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Radicalisation in prisons: the conclusions of CCEE and ICCPC
European meeting of prison chaplains
Strasbourg, France, 30 May - 1 June 2016
For three days (30 May – 1st June) about 60 participants among which Catholic chaplains entrusted with prison chaplaincy, chaplains from the Orthodox and Protestant Churches, a group of Muslims involved in the same work, and representatives from the Council of Europe, and other international bodies (Comece, FIACAT…) have answered the invitation of CCEE, of the Holy See’s Permanent Mission to the Council of Europe and of the International Commission of Catholic Prison Pastoral Care (ICCPPC) to discuss the phenomenon of radicalization in Prison. The European Meeting of prison Chaplains, which in part was held at the see of the Council of Europe, took place under the auspices of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Dr. Thorbjørn Jagland.
The meeting concludedwithreflections about the spirituality of prison chaplains; a presentation of the “Jubilee of Mercy for Prisoners”, scheduled to take place in Rome on November 6, 2016, in the context of the “Holy Year of Mercy” proclaimed by Pope Francis, and the presentation of some conclusions from the CCEE and the ICCPC about the role of prison chaplains, the fight against radicalisation and the commitment for the promotion of human dignity.
Conclusions of CCEE and ICCPC at the end of the European meeting of prison chaplains - Strasbourg, France, 30 May - 1 June 2016
At the end of the European Meeting of Prisons Chaplains (Strasbourg, 30 May-1 June) entitled Radicalisation in prisons: a pastoral view, the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) and the International Commission of Catholic Prison Pastoral Care (ICCPPC) present their conclusions.
The sometimes harsh conditions of people in prisons do not deprive persons created in the image of God of their inalienable dignity and of their rights. As also stated by the European Convention on Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance” (art. 9).
Facing the challenge posed by the rise of violent extremism, and by the phenomenon of radicalisation in prisons, we welcome the publication of the “Guidelines for prison and probation services regarding radicalisation and violent extremism” approved by the Council of Europe.
The Guidelines reiterate the need to respect the principle of freedom of expression and freedom of religion in prisons (n.2); ask that culture and religious traditions of prisoners (nutrition, clothing, opportunities for worship and religious holidays) be reasonably taken into account (n.23); encourage the establishment of agreements with religious denominations in order to allow a number of approved religious representatives, duly trained, to enter the institutions (n.25); underline the beneficial effect of the involvement of religious representatives, volunteers, peers and family members for efficient reintegration of offenders (n.36).
“Religious Freedom” in prisons is inoperable without the assistance of the respective religious representatives. This assistance is essential so that prisoners can exercise their religious rights. According to our experience, the respect of the right to religious freedom not only is compatible with the conditions of life in prison, but it is also a decisive factor in combating violent extremism.
Governments, prison authorities and religious leaders should be aware, that prison chaplains are proven to be most important safeguards against ill-treatment in prisons throughout the world, and they should be granted the freedom and authority and opportunity to perform as such. The role of the prison chaplain is extended to the whole prison community, including staff, as a positive factor in promoting wellbeing within prison environment.
Chaplains of different religions can cooperate in promoting respect for the human dignity of prisoners and in building an environment of mutual trust, relying on the Ethic of reciprocity – The Golden Rule – “Do unto others what you would do unto yourself”. They can also be a valid instrument in educating on the respect for people of other faiths. An authentic spirituality leads always to peace and respect of the other.
The testimonies presented to this meeting prove that such cooperation is possible and in many places is already a reality: we want to strengthen it ever more, conscious that it represents also a valid contribution to a more integrated and inclusive society.
We reaffirm our commitment to be at the service of the spiritual wellbeing of those in prisons and to promote a spirit of peace, tolerance and mutual understanding between people belonging to different religious confessions or to none.
In the light of the proven role of the prison chaplain in the face of violent extremism in prison, and in line with the call for adequate training made in the Guidelines (cf. n.13.24) we recommend an increase in the capacity of prison pastoral care chaplains in the knowledge of the elements of risks and needs of this group of persons. We see the added value of a short-term risk assessment approach and welcome the expert input of those gathered at this conference.
At the same time, as the Guidelines indicate, “those working towards the rehabilitation of prisoners should be able to operate with appropriate autonomy and independence from those engaged in intelligence gathering on violent extremists. The success of rehabilitation is indeed premised upon the trust derived from such autonomy” (n.5).
The personal relationship between chaplains and prisoners is aimed to create a safe space, a space of freedom, which has to be preserved at all costs and which allows for an open discussion based on trust and mutual respect.
The collaboration between public authorities and religious confessions in providing trained personnel in the form of skilled pastoral care leaders is essential.
We intend to bring to the Catholic Church present in each European country the debates and the conclusions of this meeting to strengthen the Catholic commitment to help each person to find their own way to be a truly fulfilled person and peace maker. Together with other Christian communities and those of other faiths, we hope to assist chaplains to develop their skills and be a presence appreciated by all who live or work in a prison. We are certain that justice and love corresponds to what everyone really desires and for this we believe Jesus Christ send us as peace makers and bridge builders in order to promote reconciliation.
Pope Francis has continually reminded us of the perennial value of the word of our Lord: “I was in prison and you visited me”, reserving a special place for prisoners in the celebration of the present Jubilee Year of Mercy. He wrote: “The Jubilee Year has always constituted an opportunity for great amnesty, which is intended to include the many people who, despite deserving punishment, have become conscious of the injustice they worked and sincerely wish to re-enter society and make their honest contribution to it. May they all be touched in a tangible way by the mercy of the Father who wants to be close to those who have the greatest need of his forgiveness. They may obtain the Indulgence in the chapels of the prisons. May the gesture of directing their thought and prayer to the Father each time they cross the threshold of their cell signify for them their passage through the Holy Door, because the mercy of God is able to transform hearts, and is also able to transform bars into an experience of freedom (Letter according to which an indulgence is granted to the faithful on the occasion of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy).
The Jubilee of Prisoners, which will be celebrated in Rome on the 6 November 2016, will be a special occasion for emphasizing that our brothers and sisters in detention are at the heart of the Church’s life and for renewing our commitment to them.