Elizabeth Fry, someone who cared…

This week Revd Derek Akker introduces us to Elizabeth Fry and also guides us in thoughtful prayer.

A mother of eleven children, Elizabeth was also a Quaker minister who campaigned for prison reform in order to address the inhuman conditions prevalent at that time. She also sought to address poverty, poor housing and employment issues and her work took her across Europe. She really was someone who wanted to improve the lives of those who suffered the most.

Elizabeth Fry, 1780 – 1845

Elizabeth Fry (nee Betsy Gurney), was born into the Quaker family of Norwich bankers. Elizabeth married Joseph Fry, a Quaker of course, and also a banker. There was a branch of the Fry family were already making chocolate by the time Elizabeth was born. Elizabeth and Joseph Fry move to London on their marriage had 11 children.

Her called to Christian ministry came in 1798 at a Quaker meeting and she recorded this event in her journal.

Deborah Darby then spoke, . . . she addressed part of it to me; I only fear she says too much of what I am to be. A light to the blind, speech to the dumb; and feet to the lame; can it be? She (Deborah Darby) seems as if she thought I was to be a minister of Christ. Can I ever be one? If I am obedient I believe I shall.

Elizabeth was to be recognised as a preacher in 1811.

Her work at Women’s Newgate Prison, London started in 1813 where she faced the starkness of the inhuman conditions the women were incarcerated in She was to visited regularly to read the bible and teach sewing. Perhaps not the most radical of interventions but it was the start of a tireless ministry that lead to campaigning and addressing the politcal decision makers. She gave evidence to a Parliamentary Select Committee in 1818. Her work for prison reform was not restricted to London, Elizabeth also went on to inspect prisons and mental hospitals in Ireland, Scotland. Her ministry crossed the English Channel to France, reporting to the Interior Minister and then on to Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark. This was no mean feat in the early part of the 19th century.

She was concerned about the widescale poverty and poor housing and the sought to address employment issues. In addition to this she instituted a nursing order, worked for the provision of libraries for coastguards

Prison reform is seldom an easy issue to campaign for, it is hardly the most attractive area to gain public support. Elizabeth embarked on this work with the handicap of trying to reconcile her role of wife and mother with her work as a reformer. Even though she was a Quaker minister she faced disapproval amongst some for her fellow Quakers over her campaigning ministry. She had clearly over stepped the boundaries and conformities of the day, a women addressing what are really matters for men.

From her journals held in the Friends House, London there are indications of a far more complex women and at times a tormented women ( June Rose: The History Press ). It is hardly surprising that Elizabeth had dark moments with what she had faced and the burden she carried it on behalf of those who did not have a voice.

As we reflect on her life and ministry let us be mindful that her work of prison reform is still to be completed.

Let us find our comfortable place to centre for our time of prayerful reflection.

We begin with words from Matthew’s gospel chapter 25 on the Final Judgement:

“Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you f from the foundation of the world; for I . . . was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw . . . in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” . . .

Firstly we pray for the victims of crime:

Loving Lord,
We bring before you the victims of crime that they may receive comfort and care.
Pause . . .

We pray for justice, healing, reparation and reconciliation for all victims of crime. Where we can help us to help victims, to come alongside them, to listen, to hear their pain and to be there for them.
Pause . . .

Loving Lord we pray for the families and friends of those in prison. Encourage those who are in need to reach out and seek help and hope.
Pause . . .

We pray that all offenders will make amends for the harm they have caused, that with support they will find a home in our community.
Pause . . .

We pray for those who offer support to offenders and victims of crime in our communities. May we offer then support and encouragement as they seek to bring healing for all those affected by crime.
Pause . . .

Lord, you offer freedom to all people.
We pray for those in prison. Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist.
Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends, prison staff and all who care.
Heal those who have been wounded by the activities of others, especially the victims of crime.
Help us to forgive one another.
To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ in His strength and in His Spirit, now and every day. Amen.
(Prayer from Prisons Week 2019)

The Lords Prayer – Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

We listen to or join in the late Sydney Carter’s song ‘When I needed a neighbour’.

When I needed a neighbour,
Were you there, were you there?
When I needed a neighbour, were you there?
And the creed and the colour
And the name won’t matter,
Were you there?

I was hungry and thirsty,
Were you there, were you there?
I was hungry and thirsty, were you there?
And the creed and the colour
And the name won’t matter,
Were you there?

I was cold, I was naked,
Were you there, were you there?
I was cold, I was naked, were you there?
And the creed and the colour
And the name won’t matter,
Were you there?

When I needed a shelter
Were you there, were you there?
When I needed a shelter were you there?
And the creed and the colour
And the name won’t matter,
Were you there?

When I needed a healer,
Were you there, were you there?
When I needed a healer, were you there?
And the creed and the colour
And the name won’t matter,
Were you there?

Wherever you travel,
I’ll be there, I’ll be there.
Wherever you travel, I’ll be there.
And the creed and the colour
And the name won’t matter,
I’ll be there.