Prison Ministry History
Prison ministry has formally been a ministry of the Diocese of Florida since 1987. At that time, there were about 9 prisons in the Diocese with about 8,000 inmates. Prison ministry became formalized with the passage of a Resolution on Prison Ministry at the 159th Diocesan Convention in 2002. At that time, there were 22 prisons in the Diocese, now, in 2006, there are 30 correctional facilites; 28 jails and 11 youth facilities. The prison population has risen to over 30,000, making prison ministry one of the most challenging for the Diocese. To answer the challenge, the Episcopal Diocese of Florida currently has three full time, non-stipendiary priests. Additionally, there are other supporting clergy and laity to bring this ministry into the prisons, jails and youth facilities.
The Commission and the Diocese recognize six people as the founding 'fathers' for prison ministry in the diocese. The Rev. Paul Canpa, The Rev. Deacon Frank Sanders and the Rev. Deacon Joe Ryan, and Dr. Charlie Lewis. These four men have gone home to the Lord. Still active and helping with prison ministry are The Rev. Dr. Richard Turk and Mr. Bill Ross. The Diocese is indebted to these men and their vision to bring prison ministry into an active ministry for the Diocese of Florida.