In the latest episode of Good Faith, host Curtis Chang is joined by award-winning journalist Barbara Bradley Hagerty to delve into a powerful and eye-opening conversation with Ben Spencer, an innocent man who was wrongfully imprisoned for 34 years. Ben’s story of faith, resilience, and eventual exoneration sheds light on critical issues within the American justice system, particularly the devastating impact of wrongful convictions and systemic failures.

Ben’s wrongful incarceration is a stark reminder of the flaws in the justice system, especially for marginalized communities. With the lack of DNA evidence to exonerate him earlier, Ben’s case underscores the deep structural flaws that allow innocent people to remain behind bars for years. His wrongful conviction points to a justice system that, too often, overlooks marginalized voices and fails to provide adequate safeguards for the innocent.

Through the tireless work of the innocence movement and the crucial role of investigative journalism, Ben’s case was re-examined, and the truth was finally revealed. His exoneration is a testament to the power of persistence, but also to the spiritual growth that took place within him during his decades-long ordeal. Despite the injustice he faced, Ben’s unwavering faith and commitment to forgiveness became a central force in his ability to move forward.

Ben’s story isn’t just about the structural failures of the justice system; it’s also about the grace and reconciliation that followed. His journey is a powerful example of the importance of forgiveness. In a world often defined by division and injustice, Ben’s story offers a hopeful message about the potential for spiritual transformation in the face of adversity.

Curtis and Barbara’s reflection highlights how faith and resilience can transcend the worst of circumstances. The podcast explores the broader implications of Ben’s exoneration, urging listeners to consider the need for reform and accountability within the justice system—especially as it pertains to the most vulnerable. In the end, Ben’s story is one of reconciliation, justice, and the unshakable belief that even in the face of profound injustice, God’s grace and redemption can triumph.

This excerpt has been edited for length and clarity.

Ben Spencer: God has this ability to work in our lives if we allow Him to come in. Throughout my ordeal I started off praying, even before I knew who my accusers were. I only knew that I had some neighbors who claimed to have seen me the night of the offense. They didn’t give me any names or anything, but I began to pray for whoever these people were.

And then, a few months after I had been incarcerated, I find out who they were, and they weren’t enemies of mine. These were people that I saw every day before I was arrested. These were people that I helped when I had an opportunity to. I could have started to hate them. But I had started praying for them even long before I knew who they were. And people ask me, ‘how do you be so forgiving? How do you not have bitterness or hatred against these people?’ And the simple answer is it’s hard to hate someone that you actually pray for and you mean it.

And so, in praying for them, of course I started praying that they would tell the truth, that God would open their hearts and that they would tell the truth and release themselves from this burden of guilt and shame that they brought on themselves by telling these lies, but they never came forward, at least back then. It would be 30-something years before the truth actually came out. But I honestly prayed for them and I meant every word that I said in those prayers.