Importance Of Prison Chaplains Emphasised

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30191, 24 July 1963, Page 8

Importance Of Prison Chaplains Emphasised

The need for special training in prison chaplaincy was continually apparent. the senior chaplain, the Rev. E S. Hoddinott, told the annual meeting of the National Council of Churches in Christchurch yesterday. Although the influence of the churches was increasing in many institutions, it had not yet reached the place it should hold, he said Special training for the work, the establishment of chapels at penal institutions and the establishment of probation hostels throughout New Zealand would help to achieve this.

Already approval had been given for three chapel buildings, and it was hoped that this progress would be maintained as quickly as finance would allow.

The Justice Department was making greater use of the co xmunity in the after-care of Borstal inmates, and would actively encourage the establishment of the* probation hostels, including material help. Youth directors of the church were also considering the possibility of asking Borstal tramees to take part in Bible Class camps at Easter and Christmas. ‘This work will continue to grow, not necessarily because crime is on the increase, but because of our greater population.” said Mr Hoddinott. Al December 31 there had been 442 young people in ‘Borstals and 1161 in prisons, with 1472 on parole and 3200 on probation. Of this 4061 50 per cent, were under 19 years of age. ‘There is a preventive field to be explored and worked in,” he said.

“This is the only constructive answer to an undisciplined. unloved and insecure stratum of our youth “Of these people that we

deal with, some are situational offenders, some accidental, some sex offenders and some just plainly psychotic. But they are not very different from the teenagers around your own home,” said Mr Hoddinott

Vice-Regal.—The meeting passed a resolution of thanks to the Governor-General (Sir Bernard Fergusson). who has agreed to open the,Faith and Order conference at Massey College on February 4 next year

International Affairs.—A convention on international affairs to be held in Auckland next May will be supported by the N.CC. The meeting will include representatives of universities. trade unions United Nations representslives, and other bodies. Race Relations.—Research by Mr Richard Thompson, of the psychology department at the University of Canterbury had produced a publication on race relations, sponsored by the N.C.C., which was in process of publication. the meeting was told This would be used as a text-book in at least one university. A study of inter-racial marriage was being undertaken by Mr John Harne, of Auckland University. and Dr. J J. Mol of the University of Canterbury was working on an assessment of the practices and policies of New Zealand churches on racial integration. Service Abroad.—The meeting decided that tt would formally prepare information on churches in South-east Asia for people travelling under the Volunteer Service Abroad scheme

SUIT Increase.—-Ite meeting approved in principle a scheme to extend its permanent staff after the resignation m February of the present general secretary, the Rev A. A. Brash. An assistant general secretary, responsible

tor youth work in particular, will be appointed when the executive has sn assurance of financial support from its members. An additional secretary far office work will also be appointed.