Prison ministries

From its earliest days The Salvation Army has been involved in prison ministry. 

As William Booth stated, “While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight!” The Salvation Army’s pastoral care also reaches women and young people in custody.

Much of the New Testament was written from a prison cell - many characters in the Bible experienced imprisonment such as Joseph, Samson, Daniel, John the Baptist, Peter, James, Paul and even Jesus Himself.  The Salvation Army’s prison work is inspired by the words of Jesus when He said, ‘When I was in prison, you came to visit me’.

Salvation Army Chaplains works in prisons across England and Wales. 

Some Salvation Army Chaplains give a few hours per week, whilst others are full time. Believing that the love of God is unconditional, Salvation Army chaplains work as part of established chaplaincy teams and come alongside prisoners in Christ’s name in a ministry of practical, non-judgemental caring. 

Chaplains can also connect prisoners with other Salvation Army services; such as the War Cry, the Family Tracing Service and Christian studies. It is important to note that Chaplains also support prison staff, who work tirelessly in a particularly challenging environment.

The Salvation Army also runs CAMEO, “Come And Meet Each Other”, groups in a few prisons. These are primarily targeted for elderly prisoners, who are the fastest growing prison demographic. CAMEO is a space for positive transformation, extended learning, and safe community.

The many resources of The Salvation Army are at the disposal of our Chaplains to assist in the improvement of the person. Jesus was happy to refer to those who are in prison as, ‘These brothers of Mine’. 

The Salvation Army, as a part of the Christian Church is happy to embrace them in that same spirit.

You can contact The Salvation Army's Prison Ministries Unit at: prisonministries@salvationarmy.org.uk.