Prisoner's Week Scotland 2009
 15-22 November 2009

"Watch the Prisoners' Week Question Time filmed on Monday 16 November"
See Video Webcast

    'DREAMS FOR OUR CHILDREN'

Father Brian Gowans writes about this year's Prisoners' Week Theme:

"As youngsters we often dream of what we would like to be as we grow up. Not so long ago young men would follow their fathers into the shipyards or down the mines, the young women into nursing or teaching. Not wanting to stereotype life has changed so much in recent years with new rules and regulations about health and safety or equality and diversity but this has not stopped children dreaming of what they will be in the future.

Proud parents also dream of what their children might be when they grow up. For myself the thought of being a priest was always present and as I approach my silver jubilee I have never looked back. Though I never imagined I would end up in prison albeit as a chaplain.

The idea behind this year's theme is that often our dreams are dashed through unforeseen circumstances. The medical student waiting at the bus stop finds himself in an altercation that leads to serious injury and an end to his career. The young women assaulted on her way home now too frightened to go out for that all important job interview , are but two of thousands of examples we could give of how dreams are dashed.

Equally for the eight and a half thousand prisoners incarcerated for the crimes they have committed, their dreams and the hopes their families had for them are suddenly altered.

This year's theme is a serious attempt to get everyone to have a fresh understanding of the impact crime makes on all of society; to offer hope to those affected by crime whether victim or prisoner and to help each person realise their dream as best they can under such traumatic circumstances.

We all have dreams. What do we hope for the children growing up in Scotland's communities today? No one dreams of time in a prison cell or of being made a victim of crime. We can share our dreams of a better tomorrow, and act to make good things possible today. 

Prisoner's Week is an opportunity to remember all in our communities who are affected by crime and imprisonment- prisoners and their families, victims of crime and those who work within the criminal justice system. It is an initiative of the Churches that aims to stimulate discussion, highlight concerns and share hope. You can join the discussion on this website.

Here you'll find Prisoners' Week information, contact details of organisations that offer help and advice, reflections, and worship resources. There are chaplains in every prison offering spiritual care and the means by which people can explore and practice their faith.

The Prisoner's Week Prayer

Lord, you offer freedom to all people.
We pray for those who are captives in prison
and those who are affected by or involved in their imprisonment.
Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist.
Support with your love: prisoners, their families and friends,
prison staff and all who care.
Heal those who have been wounded by the activities of others,
expecially the victims of crime.
Help us to forgive one another, to act justly, to love mercy,
and walk humbly together with Christ
in his strength and in his spirit now and every day.
Amen.

Jesus said "I have come that you might have life, and have it in all its fullness." John 10:10
"Remember those who are in prisoner, as though you were in prison with them." Hebrews 13:3


For general enquiries please contact:
Fr. Brian Gowans or Revd. Bill Taylor
Chaplaincy Advisors
SPS Headquarters
Calton House
5 Redheughs Rigg
Edinburgh
EH12 9HW
Tel: 0131 244 8745