Wilberforce Award to Be Given to Os Guinness
Chuck Colson received the Wilberforce Award in 1988, an honor first given to Benigno Aquino Jr., a leader in the Philippine opposition who opposed the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. Aquino’s efforts were tragically cut short when he was assassinated while advocating for freedom in the Philippines. At the time of Colson’s acceptance, he noted that Aquino exemplified faith in action, much like the award’s namesake, abolitionist William Wilberforce. Since then, the Colson Center has honored many individuals with this award, recognizing their substantial impacts across various fields.
This year, Os Guinness is set to receive the 2026 Wilberforce Award at the Colson Center National Conference being held in Knoxville, Tennessee. Guinness, a descendant of the Dublin brewing family, was born in China during World War II. His early years were tumultuous, marked by conflict, the rise of communism, and personal losses. He returned to Europe after being deported in 1951. Later, he pursued a Doctorate of Philosophy at Oxford University, further shaping his beliefs at Francis Schaeffer University in the Swiss Alps.
Grounded in a Christian worldview, Guinness has spent decades tackling significant societal issues. In 1991, he established the Trinity Forum, focusing on Christian spiritual growth. A strong advocate for religious freedom, he co-authored the 1988 Williamsburg Charter, which reaffirmed the First Amendment, as well as the World Charter of Conscience presented to the European Union Parliament in 2012.
In the documentary Truth Rising, associated with the Colson Center, Guinness discusses the current “civilizational moment.” He articulates that this is a time of crisis where inspiration seems lost. “We’ve lost our fundamental inspiration, our original dynamism,” he remarks. This leads to a crossroads: update, replace, or discard the core ideals that shaped our civilization.
Guinness emphasizes the necessity for individuals who boldly share the gospel. In his book Impossible People, he notes that regardless of cultural shifts around us, we cannot falter in our mission.
His best-selling work stresses the importance of discovering one’s central purpose in life, urging a serious reflection on the times we live in. He encourages hard work for the glory of a higher purpose, positioning himself as a powerful voice like past champions such as Wilberforce and Colson.
To learn more about Os Guinness and his journey, viewers may want to explore his documentary Truth Rising or read any of his numerous books. Each piece is valuable for grasping the current cultural climate and our roles within it. Additionally, there’s an option to join the upcoming 2026 Colson Center National Conference.
This initiative aims to highlight the Wilberforce Prize and its significance in today’s world.
