Supporting Friends Imprisoned for Witness

We will hear from Rajan Naidu who was imprisoned for environmental witness, and friends from the Quaker Prison Chaplain's network.

Quakers have a long history of supporting each other in living their faith, especially in the early days when hundreds were imprisoned for their radical beliefs. Some Friends were imprisoned in the twentieth century too, as conscientious objectors to military service.

What inspiration is there here? Early Friends got active and organised lobbying on behalf of those who were imprisoned, expressed concerns about conditions, and/or supported the families left behind. Their support was robust, practical, spiritual and emotional. There remains a continuing concern for prisoners and the conditions in prisons.

Quaker chaplains are a very visible presence and witness in hospitals, prisons, educational establishments and even on the streets as they reach out to those of other faiths and none in ways that many Friends do not. Yet in another sense Friends are often little aware of the work they do. This session seeks to shine a light on this important service, and perhaps inspire those involved in climate witness to consider getting involved.