Prison Reform

Prison Reform

In the 1650s and 60s in Britain, many Friends were imprisoned in desperate conditions because of their association with the radical and dangerous sect that Quakers were feared to be. You can read more about the early history of Quakers here.   From its inception, justice, human rights and the plight of prisoners has been a concern for the Quaker movement. Elizabeth Fry (1780 – 1845) was a famous English Quaker prison and social reformer. She was a major driving force in her time behind new legislation to make the treatment of prisoners more humane. 

Every Christmas the Mount Eden Quaker Meeting distributes posies to Mt Eden prisoners, in recognition of the value of every human being. Friends support the work of the Prisoners Aid and Rehabilitation Society. Their donations have helped reduce the need for PARS to rely on lotteries or local casino funding. 

For many years, a Quaker Penal Reform Group was active in promoting a compassionate, rehabilitative justice system in Aotearoa New Zealand. They organised an annual weekend Penal Reform Seminar at the Whanganui Quaker Settlement, discussing reconciliation, justice and restitution in New Zealand society. Quakers, non-governmental agencies, Corrections staff and others came together to share perspectives, consider attitudes towards crime and punishment, and to encourage reform.

Individual Friends remain active in the cause of prison reform and restorative justice.