Prison ministry can be difficult and thankless work. Don't do it alone.
Prison Fellowship International is a global association of national organizations committed to pursuing justice and healing in response to crime to the end that offenders are transformed, relationships are reconciled and communities are restored.
Who We Are
Prison Fellowship International is the world’s most extensive association of national Christian ministries working within the criminal justice field. Our community – made up of individuals who share a common identity, mission and ministry, and understand the challenges and demands of prison ministry — spans more than 120 countries across six regions. We are an ecumenical/non-denominational Christian organization that aims to serve prisoners, their families and communities with high-quality programs.
Vision: To break the cycle of crime and restore lives, worldwide, through Jesus’ love.
Mission: To transform the lives of prisoners, their families, and victims through a global network of ministry partners.
Membership
Membership connects you with a set of partners made up of other Prison Fellowship affiliates in your region and around the world, who can help with technical, moral and spiritual assistance. At its most valuable, the charter relationship consists of your participation in a worldwide fellowship devoted to service, in the name of Jesus Christ, amidst crime and its effects.
History
Chuck Colson's Incarceration
Charles “Chuck” Colson, former White House counsel to U.S. President Richard Nixon, pled guilty to obstruction of justice and served seven months in a federal prison camp for his Watergate-related offense. There, he became convinced the real solution to crime is found through spiritual renewal. This solution grew into Prison Fellowship International, the world’s largest network of prison ministries.
Prison Fellowship Established
Colson established Prison Fellowship in the United States which is now the nation’s largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners and their families, and a leading advocate for criminal justice reform.
Prison Fellowship International Established
Colson expands his vision outside the United States, founding Prison Fellowship International with representatives from ministries in the U.S., England, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Bahamas with the purpose of developing and serving national Prison Fellowship organizations.
Europe and Central Asia Region Established
PFI welcomes Prison Fellowship Wales and Prison Fellowship Northern Ireland to the family.
In the years that follow, the Europe and Central Asia region would grow to more than 31 National Ministries.
Asia Pacific Region Established
PFI welcomes Prison Fellowship India and Prison Fellowship Australia to the family.
In the years that follow, the Asia Pacific region would grow to more than 22 National Ministries.
Latin America and Caribbean Region Established
PFI welcomes Prison Fellowship Puerto Rico and Prison Fellowship Colombia to the family.
In the years that follow, the Latin America and Caribbean region would grow to more than 29 National Ministries.
Africa Region Established
PFI welcomes Prison Fellowship Uganda to the family.
In the years that follow, the African region would grow to more than 30 National Ministries.
Middle East Region Established
PFI welcomes Prison Fellowship Sudan and Prison Fellowship Egypt to the family.
In the years that follow, the Middle East region would grow to more than 5 National Ministries.