Prayer & resources
Co-produced with the individuals we support and members of the Catholic clergy.
Pact was founded in 1898 as the Catholic Prisoners' Aid Society by Canon Cooney, a Catholic priest working in London. From the very beginning, we supported both prisoners and their children and families.
Today, Pact is an inclusive charity supporting people of all faiths and none across England and Wales. We continue to be inspired and shaped by our roots in the Catholic Church and Catholic Social Teaching:
- We believe each person's dignity is entrusted to the whole community, whatever they may have done.
- We walk in solidarity alongside our brothers and sisters affected by imprisonment for whom life may be unbearably difficult but who are nevertheless part of 'us'.
- Our team includes those with lived experience of the criminal justice system, helping us live out the principle of subsidiarity where those affected the most sit at the decision-making table.
- Our work contributes to the common good of all in our society
This work is a direct expression of our discipleship and a very concrete expression of our desire to serve the Lord in those who are most vulnerable.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols - Pact President
Working together in faith
Our Faith in Action team builds on our Catholic heritage and nurtures the close relationships we have with our Catholic and other Christian supporters. We are privileged to have the support of our President, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, and Vice President, Archbishop John Wilson.
We work closely with Bishop Richard Moth, the Liaison Bishop for Prisons on behalf of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. We also liaise with the National Catholic Prison Chaplain and the Social Justice Department of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales.
We are members of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) - the official agency of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales for domestic social action.
Our Faith in Action team
Pact’s Faith in Action team works to nurture our relationships with people from Catholic and Christian backgrounds, parishes, dioceses, clergy, and religious orders. We set before Catholic and Christian communities a range of opportunities to put faith into action in solidarity with those affected by imprisonment.
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Become a Parish Rep
Support Pact’s work in your local parish community.
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Parishes & groups
Join a vibrant community of supporters who share common values and a desire to change lives.
Faith events & campaigns
Keep those affected by imprisonment in hearts and minds while raising vital funds.