The COVID Chaplaincy
Presence and Adaptation:
The chaplaincy prior to COVID imitated the regular services found in the church. During COVID Chaplaincy as a Ministry of Presence took the lead. Traditionally, prison chaplaincy centered around the concept of presence. Chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support by physically being there for incarcerated individuals, prison officers, and their families. This presence is essential for offering comfort, solace, and guidance within the prison environment.
However, the pandemic disrupted this model. Social distancing measures meant that physical presence became difficult. Chaplains couldn’t visit prisons as freely, and face-to-face interactions were limited due to health concerns. This loss of a divine touch distanced the younger prison population from finding God.
In response, chaplains had to find innovative ways to maintain their ministry. Some turned to virtual communication—using video calls, phone conversations, and written correspondence—to bridge the gap. While it wasn’t the same as being physically present, it allowed chaplains to continue their work during lockdowns and restrictions.
Specific Challenges Faced by Prison Chaplaincy During COVID-19:
Rapid inmate turnover resulting from emptying the prisons and the reduced access to stable care in jails exacerbated existing challenges. Many incarcerated individuals faced heightened anxiety and uncertainty due to the pandemic. The idea of being released back into the community seemed to have little to no hope of being successful in not returning to prison.
Prejudice related to COVID-19 contagion was directed toward prisoners with mental illness (PwMI) and prison staff. This added to the stigma already associated with religious, ethnic, gender, and racial minority status. Separation to control rapid spread of the disease became a convenient means of inmate profiling.
With the inability to provide theological learning the chaplain was in constant stress that the inmate would simply ignore their religious heritage. However, most chaplains understand that their teaching is only the mouthpiece of God. It is the Holy Spirit that teaches and instills the truths in the believers. Drawing from theologian Karl Barth’s work in Basel prisons, some propose that the eschatological presence of God (the divine presence beyond time and space) is logically and temporally prior to the presence of chaplaincy. In other words, even when physical presence is limited, the spiritual presence endures.
Chaplains had to look beyond the physical boundaries to the spiritual realms of God’s divine presence. This perspective encourages chaplains to adapt their approaches while maintaining integrity. It reminds them that their impact isn’t solely tied to physical proximity but extends to the spiritual realm as well1.
It was COVID-19 that has forced prison chaplaincy to rethink its traditional model, emphasizing creativity, adaptability, and the enduring spiritual presence even in challenging times. Chaplains continue to find ways to support incarcerated individuals, even when physical barriers exist.
Faith and spirituality
These two concepts played a significant role in how incarcerated individuals cope with the challenges posed by COVID-19 within prison walls.
Instead of depending on the Chaplain and Volunteers it was the inmate’s passion for inner transformation and reflection on where they have come from and where they want to go.
Seeking Redemption has been and will always be present regardless of the prison environment. For many inmates, faith provides a framework for self-reflection and seeking redemption. It allows them to grapple with their past actions, find meaning, and work toward personal growth.
As a chaplain during this time, the idea of embracing compassion and forgiveness never lost its presence when it comes to crime and conscience inside corrections. Spiritual beliefs encourage compassion and forgiveness. In a prison environment, where tensions can run high, faith can inspire individuals to show empathy toward others and practice forgiveness, even when faced with adversity.
Many inmates were forced to consider their own means of positive coping mechanisms such as religious coping. Research suggests that positive religious coping—such as prayer, seeking solace in religious texts, and connecting with a higher power—can reduce stress and promote emotional well-being. In times of crisis, faith becomes an anchor for many incarcerated individuals.
Spirituality will always be the foundation that fosters hope and resilience. Believing in something beyond the immediate circumstances can provide strength to endure difficult situations. In prison, where isolation and uncertainty prevail, faith can be a lifeline.
Community support from faith Communities seemed to disappear during COVID. In prison, faith-based communities—whether organized religious groups or informal gatherings—offer social support. They provide a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and shared purpose. During COVID-19, when physical distancing is necessary, these connections become even more vital.
Spiritual Leaders and Chaplains also seemed to take a step into the background of the restraints of the pandemic. Faith leaders ‘must’ play a critical role in preparing incarcerated communities for the pandemic. They promote healthy behaviors, tackle stigma, and provide practical care. Their presence and guidance offer comfort and hope to those facing isolation and fear.
Facing mortality and uncertainty seemed to be the prevalent crisis for everyone, in or out of jail. The pandemic forces everyone, including prisoners, to confront mortality and existential questions. Faith provides answers—or at least a framework for grappling with these profound issues. Proving reading materials on this issue became a prominent task.
Even in the darkest moments, faith can help individuals find meaning. Whether through prayer, meditation, or religious rituals, incarcerated individuals seek solace and purpose in their beliefs1.
Faith serves as a coping mechanism, a source of hope, and a community builder within prison walls during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reminds us that even in confinement, the human spirit seeks connection, purpose, and transcendence.
Restricted access created strict quarantines and safety protocols around COVID-19 wards, chaplains found themselves unable to make their usual rounds within prison facilities. Physical presence—the heart of their ministry—was limited. Chaplains like Ylisse Bess at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston had to adapt. She could only communicate with COVID patients over the phone. While still powerful, these interactions lacked the immediacy and depth of in-person conversations.
Over the phone, chaplains had to ask more questions to understand inmate’s needs. In person, they might notice someone shivering and provide a blanket without being explicitly asked. But on the phone, it required more probing to uncover unspoken concerns. Chaplains missed out on visual cues—body language, facial expressions—that often reveal emotional distress. Adjusting to this limitation was challenging.
It was often a struggle to balance safety and compassion. Chaplains who continued in-person visits had to don masks to protect themselves and others. Imagine trying to convey empathy and compassion while wearing a face shield! Being in close proximity to inmates meant chaplains faced the same risk of exposure as healthcare workers. Their commitment to serving others required courage and resilience.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect was disrupted worship and group activities. Just as religious gatherings were affected in the wider community, chaplains struggled to conduct inmate congregant worship and group religious programs. Social distancing and safety measures made it challenging to maintain these essential spiritual connections. Chaplains had to find creative ways to adapt religious rituals, prayers, and communal practices to the constraints of the pandemic environment.
The pandemic brought heightened stress and grief to both inmates and staff. Chaplains were on the front lines, witnessing suffering, loss, and fear. Their own emotional well-being was tested. Despite their own struggles, chaplains continued to be voices of hope, offering solace and spiritual guidance to those who needed it most.
Chaplains working in prisons faced a host of unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. These dedicated spiritual caregivers play a crucial role in providing comfort, hope, and emotional support to incarcerated individuals, but the pandemic added new layers of complexity to their work.
In summary, chaplains faced a delicate balancing act—navigating safety protocols while maintaining their essential ministry. Their dedication and adaptability during these challenging times underscore the importance of their role in supporting incarcerated individuals.
Comentários