Charles Colson

Charles Wendell Colson, widely known as Chuck Colson, was born on October 16, 1931, and became a prominent figure in American politics and law. Serving as Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1970, Colson earned a reputation as Nixon's 'hatchet man' during the tumultuous Watergate scandal. His involvement in the scandal led to his identification as one of the Watergate Seven and ultimately resulted in a guilty plea for obstruction of justice, marking him as the first member of the Nixon administration to be incarcerated for related charges.

Colson's life took a dramatic turn following a profound religious conversion, which inspired him to establish the non-profit ministry Prison Fellowship. This organization, along with its international counterpart, Prison Fellowship International, focused on promoting a Christian worldview and providing support to prisoners and their families. His commitment to this cause was further exemplified by his role as a public speaker and author of over thirty books, sharing his insights and experiences with a wider audience.

In addition to his ministry work, Colson founded The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, a hub for research and education aimed at fostering a Christian perspective in various spheres of life. He was also known for his daily radio commentary, BreakPoint, which reached more than one thousand four hundred outlets across the United States, currently hosted by John Stonestreet.

Colson's influence extended beyond his ministry; he was a principal signer of the 1994 Evangelicals and Catholics Together document, which sought to bridge gaps between Evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholic leaders. His contributions to religion and society were recognized with numerous accolades, including fifteen honorary doctorates and the prestigious Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion in 1993, which he generously donated to support Prison Fellowship. In 2008, he received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President George W. Bush, further solidifying his legacy as a transformative figure in American religious and political life.