A British prison is recruiting a Pagan spiritual counsellor to advise prisoners and staff. The ‘successful’ applicant will be expected to fulfil just four hours each week to be paid up to £36,429 (€42,880) for their services—hourly rates that, converted into a full-time version of the post, would pay an estimated £341,516 (€401,980) per annum.
The permanent role at HMP Leyhill involves meeting “Pagan Faith/Belief Eligibility Requirements,” as established by law in January 2023 in PSI 05/2016 Faith and Pastoral Care for Prisoners. The suitable candidate would be
a proven and continued member of the Pagan Federation as the endorsing body or other eligible grove/coven or group who are signed up with and represented by the Pagan Symposium [and] theologically competent and proficient in teaching eclectically across more than one Pagan Tradition.
The job description does not mention the requirement to help resist forcible conversions to Islam, which has been led by Muslim prison gangs for more than a decade and shows no signs of abating.
As the search for a suitable chaplain with “Referenced or evidence-based training within the Pagan Community” continues, readers might be forgiven for thinking that the UK Home Office has money to burn. However, it has resisted calls to better protect prison staff following serious injuries to three officers attacked by Hashem Abedi, the brother and accomplice of the 2023 Manchester Arena bomber.
For readers who are still interested and can show evidence of being endorsed by His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service Pagan Faith and Belief Adviser (yes, who knew?), applications close on Wednesday, April 30th.
