Churches and Prison Service sign new agreement on spiritual care in prisons

Representatives of the Czech Bishops' Conference, the Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Czech Republic, and the Prison Service of the Czech Republic today signed a new agreement on spiritual care in prisons during a ceremony in Velehrad.

The document replaces the previous agreement from 2013. It defines the status of prison chaplains and volunteer clergy, sets the conditions for their appointment and service, and formally establishes the Council for Spiritual Care in Prisons and Secure Detention Institutions.

Spiritual care is provided not only to detainees, convicted prisoners and inmates, but also to members and employees of the Prison Service and their families.

Prison chaplaincy has been operating in Czech prisons for nearly 30 years. It is currently provided by 60 chaplains and around 200 volunteer clergy from various Christian churches.