Prisoners are just like you and me!
We had a very interesting few hours in Polmont Young Offenders Prison on Wednesday. Over 80% of all young adults in the prison were there due to alcohol related crimes. So why does our government allow shops to sell cheap alcohol to young people. Another interesting statistic was that many of the crimes were related to feelings connected with loss and abandonment. I began to realise that it is not simply in places like peru that young boys feel abandoned. So many children today are trying to deal with the feelings of loss and hurt due to marital breakdown. The chaplain pointed out that a considerable number of young people inside were struggling with issues of bereavement. He felt that more parish ministers should be aware of the opportunities to support such young people.
He also spoke about the concerns that haunt many of the prisoners when they are preparing for their release date. He pointed out that often prisoners are concerned that they will let their families down if they fail to deliver on the promises they make to go straight when they are released. Donald continued to share that he was in the business of helping prisoners in the following areas;
Spiritual well being
Coping with prison
Preparing for release
Guilt and forgiveness
Healing.
When I heard Donald speak about these issues I started to think that many of these prisoners are no different from those of us who are on the outside. We too have the same issues with which to contend. Perhaps the only difference between us is that they have been caught breaking the law that many of us have also broken.
I also started to think is prison the right place for many of these boys. It was also disturbing to discovered that some of the prisoners have learning difficulties and are inside because of their inability to make rational decisions and judgments. Then there are those who are in prison for drug related crimes. In all I was told that around 50,000 people pass through our prisons each year.
Here is an issues for us as a congregation. We all live less than 20 minutes away from the prison, should we be praying for he prisoners and their victims? Should we be seeking to support and help the work of the chaplain in the prison. Let me hear what you think. I believe there are opportunities to go visiting and also to take part in Bible Studies in prison.
