Chuck Colson (1931-2012) R.I.P.

Chuck Colson is the paradigm for redemption in our society.  His story is known to anyone who is familiar with Richard Nixon and Watergate, but thankfully neither will effect his legacy.  After serving seven months in jail for his part in the Watergate scandal, he made a complete turnaround in his life and in the lives of a great many prisoners since then.  He died today at the age of 80, and the following E-Mail was just received from Robert P. George and Timothy George of The Manhattan Declaration, which, according to  The Messrs. George, "was born in the heart of Chuck Colson."

Here's a copy of the E-Mail:

Dear Manhattan Declaration Signers, Supporters, and Friends,

 Just as Jesus wept at the death of his friend Lazarus, we who are our Lord’s disciples weep at the death of Chuck Colson, our beloved friend and brother in Christ, who passed away this afternoon.   We grieve but not as those who do not know that Christ has conquered death.  We mourn the loss of a great leader but we confidently entrust him to Jesus Christ who is our hope in both life and death.  

Chuck lived the principles of the Manhattan Declaration long before it was  drafted.  When humbled by his own failings, Chuck was born again in Christ in 1973.  Only three years later, he founded Prison Fellowship, a ministry that for more than three decades has fulfilled Christ’s command to remember the incarcerated and share the transforming love of Jesus with them and their families.  “I could never, ever have left prison and accomplished what has been accomplished but for God doing it through me,” Chuck said.

In 1991 Chuck began broadcasting BreakPoint Radio, educating Christians to understand their faith as both personal trust and public witness, including the support of life, marriage and religious freedom.  So he called upon all who have faith in the Lord, and indeed on all men and women of good will, to support the sanctity of life, the culture of marriage, religious freedom and the rights of conscience.

And in 2009 the Manhattan Declaration was born in the heart of Chuck Colson.  You are among the now more than 525,000 persons who have committed themselves to this statement of conscience.  Chuck regarded the Manhattan Declaration as a vital act of Christian obedience at this moment in history when foundational principles of our faith and culture are in jeopardy at home and abroad. 

The two of us are committed to devoting our lives to carrying forth the vision and advancing the cause to which Chuck gave himself with unstinted vigor.  His life stands as a testimony to God’s power to transform culture and make a difference. 

Please join us in continuing to pray for Patty and the entire Colson family.  While we all deeply feel this loss, we take heart in the welcoming words of Jesus to all who follow his commands and share his love, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Let us celebrate the life of Chuck Colson – a man of integrity, fidelity, and true Christian faith whose legacy inspires us to ever greater devotion to the principles of the Manhattan Declaration.  

Robert P. George

Timothy George

If you have not already done so, please, in memory of Chuck Colson and his tireless efforts to convince everyone to "Do the Right Thing," sign the declaration today by clicking on the link to it in the first paragraph.