Charles Colson

Charles Colson (1937–2012)

Charles Colson was an American Christian leader, author, and advocate for criminal justice reform, best known for his dramatic conversion to Christianity and his work in prison ministry. Colson first gained national attention as a special counsel to President Richard Nixon, where he became infamously known as one of the Watergate Seven involved in the Watergate scandal. After serving time in prison for his role in the scandal, Colson experienced a life-changing conversion to Christianity, which led him to become one of the most influential Christian leaders in America.

After his release from prison, Colson dedicated his life to advocating for social justice, reforming the prison system, and spreading the message of the Gospel. In 1976, he founded Prison Fellowship, a Christian organization aimed at helping prisoners, their families, and communities. Prison Fellowship is the largest Christian organization working with prisoners in the United States and has expanded internationally, providing hope and rehabilitation to individuals incarcerated worldwide.

Colson was also a prolific writer and speaker, having authored more than 30 books, including Born Again (1976), which details his conversion story, and The Good Life (2005), which explores the relationship between faith and public life. Colson's writings often focused on topics of Christian ethics, social justice, and the intersection of faith and politics.

A passionate advocate for the vulnerable and oppressed, Colson’s work in prison ministry and his emphasis on restorative justice left a lasting legacy. He received numerous awards for his contributions to social reform and Christian ministry, including the prestigious Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion in 2008.

Charles Colson's life serves as a powerful testimony to the transforming power of grace, and his work continues to inspire Christians to engage with issues of justice and mercy, both in society and in the lives of individuals.