Canada’s First Female Latter-day Saint Chaplain Brings Faith and Hope to Incarcerated Women

Kitchener, Ontario – In August 2025, Becky Mantynen began a new chapter in her career and in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Canada, becoming the first female chaplain serving within the Canadian correctional system. Stationed at the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener, Ontario, Chaplain Mantynen provides spiritual care to inmates, working alongside chaplains of various faiths.

An Unexpected Calling

Chaplain Mantynen’s path to chaplaincy wasn’t a pre-determined one. After several years of volunteer work within the prison system, she was invited to join the chaplaincy team. Following counsel with her bishop, she accepted, feeling it was the right time to utilize her natural inclination for connection and her patriarchal blessing’s promise to “speak peace and comfort to the afflicted.”

From Nursing to Social Work: A Journey of Service

Mantynen’s initial career path led her to nursing, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and working in pediatric intensive care. However, she felt a growing pull towards a different kind of service. This led her to pursue and complete both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work, a field where she has served for many years, finding a deep sense of purpose.

Faith in Action: Providing Spiritual Support

Her faith deeply informs her daily work. Mantynen believes in the “tender mercies of Jesus Christ” and actively seeks to recognize His influence in the lives of those she serves. She finds that many women within the prison system, regardless of their own faith backgrounds, seek her guidance, direction, and a listening ear, often feeling lost or carrying significant spiritual pain. She views entering their lives as both a privilege and a responsibility.

Rather than imposing her beliefs, Mantynen prioritizes listening, understanding, and accompanying the women she serves. She respectfully inquires about their own traditions and spiritual practices, recognizing and valuing what brings them strength. She believes spirituality extends beyond organized religion and can be a powerful source of hope.

Expanding the Influence of Women in Service

As the first female Latter-day Saint chaplain in Canada, Mantynen hopes to broaden the influence of women who live covenant lives, both within the Church and in the wider community. She strives to embody the principle of comforting those in need and to be a consistent witness of her faith.

Sacred Responsibilities: Weddings and Scripture Study

Chaplain Mantynen’s responsibilities include officiating weddings, a role she considers a sacred privilege that reflects the trust placed in chaplains to uphold both the laws of the country and the values of her faith. She finds joy in accompanying individuals during these moments of happiness.

One of her most impactful experiences has been initiating a scripture study group within the prison. Providing each participant with their own copy of scripture, the group began reading aloud, sharing favorite passages, and discussing personal experiences. Despite the challenging environment, the group evolved into a safe space of faith, support, and hope.

A Guiding Scripture

Mantynen finds particular resonance in Romans 8:38–39, which affirms that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.

She describes a profound shift that occurs when she enters the prison and sits with the women, noting that burdens seem to lighten, the weight of the past diminishes, and human judgment fades. In these moments, she feels deeply blessed, seeing the women as daughters of God.

Chaplain Becky Mantynen in the Quiet Room, a space used for counseling sessions, at Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener, Ontario, March 2026. Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Chaplain Becky Mantynen (left) talks with Chaplain Esra Aksu at Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener, Ontario, in March 2026. Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Source: newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org