Dean's story
Are we not all walking the same path from the goddess's rocking cradle to the peaceful caress of her earth, as we return what we have merely borrowed along the path? Haven't we all made mistakes if were honest. Some people just do not release they have taken the wrong road till to late because their lifestyle and up bringing show them nothing else as a good example.
With over 15 years experience in both HMP and YOI prisons I can honestly say that over years things have now started to change and the Home office now accept that Paganism exists. Yet a few Prison Chaplin are still in the dark ages and do not believe that they should have too even contemplate giving Pagans anything that the Home Office allows unless they are told to in black and white.
If I was a Buddhist, Muslim they would bend over backwards to help after all they have someone to complain to when the prison fails to honour the home offices instructions but as a pagan we have no one to turn too except the PF.
As a soul practitioner in my beliefs and as there are no other pagans within the prison who have wanted to be recognised, I feel it is unfair to have a pagan minister travel a long way up north to hull as there is a shortage of people willing to come into the prisons as ministers in this area and offer help and advice. For some people just having someone else who understands their beliefs and can talk and more important listen is so valuable.
Where possibly I have helped to push for the prisons to recognise paganism in all it's forms so that when others have followed they do not find it so difficult. I have found that in prisons where ministers are regular visitors the Pagans within those prisons will be treated better on a whole, as there is someone to raise issues with the prison that they have to provide answers for, that they do not if an inmate raises the same issue.
Don't believe the stereo types you see on the TV most of us are peaceful people who are atoning for our mistakes and would love to widen our spiritual horizons and share other beliefs and wisdom. The path is a long and winding one and the odd companion along the way to share the journey is greatly appreciated.
Just because we are in prison paying for our mistakes does not mean that we are all bad people. Having a lot of time for inner exploration we come to know our selves so much more deeply, if you have some spare time, give a thought that your wisdom or even presence could help someone development.
If you can't travel or have the time to correspond then please help a fellow Pagan out and contact the PF as we are always grateful for an extra helper along the road of life.