U.S. Senate Honors Prison Fellowship on 50th Anniversary

The United States Senate has passed a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of Prison Fellowship, the nation’s largest Christian nonprofit dedicated to serving incarcerated individuals and their families. Founded in 1976 by Charles “Chuck” Colson following his own imprisonment for Watergate-related crimes, the organization has expanded into a nationwide ministry that provides faith-based programming and advocates for criminal justice reform.

Sens. Christopher Coons and James Lankford co-sponsored the resolution, highlighting the ministry’s long-term commitment to redemption, family restoration, and public safety. During the recognition, Coons noted the organization’s efforts to answer the biblical call to love neighbors, while Lankford emphasized the ministry's role in helping individuals move past their mistakes.

Heather Rice-Minus, president and CEO of Prison Fellowship, credited the organization’s longevity to divine faithfulness. She stated that the ministry remains committed to the belief that no individual is beyond the reach of God. Beyond its spiritual outreach, the organization continues to engage with lawmakers to promote policies centered on human dignity and second chances for those within the correctional system.