Prisons and prison ministries from the Bible to the present day

Readers in prison respond to Christian History

In 2008, our founder Dr. Ken Curtis (1939–2011) wrote this introduction for prison testimonies throughout church history.

Christians in prison have shared similar stories through 2,000 years.

The first letters we have from an imprisoned Christian are from the apostle Paul.

Enduring testimonies from people in tight places

Perpetua wrote an account of her imprisonment and trials.

From prison, Christians have produced classic literature that comforts and challenges.

What Lollards suffered.

For some prisoners, the plunge into the depths became a step heavenward.

Prisons, prison ministries, and Christians

How Christians have tried to reform the justice system and minister to prisoners

Letters Hus wrote from prison.

An obscure Irish teenager inspired Methodists to Undertake over 200 years of prison ministry

The only writing in Tyndale’s hand still extant

One man’s thwarted attempts to change American prisons

Held by the Maltese Inquisition

What does prison ministry look like today? We Interviewed five individuals active in prison ministry to get first-hand accounts.

Some figures to put American prisons in perspective.

Reflections of two prisoners

Here are some recommendations from CH editorial staff and this issue’s authors to help you navigate the history of Christians in prison and Christians ministering to prisoners.