Chuck Colson

Founder and Chairman of Prison Fellowship
Former Aide to President Nixon

Almost 30 years ago, Charles W. Colson was known as the White House “hatchet man,” a man feared by even the most powerful politicos during his four years of service to President Nixon.

When news of Colson’s conversion to Christianity leaked to the press in 1973, the Boston Globe reported, “If Mr. Colson can repent of his sins, there just has to be hope for everybody.” Colson would agree.

In 1974 Colson entered a plea of guilty to Watergate-related charges.

After leaving prison, Colson founded Prison Fellowship Ministries in 1976, which has since become the world’s largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families.

In recognition of his work, Colson received the prestigious Templeton Prize for progress in religion in 1993, donating the $1 million prize to Prison Fellowship. Colson’s other awards have included the Humanitarian Award; Dominos Pizza Corporation (1991); The Others Award, The Salvation Army (1990); and the Outstanding Young Man of Boston, Chamber of Commerce (1960).

Despite his far-reaching work, activities and expertise, Colson’s heart is always with the prisoner. He has clearly remembered the promise he made to his fellow inmates during his brief stay in prison that he would “never forget those behind bars.”