a global network of prison chaplains
IPCA is an ecumenical Christian organization founded in Bossey, Switzerland in 1985. Ever since it has gathered prison chaplains of different denominations from all over the world.
Serving prison chaplains in 50+ countries across six global regions.
Our aim is primarily to support prison chaplains and give the opportunity to every single one, regardless of race, gender or religion, to be able to be in each other.
To strengthen the chaplains, bu tation By doing this, we can bring some hope in a hopeless situation for the inmates.
To support, ge and train prison chaplains to stand strong within the prison walls, meeting inmates and correctional staff.
But also, outside the walls, were churches and congregations are not always as supportive as might be expected.
Being a prison chaplain can be a lonely work. IPCA strives to change that.
Serving prison chaplains worldwide for over 40 years.
Countries around the world.
Chaplains, ministries and supporters connected globally.
Africa, Asia, Europe & Middle East, Latin America & Caribbean, North America and Oceania.
IPCA is a global organization, divided into six different regions:
Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America and Oceania.
IPCA Worldwide holds a conference every fifth year, whereas the regions have different structures. Some has the same system, with a quinquennial conference. Others have more focus on national conferences every year and webinars. The regions take turn leading The World Day of Prayer, held online on the 25th of August every year.
IPCA has held Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations since 2014.
2015 we started our UN-team and are present in conferences and events in the UN headquarters in New York, Vienna and Geneva.
We attend webinars and stakeholder meetings focusing on the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of prisoners, known as The Mandela Rules.
And the Bangkok Rules on women and female offenders.
Our focus is the chaplains, but the organization has throughout the years been involved in programs related to the inmates, like for instance Adopt a Prison, the training program Justice Reflections and of course Restorative Justice.
We support Restorative Justice, not only by working with it within the prison systems, but also by promoting it to correctional services as well as to governments.
Remember the Lord's people who are in jail and be concerned for them. Don't forget those who are suffering but imagine that you are there with them.
Eight weeks have passed since the A Living Hope Conference.
One of the most powerful moments of the gathering was the Prayer Corner, an activity that united the participating chaplains in a profound time of shared faith and intercession.
From this sacred moment of encounter and prayer, the Prayer Booklet was born — a living testimony that gathers petitions touching the deepest parts of the human soul: sincere repentance, moments of loneliness, inner struggles, and the longing for a new beginning.
Today, we invite you to intercede with us for the cries, needs, and burdens of hundreds of people deprived of their freedom around the world.
Join us in prayer with your community and your region.
As prison chaplains, dramatic reversal is at the heart of our ministry. We can only do what we do if
Finally we got to meet! The Bangkok conference was to be held in 2020, but as we all know that
Annecy France, 16 June 2025 By David Buick, President of IPCA Over the past few days, I have been deeply