My books "Will You Die For Me?" and "Charles Watson Speaks Out!" answer many questions, so please check them out before asking new questions. Also, please use the search feature on the site to find specific information. Thank You!

Q: Can I link my site to yours?

A: Yes, you may link to our site using this description:

Charles Watson was born again on May 23, 1975. He testifies that anyone can receive forgiveness and be transformed through Christ, even a former Manson-cult follower. For all these years, he has ministered God's love to people around the world.

Q: When were you born, and how long have you been in prison and a Christian?

A: I was born on December 2, 1945, in Dallas, Texas. I've been in prison since November 30, 1969, and a Christian since May 23, 1975.

Q: What is the purpose of your outreach?

A: Our purpose is to share the transforming power of God's love with the world. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Jesus should not perish but have everlasting life. That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Those who receive Jesus by accepting His love, grow more complete in the knowledge of Him, so that His perfect love can cast out all their fear.

We hope for the unbeliever to see that it was God's intention from the foundation of the world to bring righteousness, peace and joy to mankind through the act of His love at Calvary. Mankind tries to fill the void in his heart with all the things in the world that can never satisfy. Those who refuse God's love, reject the blood of the cross and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the only One that can fill our hearts with His love, bringing about an intimate relationship with God, our heavenly Father.

We desire for everyone who God places in our path to experience and receive the love of God, so they can overflow with His love, therefore fulfilling what Jesus called the two greatest commandments: That you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind, and you love your neighbor as yourself. That through believing this truth, they will be brought out of defeat and into a victorious Christian life. This brings revival!

Q: Can I purchase or obtain someway one of your art pieces?

A: No. All my art pieces were given as gifts to my family. Besides, it is illegal for me to profit in any way from my notoriety. I don't create any memorabilia, nor respond to autograph requests. BTW, please don't purchase my letters offered for sale on various sites, because I respond freely to most who write me directly.

Prison Life

Q: Do you have a computer?

A: No. I did graduate from a computer course in 1991, but I have absolutely no access to a computer, or the internet in prison.

Q: How are you involved with this outreach?

A: I am in contact with the site administrator through the U.S. Mail. I write the contents for the website, except for the testimonies of friends, articles identified as being written by others, or quotes attributed to others.

Q: Are you safe in prison?

A: Yes. After two years in the county jail and my conviction, I was put on death row in November 1971, which was all-time in isolation. I got off death row in August 1972, and I have always been placed in the safest prison facilities, because of my case factors, especially my notoriety. Pray.

Q: Are you eligible for parole?

A: Yes. I have been eligible for parole since 1976, but the parole board finds me unsuitable for parole because of the notoriety and the severe nature of my crime.

Q: What is your typical day like?

A: I awake early to read, meditate, pray and listen to Christian radio programs, such as Family Radio and others. I eat breakfast and then I go to my assignment as an ADA worker, encouraging the disabled. The prison serves two hot meals daily and issues a sack lunch at breakfast, plus I supplement my diet with food from the prison canteen and quarterly packages. I have been a vegetarian since I was 23 years old, which I believe has helped me stay healthy.

There is a track around the yard that winds past the housing units, canteen, laundry, education, dining halls, work exchange, program office, medical, chapel and the gym. Some inmates play basketball, baseball, football, volleyball or soccer, but I don’t because of my age. I walk the track sharing my faith, relating to many men. I’m often seen listening to Christian music and Bible teachers on the radio as I walk the yard.

Prison visits are allowed on Saturday and Sunday. Bible studies, services and other functions are held in the prison chapel, where we have a vibrant body of believers in Christ. I also spend time listening to the Lord and writing the content for this website.

Ministry Life

Q: Have you actually apologized for your part in the murders?

A: Yes, privately, many times. I apologize publicly in Charles Watson Speaks Out! 

Q: How was Manson able to manipulate you to commit the murders?

A: This often asked question is answered in-depth in my books. He was manipulative, but I take full responsibility for my actions, ignorance, lack of identity, emptiness and choices in life, which left me prey to his deceptive plan. Why the Crimes?

Q: Have you profited from your books and the crime?

A: No, not financially. I have profited in spiritual and emotional ways by being able to share the testimony with so many people. This has been a tremendous blessing over the years. Every fiber of my body is about ministering God's love.

Q: Are you open to doing a book with someone who has a good idea?

A: I've accepted a few Christian projects over the years, such as a chapter for books, but I'm not open to help someone profit from a new book. I receive at least eight to ten requests a year, but I feel the website shares my past sufficiently.

Q: Can I donate to your outreach?

A: We don't take donations, but you can be involved!.

Q: Are you affiliated with Abounding Love Ministries in Louisiana?

A: No, I am not.

Q: Can I write to you personally?

A: Yes, contact Charles.

Questions & Answers