Faith behind bars

Today, when it comes to religion, there is plenty to choose from in Dutch prisons. Where in the past, one could only consult a pastor, minister or rabbi, presently also Orthodox priests, humanist counsellors,  imams, pandits and Buddhist spiritual counsellors are at one’s disposal.

When detained, it is a legal right to practise one’s faith freely. Like in society, different faith communities coexist in prison. How does this work, what do spiritual caregivers do and how is this of value to the detainees? This exhibition gives you the rare opportunity take a peek over the wall and witness a special facility in Dutch prisons.

Scroll down for information on the showcase: 

Faith as a right and obligation

1600-1945

Traditionally, religion has been an important component within the prison walls. It has long been seen as the means of making prisoners better people.

Initially, only Protestant ministers and Catholic clergy were allowed to visit prisoners. These clergymen were usually employed by local religious communities. By Royal Decree of 1822, spiritual care was carried out by three permanent religious counsellors: Roman Catholic, Dutch Reformed and -on demand- Jewish. In 1886, judicial pastoral care became a legal right. From then on, every prisoner was obliged to join a religious denomination.

Scroll down for information on the objects, from left to right:

• Jewish prayer shawl (Tallit katan), worn by Orthodox Jews under their daily clothing as a reminder of the Jewish foundations; undated, own collection
• Jewish prayer belt (Tefilin), leather belt worn during morning prayers, with black boxes attached containing texts from the Torah. The boxes are worn on the head, heart and hands, and are interconnected by the belt; undated, own collection.
• Protestants States Bible, the most widely read Protestant bible translation; 1668, private collection.
• Roman Catholic tabernacle in which the Holy Sacraments (the hosts) are kept; undated, own collection.