12 Jun 2026, 11:46Blandine Damtse; edited by SM CommunicationsGlasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir Strengthens Prison Ministry at Barlinnie
Returning to Scotland's largest prison, the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir continues to build a ministry of hope, worship, and encouragement for inmates and staff.
What began as a Christmas outreach has developed into an ongoing ministry of encouragement and hope inside Scotland's largest prison.
On 31 May, members of the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir returned to HMP Barlinnie for their second ministry visit in six months, sharing music, worship, and fellowship with inmates and staff. More than a musical performance, the visit reflected a growing partnership between Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church and the prison chaplaincy team, built on a shared desire to bring hope and dignity to those often forgotten by society.
For Pastor Claudiu Popescu, who established the initiative, the ministry represents discipleship in action.
"True discipleship calls us to step beyond the comfort of our church pews and meet people at their lowest points," he said. "We are privileged to be His hands and feet, reminding those who feel forgotten that they are deeply loved by their Creator."
One of the most moving moments came when inmates, prison staff, and choir members joined together in singing "Amazing Grace" and "Tell Out, My Soul", creating a sense of unity that transcended the barriers of prison life. Chaplain Jill Clancy later reported that many prisoners spoke positively about the experience as they returned to their cells.
The choir's return visit highlights how consistent presence can help build meaningful connections and demonstrate Christ's compassion in practical ways.
Looking ahead, the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir is preparing for another significant opportunity. In partnership with the Church of Scotland, the choir has been invited to perform this September at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.
The concert will take place on 5 September at 1:30 pm and is open to the public free of charge.
The invitation marks an important milestone in the growing recognition of the choir's charitable and community ministry. It also provides an opportunity to strengthen the choir's developing partnership with the Church of Scotland, creating further avenues for service, outreach, and witness across Scotland.
Returning to Scotland's largest prison, the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir continues to build a ministry of hope, worship, and encouragement for inmates and staff.
What began as a Christmas outreach has developed into an ongoing ministry of encouragement and hope inside Scotland's largest prison.
On 31 May, members of the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir returned to HMP Barlinnie for their second ministry visit in six months, sharing music, worship, and fellowship with inmates and staff. More than a musical performance, the visit reflected a growing partnership between Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church and the prison chaplaincy team, built on a shared desire to bring hope and dignity to those often forgotten by society.
For Pastor Claudiu Popescu, who established the initiative, the ministry represents discipleship in action.
"True discipleship calls us to step beyond the comfort of our church pews and meet people at their lowest points," he said. "We are privileged to be His hands and feet, reminding those who feel forgotten that they are deeply loved by their Creator."
One of the most moving moments came when inmates, prison staff, and choir members joined together in singing "Amazing Grace" and "Tell Out, My Soul", creating a sense of unity that transcended the barriers of prison life. Chaplain Jill Clancy later reported that many prisoners spoke positively about the experience as they returned to their cells.
The choir's return visit highlights how consistent presence can help build meaningful connections and demonstrate Christ's compassion in practical ways.
Looking ahead, the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir is preparing for another significant opportunity. In partnership with the Church of Scotland, the choir has been invited to perform this September at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.
The concert will take place on 5 September at 1:30 pm and is open to the public free of charge.
The invitation marks an important milestone in the growing recognition of the choir's charitable and community ministry. It also provides an opportunity to strengthen the choir's developing partnership with the Church of Scotland, creating further avenues for service, outreach, and witness across Scotland.
