Living Christ’s Justice, Mercy and Hope brought together over 130 chaplains, church leaders, charities, volunteers and people with lived experience of prison at the Abbey Centre, London, on 10 March 2026. Together, they explored a Christian response to people in prison and those leaving prison. Sponsored by The Bishop Radford Trust, and hosted by Bishop Rachel Treweek, Anglican Bishop for Prisons, the day created space for honest conversation, networking, learning, worship and prayer around how justice, mercy and hope can be lived out in the criminal justice system.
Through keynote input, panels and small-group discussions, participants heard powerful personal stories, learned about the vital contribution of prison chaplaincy and Christian organisations, and reflected on how churches can offer welcome and practical support to people in prison and on release. A central theme was the transforming power of relationships – between prisoners and families, chaplains and volunteers, churches and community projects – and the call to see each person as an individual made in the image of God.
The event closed in worship and blessing, with a renewed commitment to stay connected, avoid working in silos, and invite prison leavers into local congregations so that people in prison and their families can find belonging, dignity and hope. The Bishop Radford Trust was pleased to support this gathering as part of its ongoing desire to encourage partnership, prayer and practical action across the Christian community for those affected by imprisonment.
