MCA Provide care and support to our Muslim brothers and sisters who have been in custody All praise to Allah, a large number of Muslim chaplains who work in prisons are part of the MCA. During the year 2002 a few concerned Muslim Chaplains came together, to discuss how they could support the fast growing number of Muslim prisoner population and reduce the high number of re-offending rates. This heralded the birth of ‘Muslim Chaplains’ Association’ (MCA). With the grace of our Creator, support of chaplaincy headquarters staff, HMPPS management board and wider community organisations, years later MCA has a strong network of supporters and well wishers, within HMPPS and the wider community.
Muslim Chaplains (both male and female) have been leading worship and providing pastoral care in prisons on a voluntary basis for a very long time. However, since the employment of full and part-time Muslim Chaplains they have been meeting regularly, to share good practises and enhance the care provided to prisoners.
With our professional links in the Ministry of Justice as Muslim Chaplains and resources within the Muslim community as Imams of Mosques, preachers, lecturers, etc. We are committed to build in-roads in between HMPPS agencies and the wider communities. Our vision is to raise awareness in all communities of how to effectively contribute towards the rehabilitation and resettlement vision of HMPPS and MoJ
The prison population in England and Wales has increased significantly over the last two decades this has affected all communities including the Muslim community. Census 2011 reports only 4.8 % Muslims residing in England and Wales however, 15% are reported to be behind bars according to the government’s latest figures.
MCA held a strategic planning meeting at the end of 2018. 50 chaplains took part and some 28 unique suggestions were made from a wide range of themes. Following this exercise the executive committee chose the following Key Priorities that they will work towards over the next 3 years in office insha Allah (God willing)
MCA held a strategic planning meeting at the end of 2018. 50 chaplains took part and some 28 unique suggestions were made from a wide range of themes. Following this exercise the executive committee chose the following Key Priorities that they will work towards over the next 3 years in office insha Allah (God willing)
Crime in the Muslim community is at a far higher proportion than it should be and Muslims are disproportionately represented in Prisons. This is something that most of the wider community is unaware of hence, there is very little being done to tackle this.’ MCA are planning to create an awareness within communities and encourage local and national organisations to work towards reducing this figure.
Providing pastoral support for our colleagues is a key aim of the organisation we also endeavour to support and sign post fellow colleagues in progressing their skills and converting ambitions into realities
Female prisons have a large number of women suffering emotional issues. Our members believe that through our ‘Partnership Scheme’ this is an area where we, the community need to stand hand in hand in their support. It is high time we made a difference by helping the most vulnerable .
