Charles Colson, American lawyer and activist, founded Prison Fellowship (b. 1931)

Charles Wendell Colson, born on October 16, 1931, and passing on April 21, 2012, was a figure whose life journey spanned the highest echelons of American political power to the profound depths of Christian ministry. Generally known as Chuck Colson, he began his distinguished career as an attorney, which naturally paved the way for his immersion in the political landscape. From 1969 to 1970, he served as Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon, placing him at the very heart of the White House operations during a tumultuous era.

During his time in Washington, Colson earned the challenging moniker of President Nixon's "hatchet man," a title suggesting he was the one tasked with carrying out difficult or controversial assignments to protect the administration's interests. This role, coupled with the political climate of the early 1970s, inevitably led him to the center of one of the most significant political scandals in U.S. history: Watergate. Colson gained widespread notoriety as one of the infamous "Watergate Seven," a group of key figures indicted in the sprawling scandal. He ultimately pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice, specifically for his attempts to defame Daniel Ellsberg, the military analyst responsible for leaking the classified Pentagon Papers, which exposed the true history of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. This admission of guilt marked a dramatic fall from grace for the powerful political operative.

In 1974, Chuck Colson became a poignant symbol of the Watergate aftermath, serving seven months in the federal Maxwell Prison in Alabama. He held the unenviable distinction of being the first member of the Nixon administration to be incarcerated for charges directly related to the Watergate scandal. Yet, it was during this period of personal and professional crisis that Colson experienced a profound, life-altering transformation. In 1973, amidst the legal battles and public scrutiny, he became an evangelical Christian. This mid-life religious conversion was not merely a change of belief but sparked a radical shift in his entire life's direction and purpose.

His newfound faith propelled him toward a life of dedicated service, leading to the founding of his non-profit ministry, Prison Fellowship. This organization, established to minister to prisoners, ex-offenders, and their families, aimed to bring hope, spiritual guidance, and restorative justice principles to the correctional system. Just three years later, his vision expanded globally with the creation of Prison Fellowship International, extending the reach of this vital ministry around the world. Beyond his direct work with incarcerated individuals, Colson also became a prominent public speaker and a prolific author, penning more than 30 books that explored Christian faith, ethics, and worldview. He founded and chaired The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, a dynamic research, study, and networking center dedicated to helping individuals deepen their understanding and application of a Christian worldview in all aspects of life. This center also produces Colson's influential daily radio commentary, "BreakPoint," which continues his legacy, now presented by John Stonestreet, and is heard on over 1,400 outlets across the United States, reaching millions with thoughtful Christian perspectives on contemporary issues.

Colson's influence extended to ecumenical bridge-building within Christianity. He was a principal signer of the groundbreaking 1994 "Evangelicals and Catholics Together" document, an important initiative that sought to foster greater understanding and cooperation between leading Evangelical Protestant and Roman Catholic leaders in the United States, advocating for common ground on moral and social issues.

Throughout his remarkable second act, Colson garnered significant recognition for his tireless efforts. He received 15 honorary doctorates from various institutions, acknowledging his intellectual contributions and impactful ministry. In 1993, he was awarded the prestigious Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion. This award, one of the world's largest annual prizes (exceeding US$1 million at the time), is given to an individual who "has made an exceptional contribution to affirming life's spiritual dimension." Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his ministry, Colson generously donated this entire prize, along with all his speaking fees and book royalties, to further the vital work of Prison Fellowship. His contributions were further recognized in 2008 when President George W. Bush presented him with the Presidential Citizens Medal, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States. Chuck Colson's journey, from the corridors of power to a prison cell and ultimately to a global ministry, stands as a powerful testament to redemption and the transformative potential of faith.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chuck Colson

What was Chuck Colson's initial career and role in the Nixon administration?

Chuck Colson was an American attorney who served as Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1970. He was often referred to as Nixon's "hatchet man" due to his reputation for handling difficult political assignments.

How was Chuck Colson involved in the Watergate scandal?

Colson gained notoriety as one of the "Watergate Seven," a group central to the scandal. He pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for attempting to defame Daniel Ellsberg, who had leaked the Pentagon Papers.

What was the outcome of his involvement in Watergate?

In 1974, Chuck Colson served seven months in the federal Maxwell Prison in Alabama, making him the first member of the Nixon administration to be incarcerated for Watergate-related charges.

What led to Chuck Colson's significant life change?

Colson experienced a profound religious conversion in 1973, becoming an evangelical Christian. This spiritual awakening prompted a radical reorientation of his life's purpose and work.

What ministries did Chuck Colson found after his conversion?

Following his conversion, he founded Prison Fellowship, a non-profit ministry dedicated to serving prisoners, ex-offenders, and their families. Three years later, he established Prison Fellowship International to extend this mission globally. He also founded The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview.

What is the "Evangelicals and Catholics Together" document?

It was an ecumenical document signed in 1994 by leading Evangelical Protestant and Roman Catholic leaders in the United States, including Colson, to promote unity and cooperation between the two Christian traditions on social and moral issues.

What major awards did Chuck Colson receive, and for what achievements?

He received 15 honorary doctorates and, in 1993, the prestigious Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion for his exceptional contributions to affirming life's spiritual dimension. He donated the entire prize to Prison Fellowship. In 2008, he was also awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President George W. Bush for his public service.