21/12/2021
The service, produced by Christ Church in Winchester, will feature the MOBO award-winning musician Guvna B, and a former SAS soldier who describes his experiences in Bosnia and Iraq.
The Revd Craig Philbrick, curate at Christ Church said: “This service will be screened in over 40,000 cells and seen by potentially twice that number of people.
“Christmas Day is a really tough day for those inside and it is a real privilege to be able to share some hope and good news with them all.”
The service will be shown on WayOut TV – an internal prison network – at 12:00 and 18:00 on Christmas Day.
With Covid-19 adding to pressure on the system, Revd Philbrick encouraged people to pray for those in and working at prisons.
He has delivered Christmas cake and cards for prisoners, and a hamper to “bless the staff” at HMP Winchester.
Guvna B, who is a Christian and shared a reflection on Instagram as part of the Church of England’s Christmas campaign last year has won three MOBOs.
A former SAS soldier called Mark also shares his testimony, speaking of instances where he has been “tested” in his faith, including when a gun was held to his head in Bosnia.
Carols and traditional Bible readings will also be included in the service.