To ask Her Majesty's Government whether chapels in prisons are being used for religious services during the COVID-19 pandemic; and if not, why not.
Answered on
9 February 2021
Prison chapels and multi-faith spaces have remained open for private prayer and reflection in a COVID-19 secure manner during the pandemic. The spaces have also been used to help support family contact in cases of family illness and bereavement.
Chaplains of all faiths play a central role in supporting prisoners during the pandemic. Although group worship has been temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of staff and prisoners, Chaplains have continued to visit prisoners on a one-to-one basis providing pastoral care, spiritual support and resources for worship. We will resume group worship in prison chapels and multi-faith spaces gradually in line with public health guidance, when it is safe to do so.