain John Smith, organised the whole event, which kept the attention of all who attended and who now look forward to the next one in two years’ time.

If anyone would like to know more about becoming a chaplain of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, within the prison service or any other sector, please contact Brother John Smith at [e-mail] or 07599210622.