Our Story
In 1974, Charles W. Colson, a key aide to President Nixon, pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in connection with the Watergate scandal. Having already become a Christian, he entered Maxwell Prison in Alabama, where he served seven months of his sentence.
Upon his release from prison in 1976, Chuck Colson founded Prison Fellowship, an organization serving inmates, former inmates, and their families.
«The butterfly is the most visible illustration of rebirth in nature. After being drab and earthbound as a caterpillar, the butterfly emerges from its cocoon in wonderfully vibrant colors, soaring into the sky. Free to be reborn—just as each of us can be when, through Christ, we are born again of the Spirit.»
– CHUCK COLSON
At the invitation of Colson, Paul Hellyer—a former Canadian cabinet minister—and a small group of friends in Ottawa launched the work in Canada in 1980 by establishing Prison Fellowship Canada.
Today, Prison Fellowship Canada is a community-based organization powered by volunteers across every province and territory. From the Yukon to Southern Ontario, and from Vancouver Island to the Maritimes, PFC touches the lives of inmates, former inmates, and their families through this remarkable ministry.
In light of ever-growing needs, Prison Fellowship Canada prides itself on remaining relevant to its operating environment, delivering programs, and partnering with others to address the needs of inmates, former inmates, their families, and victims.
Rooted in a fundamental belief in God’s transformative power to bring about true justice, Prison Fellowship Canada looks forward to walking the path of change alongside communities, bringing meaningful social change to Canada’s justice landscape.
Prison Fellowship Canada was incorporated in 1980 and is a founding member of Prison Fellowship International. With over 100,000 volunteers across 125 countries, we collectively form the world’s largest network of prison ministries.
Watch a short video about Chuck Colson
– CHUCK COLSON