J. R. Woodgates graduated from Northwestern University in 1975 with a degree in broadcast journalism, then enjoyed a long radio career, internationally for 27 years at the Voice of America, locally in Washington, DC for 13 years at WETA part-time. In 2006-7, he experienced nine months as a federal prison inmate, having pled guilty to a single charge of child pornography possession. The formal process of church discipline and restoration Woodgates went through, coupled with the surprising depth of Christian fellowship he enjoyed behind bars, were life-changing. Now, as an advocate for restorative justice, he wants prisoners everywhere to learn about and experience the relief, restoration and empowerment they can enjoy as repentant, forgiven, and blessed sons of the Father. Until 2009, Woodgates was a lifelong Episcopalian (a "preacher's kid"). Today, he is a founding member of the Anglican Church in North America.
