Crisis What Crisis?

87. Jonathan Aitken on prison, priesthood and purpose

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Episode notes

In this episode I’m joined by former government minister, author, ordained prison chaplain and priest and, like me, a former inmate of Belmarsh prison - the Reverend Jonathan Aitken. Having survived and thrived over eight decades of triumph and crisis, Jonathan has a lifetime of stories to tell and wisdom to impart.  
From spending childhood years battling TB to working as a reporter in Saigon; to being tipped as a future Prime Minister described as ‘not just gilded but golden’ from pleading guilty and being sentenced for perjury, to finding faith and rebuilding his life’s purpose as a priest - Jonathan has seen and been through it all.  
Jonathan’s most recent crisis almost claimed his life. But, throughout it all he has pushed on and pushed through with a sense of resilience – and an incredible rate of productivity - that is truly inspiring and from which I think we can all learn.  
Thank you, Jonathan.  

Links    
Aitken is a trustee of the Saïd Foundation, McDonald Agape Foundation, and Trinity Forum Europe. Aitken is Honorary President of Tempus Novo and Patron of CSW.
Aitken is the founder of Chance to Change Foundation/Friends of Pentonville.  

Books
Letters for the Ages Behind Bars: Letters from History's Most Famous Prisoners, 2024.
Doing Time: A spiritual survival guide, 2021.
Porridge and Passion, 2005.
Pride and Perjury, 2000.  

Stream/buy ‘Allies’ by Some Velvet Morning: https://ampl.ink/qp6bm    
Some Velvet Morning Website: www.somevelvetmorning.co.uk      
Your Daily Practice: Sleep by Myndstream: https://open.spotify.com/track/5OX9XgJufFz9g63o2Dv2i5?si=b2f9397c92084682  

Host – Andy Coulson   
CWC team: Jane Sankey, Louise Difford, Zach Ellis and Mabel Pickering   
With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global      

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