Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution Marking 50 Years of Prison Fellowship

October 7, 2026

The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution commending the 50th anniversary of Prison Fellowship, honoring the nation’s largest Christian nonprofit serving current and formerly incarcerated people and their families.

Christianity Daily reports that the Washington-based organization, founded in 1976 by Charles “Chuck” Colson following his incarceration for a Watergate-related crime, has grown over five decades into a nationwide ministry.

Prison Fellowship serves people affected by incarceration by advocating for criminal justice reform and providing faith-based programs inside correctional facilities.

The bipartisan resolution, which recognizes Prison Fellowship’s five decades of prison ministry, was co-sponsored by Senators Christopher Coons (D-DE) and James Lankford (R-OK).

Coons reflected on his personal connection to prison outreach, recalling that he first visited a maximum-security prison when he was 12, accompanying his father on a prison ministry visit.

Lankford lauded the ministry’s role in offering individuals a path toward redemption and family restoration.

According to Christianity Daily, Heather Rice-Minus, president and CEO of Prison Fellowship, expressed gratitude for the resolution in a statement, saying, “Over the past 50 years, God has been faithful to use Prison Fellowship to bring hope and purpose to people impacted by incarceration.”

Prison Fellowship said it remains committed to expanding its reach, supporting families affected by incarceration and advocating for policies that balance accountability with restoration.

In addition to its in-prison ministry, Prison Fellowship has engaged lawmakers on criminal justice policies focused on human dignity, public safety and second chances.

Photo: top, Credit: Prison Fellowship website