IT takes a special sort of person to enter a prison – by choice – to support convicted criminals. Suzanne Lipp does it every week.
The Ipswich woman is a volunteer prison chaplain with Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy, which is celebrating 50 years supporting people in Queensland correctional centres.
Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy, operated by Brisbane-based not-for-profit Carinity, recently held its 50th anniversary celebration with the gathering attended by guests from as far away as Cairns. The event included presentations from past and current chaplains and Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy coordinators, as well as former prisoners whose lives have been transformed thanks to prison chaplains.
A former youth worker who previously worked in shelters for homeless girls, Ms Lipp has been a prison chaplain for 18 months. She says prison chaplains are “a welcome face in a sometimes hostile environment”.
“I think prison chaplains are important because we have the unique privilege of being allowed into the inmate’s living space,” Ms Lipp said. “We get to share in their pain and minister the love, hope and peace of Jesus right where they are.”
Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy currently has about 30 volunteer chaplains providing pastoral care to men and women in 14 correctional centres around Queensland. “I am particularly passionate about conducting chapel services in prison. They are a very appreciative and responsive congregation,” Ms Lipp said.
“I love how receptive the women are of our chaplaincy visits. I love their beautiful faces and it brings me a lot of joy to be welcomed into their world.”
