6 October 2025 | By Dave Hall
With prisons constantly in the news, churches in the UK need to support the vital ministry of prison chaplains.
The Good News newspaper, an evangelistic monthly paper run as a charity, is there to help them. Good News provides more than 3,000 free copies to prison chaplains in 107 of the country’s 142 prisons – paid for by supporters who donate to the ministry. The papers are packed and posted by volunteers at a north-east church.
Phill Bounds, who leads Good News’ prison ministry, told CRE News: ‘The newspaper is used in a variety of ways, including through cell visits and in the chapels and libraries – a great way of opening a spiritual conversation. Many inmates enjoy reading the paper and begin to explore the Christian faith.
‘We often receive requests from prisoners for more information or someone to write to them. We have a dedicated Christian counsellor with prison ministry experience who responds and answers their questions.’
Former Government ministerJonathan Aitken, now patron of Prison Fellowship UK, recommends Good News for prison work.
‘I admire the excellence of the Good News paper,’ he said. ‘It is well written, well produced and a valuable journalistic bridge-builder between the Christian and secular worlds. I am a regular reader and always enjoy reading it. I am particularly glad to know that Good News reaches many ex-offenders.”
As for the prisoners themselves, here’s what two have to say about Good News.
‘Thank you for your newspaper. I fully read all your articles and in a time of need it brought me much joy to hear of your amazing stories. This year I have chosen to take a real leap of faith and leave my past behind me.’
‘I am writing to congratulate you on your spiritually-uplifting publication, which I enjoy every month. The articles are always of interest to me. I am working, with the help of God, on what brought me here.’
Phill Bounds added: ‘Please pray for staff and chaplains who frequently face physical violence. We thank God for gifts for our prison ministry, both large and small, which help us send Good News free of charge to Christian chaplains.’
- The Good News newspaper is on stand D5 at CRE 25
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