The Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador has expressed concern to the women’s prison in Clarenville over the two recent deaths of inmates at the facility.
“Two deaths there in a short time period of time is obviously is a matter of concern for all of us,” Bishop Geoffrey Peddle told The Telegram.
In the letter — which has not yet been responded to by Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre for Women, or Justice officials — the diocese said: “The recent events these past weeks of the deaths of two inmates at your facility bring us much concern. In the Christian Scriptures we are reminded of the responsibility we have to care for the vulnerable, especially those who are imprisoned. Both jailers and jailed are upheld as dignified in the eyes of God, worthy of love, redemption, dignity and care.”
Samantha Piercey, 28, of Corner Brook died Saturday night while in custody at the Women’s Correctional Centre in Clarenville. The Corner Brook woman had been incarcerated there while she awaited trial on a number of charges.
On April 21, Skye Martin, 27, died at the Clarenville hospital after reportedly choking on a sandwich while she was an inmate at the same facility.
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Peddle told The Telegram the diocese — which has about 30,000 parishioners — isn’t trying to judge or be confrontational.
He said he trusts that government investigations into the deaths will be comprehensive, and if not, the church would issue another statement.
“Obviously for some reason, there have been two tragedies. We just want to express our concern that it not happen again,” Peddle said.
The diocese works with groups like the Safe Harbour Outreach Project, Marguerite’s Place shelter (both operated by the St. John’s Status of Women Council) and Home Again Furniture Bank.
The letter, said Peddle was “A natural extension of our concern for those who are vulnerable and have needs that are very important right now.
“We respect the difficulties of those who work (at the prison) and the practical challenges. We simply want to express concern as a faith community for those who are resident there and (for) those who have any responsibility.”
Peddle just returned from church meetings in Clarenville, so the events are the prison were very much in mind during that time.
The inmates at the prison all have families, friends and loved ones who care about them, Peddle noted, adding the letter was motivated by pastoral and Christian concern.
Jenny Wright, executive director of the St. John's Status of Women Council, thanked the diocese for issuing the letter.
“ The church comes from a position which upholds the human rights and dignity of all people. Incarcerated folks, especially women, are often excluded when we speak of human rights — we see them as deserving off all harm that comes to them,” she told The Telegram “This statement by the Anglican Church reminds us that this position is harmful and if we continue viewing incarcerated folks this way, more may die.”
The full letter:
Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador
19 King’s Bridge Road
St. John’s, NL
A1C 3K4
May 30, 2018
Attn: Superintendent and Staff Newfoundland & Labrador Correctional Centre for Women
1 Duffitt Place
Clarenville, NL
A5A 1E9
Dear Superintendent,
The recent events these past weeks of the deaths of two inmates at your facility bring us much concern.
In the Christian Scriptures we are reminded of the responsibility we have to care for the vulnerable, especially those who are imprisoned. Both jailers and jailed are upheld as dignified in the eyes of God, worthy of love, redemption, dignity and care.
In our baptismal covenant we promise to uphold the dignity of every human being.
We do not suppose to understand all the intricacies and challenges of modern correctional practice. We do, however, recognize the inherent challenges and stresses related to sudden death in communities. We recognize that there are great stressors related to trauma, mental health, sudden death and grief. These stressors are acutely present in sudden death, and often magnify with increase and frequency of traumatic death.
We presume that the administration, staff and inmates have proper systems in place to properly care for the various members of the community at the correctional institute in Clarenville. We hope that all persons have opportunity to share with objective caregivers and professionals in a safe environment.
We recognize that proper supports for grief counseling and trauma care are essential to address the specific challenges that are present within a correctional environment.
We uphold you in prayer and concern, for many of the inmates, staff and administration identify with faith communities within our region. You have a spiritual dimension that requires care and healing in the face of trauma and loss.
The Rt. Rev.’d Dr. Geoffrey Peddle, Bishop, Diocese of Eastern NL
The Canons and Archdeacons of the Chapter of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Canon Brad Wicks, Chancellor
The Venerable Samuel Rose, Executive Archdeacon
The Venerable Charlene Taylor, Archdeacon of Avalon
The Venerable William Strong, Archdeacon of Trinity/Conception/Placentia
The Venerable Julie Brace, Archdeacon of Labrador
The Venerable Roger Whalen
The Venerable Josiah Noel
The Rev.’d Canon Gregory Mercer
The Rev.’d Canon Amanda Taylor
The Rev.’d Canon Gerald Westcott
The Rev.’d Canon David Burrows
