By Sukanti Radha devi dasi
Rejoice: by Srila Prabhupada’s mercy and the blessings of the Vaishnava community, ISKCON (Hare Krishna) has been formally recognised as a distinct faith tradition within His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) chaplaincy of England and Wales.
What happened
On 12 August 2026 Reverend James Ridge, Chaplain General and Head of Faith Services at HMPPS, together with Richard Carling, visited ISKCON London (Soho Street Temple). They were welcomed, received an introduction to ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada’s mission, and were offered maha-prasad, Bhagavad-gita As It Is, The Science of Self-Realization, ISKCON London materials, and mahagarlands. Following that visit and subsequent correspondence, HMPPS has confirmed formal recognition.
What this means for you and for ISKCON Europe
– ISKCON is now listed in HMPPS chaplaincy as a distinct tradition, separate from Hinduism, with the same formal standing as other recognised faiths.
– Amala Manjari Devi Dasi has been confirmed as ISKCON’s Faith and Belief Adviser (FBA) and will be the main point of contact with HMPPS and ISKCON’s representative on the Chaplaincy Faith and Belief Forum.
– A defined pathway exists for ISKCON chaplains to be trained, security-cleared, and formally endorsed to serve inside prisons.
– Inmates who identify as Hare Krishna are entitled to vegetarian food without onion and garlic, and to grain-free meals on Ekadasi.
– ISKCON may provide articles for the weekly printed inmate newsletter and will publish annually the list of festivals and fast days so inmates can observe them.
– ISKCON chaplains must follow HMPPS, Ministry of Justice, and Civil Service values, complete custody-safety training, focus on pastoral care without proselytising, and will operate on a distinct track from Hindu chaplaincy posts.
Chaplaincy collaboration and pastoral need
At the First Quarterly Faith and Belief Advisers meeting (10 September 2026) ISKCON was represented alongside many traditions. Sikh and Hindu advisers expressed support for Hare Krishna’s separate recognition, reporting that inmates have been asking specifically for Hare Krishna guidance—confirming a real pastoral need ISKCON is now better placed to meet.
Srila Prabhupada’s teaching — what this recognition allows you to advance
This recognition enables you, as part of ISKCON Europe, to put Srila Prabhupada’s mission into greater practice in prisons: distributing sacred literature (over 120,000 ISKCON books placed in UK prisons over the last decade), offering opportunities to hear and chant the maha-mantra, and providing compassionate pastoral care that restores dignity, hope, and rehabilitation.
A meaningful opening
Our first contribution to the HMPPS “Chaplain General’s Bulletin” shared the disappearance-day pastime of Srila Haridas Thakura—his blissful chanting and uplifting of fellow prisoners despite persecution—a poignant lesson for chaplaincy work in custody.
Gratitude and acknowledgement
Thank you to His Holiness Chandramauli Swami Maharaj (ISKCON Prison Minister), His Grace Dayal Mora Prabhu (ISKCON London Temple President), the Vaishnava community, and everyone who supported this effort. Special and heartfelt thanks to Amala Manjari Devi Dasi for her leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts in establishing this chaplaincy service and representing ISKCON throughout the process.
Next steps
ISKCON Europe will continue training and endorsing chaplains, strengthening partnerships with HMPPS, and keeping you updated as this important work develops.
Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=119645
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