Charles W. Colson, as expressed in his autobiography, Born Again , began life anew on August 12, 1973 when he encountered the risen Christ. He had been a successful lawyer, political operator and special counsel to the president of the United States. Then, after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice in one of the Watergate-related cases, he became a convicted felon and after his release, the founder of Prison Fellowship—an evangelistic and holistic ministry for prisoners and their families. He also became an influential writer and speaker on the application of Christian belief to the social and intellectual problems of today’s secular society. Following are a few items recalling the dramatic story of how Mr. Colson found new life in Christ and started the lifelong mission of telling others about this good news.
![DDB_ChuckColson04_040410[1]](http://chriscastaldo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DDB_ChuckColson04_0404101.jpg "DDB_ChuckColson04_040410[1]")
Click here to go to the Memorial Page at the Prison Fellowship Site
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Documents from the Billy Graham Center Archives
June 12, 1974 Letter by Colson to his parole officer, Edward W. Soden, telling the story of his conversion, his early Christian life, how his faith related to his plea of guilty at his trial, and the beginning of his prison ministry. A letter to Colson, which he refers to in his letter to Soden, is included, with the name of the sender redacted. (Collection 275, Box 11, Folder 7). First page of notes, begun by Colson while still in prison, on the book that eventually became Born Again (Collection 275, Box 10, Folder 6)
Images
Speaking in Missouri State Penitentiary
Speaking at Attica State Prison in New York
Speaking at an Easter Service in Indiana
Charles and Patricia Colson at the Wheaton College Commencement in 1982, where he received an honorary degree and gave the commencement address
Giving the commencement address at Wheaton College, 1982
Audio clips
- April 19, 1975. Colson speaking at a Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He talked about his conversion and how his faith grew in prison. His talk ends with an invitation to his listeners to commit their lives to Jesus Christ. From Collection 459, Tape T147. 37 minutes
February 2, 1978. Concluding remarks by Colson to a seminar on prison ministry, describing the vision and purpose of Prison Fellowship. From Collection 459, Tape T175. 5 minutes
