Message from the Bishop Suffragan
for Chaplaincies
Does your call to ministry ask you to serve in places of stress and great challenge? Could your call be so portable and simple that you and the person you are visiting or counseling experience the fullness of Christ’s presence and love even in the sparest of circumstances? I hope this brochure will assist you in discerning if federal prison chaplaincy is for you. You are invited to contact my office for assistance in your discernment.
— The Rt. Rev. George E. Packard
Message from the Director for
Federal Chaplaincies
A federal prison chaplain has a special calling to a community behind walls which includes both inmates and staff. Working within the prison structure places the chaplain in a unique position to provide a sensitive pastoral presence often unavailable to other clergy. It involves providing a worship and pastoral care ministry and it includes facilitating for the freedom of religious rights and diverse needs of inmates. Is God calling you to be a part of this special place of service?
— The Rev. Gerald J. Blackburn
What do prison chaplains do?
• Provide pastoral care and counseling to inmates and staff
• Lead worship services and also facilitate other opportunities that accommodate a variety of religious worship needs
• Lead classes/seminars for inmates; help train staff in the Annual Refresher Training
• Serve as an integral member of Crisis Support Teams throughout the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Who are BOP chaplains?
Federal prison chaplains are ordained persons that serve incarcerated persons and facilities of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
How do I become a Federal Prison chaplain?
In order to become a BOP chaplain you must apply to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Once you enter into their employment process you should apply for endorsement by the Bishop Suffragan for Chaplaincies. Once endorsed by Bishop Packard, you come under his oversight since you will be serving in a federal facility.
What is the ecclesiastical endorsement process in the Episcopal Church?
1. Applicants for endorsement need to apply only if they are in the process of being hired by the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a chaplain. Check for updated job postings at www.bop.gov/jobs/job_descriptions/chaplain.jsp.
2. Prior to applying make sure your diocesan bishop concurs with your decision.
3. Complete the online application on our website and send a recent photo of yourself, an updated Church Deployment Office profile, and have your college and seminary send our office official copies of your transcripts.
4. Your diocesan bishop will be asked to complete a reference questionnaire pertaining to you.
5. Once your diocesan bishop has given favorable reference, the personal references listed on your online application will be contacted.
6. A background check will be initiated.
7. A personal interview will be arranged for you to meet with the Bishop Suffragan for Chaplaincies and possibly with other chaplains endorsed by our office.
8. A decision will be made and you will be notified.
For additional information
The Rev. Gerald J. (Gerry) Blackburn
Director for Federal Chaplaincies
Executive Officer to the Bishop Suffragan
gblackburn@episcopalchurch.org
800-334-7626 x6069
(212-716-6069)
