British Prison Bans Crucifix In Chapel To Avoid Offending Muslims

A prison’s new chapel will not contain a crucifix to avoid offending Muslim inmates, it emerged today.

Bosses at HMP Lewes have been told the traditional Christian symbol, featuring Jesus nailed to a cross, must not be used in the Grade-II listed Victorian jail’s ‘multi-faith space’.

The room - part of a £1million new block - has been split in two, with one half featuring heated foot baths so Muslim worshippers can wash their feet before prayer.

According the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), the traditional Christian crucifix was erased from the chapel’s blueprints after discussion with a Muslim imam.

'Offensive': A traditional crucifix featuring Jesus Christ nailed to a cross

Amanda Hamblin, chairman of the IMB, said: ‘We see this as a vastly improved facility and very much welcome the fact that the prison has an imam.

‘It is key that everyone will have access to a decent place of worship whether they are Muslims, Christians or any other faith.

‘The significant thing about this is that the facilities were very poor before.

‘Now they have been set up with a lot of consultation and thought given to how to make it fit for purpose, fit for access and fit for the religious needs of our prisoners, whatever those may be.’ 

A source at Lewes Prison, which houses 668 convicts, said he was not surprised by the decision to ‘drop Jesus’ from show.

He added: ‘This is typical. On one side of the room there are heated foot baths for the Muslim inmates, but on the other side there is this silly little movable alter that can be hidden away at a moment’s notice.

‘And there is just a wooden cross, not a crucifix showing the suffering Jesus went through, because those in power thought it might offend the Muslims.’

He continued: ‘I don’t think the Muslim prisoners would give a monkeys to be honest, it’s just the normal PC brigade poking its nose in when it isn’t needed.’