Over 1,000 prisoners across jails in the country are now PAGANS – but NAKED worship is banned.
Paganism is now the fourth most popular religion amongst inmates across the nation.
It makes up 1.4% of the prison population, compared to just 0.1% of the total UK population – over ten times more.
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Prisoners are able to register their faith in the prison records, with the information being disclosed by the Ministry of Justice.
The studies showed that out of 84,372 prisoners, 1,172 stated that they were Pagans.
Prisoners who registered as Pagans are allowed religious items such as incense, crystals, rune stones, a pentagram necklace and even a wand.
The Faith and Pastoral care document also details that Paganism has sub-groups which include Druids, Odinists, Shamans, and Wiccans or Witchcraft.
The followers are also able to celebrate annual festivals including Midsummer, Yule and Samhain.
According to a census in 2021, just 0.1% of the general population across England and Wales are Pagans.
Meaning prisoners are ten times more likely to follow this religion, as reported by Needs To Know.
Convicts who have a registered religion are also able to attend prayer services and meetings with a chaplain of their chosen faith.
The study – carried out by Inside Time – also found that 14 inmates officially registered themselves as Satanists.
The study also showed that 45% of inmates were Christians, 18% were Muslims and 2% were Buddhists.
With 794 followers making up 0.9% of the study Rastafarianism was the fifth largest religion inside.
Other religious groups including Jews, Hindus and Sikhs each numbered at fewer than 600 registered followers.
The Faith and Pastoral document states: “Most Pagans wear ordinary dress for worship. Some traditions, however, have special dress for worship (e.g. hoodless robe).
“In prison, Skyclad (naked) worship is not permitted.”
Helene Mobius, the Pagan faith adviser to HM Prison and Probation service told Inside Time: “The Pagan Federation has worked hard over the years to make sure that Pagans in prison have the freedom to practice their religion without prejudice.”
Six Pagans at Peterborough women’s prison spoke to Inside Time stating: “Popular belief is that Paganism is a dark religion, however this could not be further from the truth.
“We believe in kindness towards others, whilst loving and forgiving ourselves first and foremost.
“It is through strength that our spirituality can prosper and grow.”
