A new chaplaincy team has begun in Taunton serving staff and users at the magistrates’ court. The team have started on a fortnightly basis with plans to move soon to weekly on Thursdays. There are a team of five plus two reserves. Two chaplains are on the duty rota for morning and afternoon sessions.
Michael Hayes, the Courts Team Convenor, said, “With covid necessitating various restrictions, it has been a long waiting period but God’s timing is right, and this delay has given space for further training and the necessary DBS checking.
“Team members have been pleased to be given a warm welcome by helpful court staff and have already had several significant encounters. Both the staff and the court users – whether defendants, witnesses, and supporting families and friends – have been appreciative of our initial efforts, and we have felt God’s guidance as we try hard to listen and to be sensitive as to when prayer should be offered. A lot of waiting happens at the courthouse and people can be anxious and bewildered; friendly reassurance is valued.
“A review meeting has been arranged when we shall learn soon how court staff feel about our beginnings. We must always be learners, and in offering themselves to God chaplains trust in what he can do in us and through us. The magistrates’ court here is open six days a week so our one day is but a small start, yet who knows what might develop?”