Beliefs
The African Prisons Project is rooted in Christianity. Since the outset much of our support has come from churches and Christians (in our first year or two almost all of it did). Many of our staff and volunteers have been motivated in their work by their Christian faith. We have worked hand in hand with inmate churches operating in the prisons we serve; indeed, it has often been the churches in prison that have been responsible for organising educational, health and other initiatives, which we have then built upon.
However, we are an organisation that works with and serves people of all faiths and none. Our staff, volunteers and advisors have been drawn from the Islamic, Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist faiths, as well as atheists and Christians of all denominations. The services that we provide to people in prison are provided regardless of the faith of the recipient.
We believe that every human being is entitled to have their spiritual needs met, if they wish, regardless of whether they would define themselves as belonging to a particular religious group or none.
We respond to requests for support from religious groups in prisons in the same way that we do to requests from any other body of people in prison - by considering whether they fall within our remit and capacity. As such, we have provided inmates with Qur’ans as well as Bibles, we help Muslims to celebrate Eid in prison as well as sponsoring carol services at Christmas time.
We are passionately committed to a holistic approach to penal reform.
Ethos
The APP team is made up of staff and volunteers from different creeds, religions and races. What unites us is the desire to serve others and to do so selflessly and with compassion, determination and courage. We have an ethos of love, service and forgiveness based in Christianity. We take pride in working in a culturally sensitive way with all our beneficiaries and stakeholders. Our work environment is open, honest, supportive and fulfilling, and our organisation is built on trust and respect. APP staff and employees acknowledge the intrinsic value of every human being, listening to everyone’s contribution and honouring his or her opinions. We respect all beneficiaries regardless of their background, offence, punishment, gender, colour or religion.