IPCA V World Congeress, 2005
Ontario Canada
Declaration
Ontario Canada
Declaration
The conference has given us the opportunity to explore through lectures and workshops many aspects of correctional systems, including addressing basic human needs, community development, human rights, restorative justice, pastoral care of prisoners and their families as well as ministry to the marginalized in society. The conference has also addressed the isolation and loneliness that many of us experience as we minister to our brothers and sisters in prison. We were given wonderful opportunities to share, to dream and to worship with those of other cultures, languages, races and churches and discovered anew that ¡No estamos solos !, we are not alone in pain, prayer, service, joy and mission.
We address this declaration to all Government and Churches, as well as to Prisoners, Victims and our fellow Prison Chaplains. We begin by challenging the principle that imprisonment is a successful way to solve the problem of crime in every society. Against a background of ever increasing numbers in prison we plead for a reduction in the number sent to prison. We wish to encourage more programmes of reconciliation in communities that are alternatives to prison instead of placing such a high emphasis on imprisonment.
We affirm the work being done by some governments in improving regimes and the respect for human rights in prisons. However we express our indignation at conditions in other countries for men, women, young people and children, including physical and psychological abuse, that are unworthy of human beings. We also challenge the need for detention facilities for illegal immigrants. We ask that the United Nations Minimum Standard Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners are applied in all countries, including the call for an immediate moratorium on executions and the abolition of the death penalty.
- We affirm the inherent dignity of all prisoners and ask that in penal policies and practices all governments show respect for the value of human life of all.
- We are particularly concerned for vulnerable prisoners including those suffering from mental illness and disease, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS and all with terminal health conditions.
- We commit ourselves to work with others including NGOs, World Organizations, and Faith Groups to address poverty and facilitate access to food, clothing, medicines and literacy supplies needed in prisons.
- We ask for freedom of religion and for respect and resources for Prison Chaplains from all Faith Communities in their ministry of love and hope.
We encourage Prison Administrators, Governors and Staff in the difficult challenges that face them, urging them always to carry out their duties with justice and care. We commit ourselves to working with them wherever possible, and assure them of our care for them.
We ask that Governments and Faith Communities move away from a philosophy of retributive justice and encourage restorative justice strategies to assist those being released from prison to be successfully re-integrated into the community and reduce offending and the number of victims. We are encouraged by examples of the Faith Communities in Canada and other countries being involved in the reintegration of ex-offenders and we pray that this will be developed further in other parts of the world.
We affirm our commitment to prisoners, and we encourage them to take part in programmes that address offending behaviour, victim/offender reconciliation programmes and restorative justice initiatives so that when released they may find a new way. We invite them to make use of the pastoral ministry offered by Prison Chaplains. We also recognise that in struggling with their issues, and with the hope that comes from faith, prisoners can, and do, give inspiration to Chaplains and many others.
We send our prayerful greetings to our fellow Prison Chaplains throughout the world, especially to over 100 Chaplains who were unable to attend as they were refused visas. We pray that this declaration will encourage them and help to maintain in them the strong sense of hope that our work constantly demands. We give thanks for all those groups who support and encourage prisoners and work alongside Chaplains. We salute those who feel oppressed or isolated in their work and exhort Chaplains everywhere to share the joys and sorrows of ministry with others. We commit ourselves to working with those of all Faith Communities and encourage the development of multi-faith and ecumenical Chaplaincy Teams that are firmly rooted in their communities, both to support and challenge.
We recognise the need for high quality training for Prison Chaplains and ask that Churches and Faith Communities support such programmes. We offer thanks for the training arranged prior to our Conference through Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario and urge all chaplains to use the support offered through IPCA and other networks for training.
We are aware of the pain of the victims of crime and the lack of opportunity for them to express it. We urge Faith Communities to be more available to help victims work through their pain. We urge all to explore the potential of victim/offender reconciliation programmes, for they offer enormous potential for good where possible and where victims are respected. Such programmes can not only benefit individuals but also communities as they address issues of loss, grief, shame and rage that can be so destructive in society.
In conclusion, we offer thanks to God for all the blessings of this Conference. We pray that God will continue to guide and strengthen us in our ministry so that prisoners everywhere will know that they are of value; that there is hope, and that even in the darkest moments there is always a way forward and that we are not alone. “ ¡ No estamos solos ! ”