Prison Fellowship Releases Statement After U.S. Senate Passes Resolution Recognizing Its 50 Years of Prison Ministry

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prison Fellowship, the nation’s largest Christian nonprofit serving currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families and a leading advocate for criminal justice reform, released a statement after the U.S. Senate passed a resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of Prison Fellowship. The resolution’s Senate co-sponsors include Sens. Christopher Coons (D-DE) and James Lankford (R-OK). 

The resolution honors Prison Fellowship’s five decades of prison ministry. Founded in 1976 by Charles ‘Chuck' Colson following his incarceration for a Watergate-related crime, Prison Fellowship has grown into a nationwide ministry serving people affected by incarceration, shaping criminal justice reform and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ.  

“Prison Fellowship is deeply grateful for the support of the U.S. Senate in passing this resolution,” said Heather Rice-Minus, president and CEO of Prison Fellowship. “Over the past 50 years, God has been faithful to use Prison Fellowship to bring hope and purpose to people impacted by incarceration. What began with Chuck Colson’s transformation became a movement of individuals who believe no one is beyond God’s reach. We are grateful to celebrate all that God has done through this ministry and look ahead with anticipation for all He will continue to do.” 

“The first time I was in a maximum-security prison, I was 12 years old, joining my father on one of his prison ministry visits,” said Senator Coons. “I saw how prison ministry transformed the lives of both those inside the prison and for our family outside of it. For 50 years, Prison Fellowship has brought that transformation to communities across the country, answering Jesus’ call to love our neighbors no matter where or who they are.” 

“Prison Fellowship has spent 50 years helping people understand that a mistake does not have to be the end of their story,” said Senator Lankford. “Their work points people to Christ, helps restore families, and gives people the opportunity to change. I’m grateful for the staff and volunteers who have stayed committed to this work for five decades, and I’m glad to recognize Prison Fellowship on its 50th anniversary.” 

“For the past five decades, Prison Fellowship has advocated for policies that recognize the dignity and potential of people impacted by incarceration,” said Scott Peyton, senior director of advocacy at Prison Fellowship. “We have worked with leaders across the political spectrum to advance reforms that strengthen families and promote safer communities, while creating pathways for people to pursue a second chance. This resolution reflects the importance of that work and affirms that lasting change is possible when we come together around shared commitments to justice and restoration.”  

As Prison Fellowship looks toward its next 50 years, the organization remains committed to sharing the hope of Jesus Christ, supporting families impacted by incarceration, and advocating for justice that pursues both accountability and restoration. 

Prison Fellowship 
Celebrating 50 years of prison ministry, Prison Fellowship is the nation's largest Christian nonprofit equipping the Church to serve currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families, and to advocate for justice and human dignity. Prison Fellowship and its church partners encounter Jesus with those behind bars, breaking cycles of crime and prayerfully anticipating a revival of justice, mercy and hope in our culture. 

Susan Merriman
Prison Fellowship
703-554-8698
Susan_merriman@pfm.org