'All Are Invited': Quakers encourage meetings to welcome former prisoners
This year's national Prisons Week, running from 11 to 17 October in England and Wales, has adopted the theme All Are Invited.
Quakers in Criminal Justice (QICJ) says the message closely reflects its Welcoming All initiative, which encourages Quaker meetings to be ready to welcome former prisoners.
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A welcoming meeting can play an important role in helping someone rebuild their life
- Simon Ewart, assistant clerk, QICJ
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Many people who attend Quaker worship while in prison hope to find a similar sense of belonging when they return to life outside.
QICJ says that can be achieved with careful preparation.
The Welcoming All guide takes meetings through practical steps for welcoming former prisoners, while emphasising the importance of safeguarding and drawing on available support.
The resource has already been presented to meetings in different parts of the country by QICJ members.
QICJ is encouraging Friends to read Welcoming All ahead of Prisons Week and consider how their meetings can support people leaving prison.
Simon Ewart, assistant clerk of QICJ, said: "Many people who find worship and community in prison hope to continue that journey when they are released."
"A welcoming meeting can play an important role in helping someone rebuild their life."
QICJ hopes more Quaker meetings will join the Welcome Directory, a national network of churches and faith communities prepared to accept and support people who have been in prison.
The groups says that unfortunately there is a lack of confidence around welcoming former prisoners in some faith communities.
In response, versions of Welcoming All have now been adapted for other Christian denominations and for mosques.
The theme of this year's Prisons Week is inspired by Matthew 22:1-14, the parable of the wedding banquet, in which guests from all walks of life are invited to fill the hall.