Speakers Bios
Read All About Our Speakers
On Our Guest List…. Arranged Alphabetically - please scroll to see all
Raymond Arroyo:
Raymond Arroyo is an internationally recognized, award-winning journalist, producer, and best-selling author, seen each week in more than 100 million homes around the globe. He has worked for the Associated Press, the political columnist team of Evans and Novak, and as a Capitol Hill Correspondent. He studied under theatre luminaries Stella Adler, Uta Hagen, and Beatrice Straight. He acted and directed in New York and London.
Arroyo holds the distinction of a landmark interview with Pope Benedict XVI: the only English language conversation ever recorded with the pontiff.
Arroyo is the producer of the best-selling, all star, audio Bible, "The Word of Promise" (Thomas Nelson). He is also executive producer of "The Birth of Christ" (Sony Classics), the billboard topping Christmas Cantata that premiered on PBS during the 2007 Christmas season.
Arroyo and his work have been featured on "The Today Show", "Good Morning America", "Hannity and Colmes", "Access Hollywood", “CNN Headline News”, "The Laura Ingraham Show", and other programs. His writings have been published by Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Times, The Financial Times, and The National Catholic Register. A graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Arroyo is author of the New York Times Bestsellers: Mother Angelica: The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve and a Network of Miracles (Doubleday) and Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality (Doubleday).
Stephanie Block
Stephanie Block is the editor of Los Pequeños de Cristo’s monthly publication The Pepper and specializes in issues concerning Catholic social justice. Ms. Block lives in New Mexico with her husband, children and grandchildren.
Ms. Block is one of the leading experts on Alinsky Community Organizing tactics.
“In this case, collection moneys are being used to hire and pay for “community organizers” from the Chicago based IAF, in the name of “Social Justice”. The IAF (Industrial Areas Foundation) who describes itself, on its own web site, as “… proudly, publicly, and persistently political”, was founded by Saul Alinsky who dedicated his book, “Rules for Radicals” to Lucifer, "the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom.".
Stephanie Block is a member of the Catholic Media Coalition an organization of Catholic writers, webmasters, editors, and others engaged in producing media for and about the Catholic Church. She has studied and written extensively in Catholic publications on the Marxist socialist’s movement in the contemporary church. She has extensive background and knowledge of the tactics and operations of the AIF and provided detailed early warnings on the coming ACORN-CHD scandal. At least 6 large USA Catholic Dioceses refused to participate in the ’09 CCHD collection pending further information about red flags raised by many researchers such as Ms. Block.
Phil Burress:
From Volunteer to President: In the early days of the organization, Citizens for Community Values (CCV) relied heavily on volunteers -—not just for grassroots activism, but even for routine office work. One of the earliest volunteers, willing to help in any capacity, was a young independent businessman, Phil Burress. Phil’s zeal for the mission of CCV stemmed from his personal experience and gratitude. Just a few years earlier, Phil committed his life to Christ, and in doing so turned away from a 25-year addiction to pornography. Phil knew firsthand what a devastating affect pornography could have on an individual and his family. And he was determined to do whatever he could to prevent others from experiencing such devastation.
Burress’ background seemed to uniquely qualify him for pro-family activism.
During his years as a union chairman, he had developed strong team-building
and negotiating skills. As an independent businessman, he had learned to stretch his resources. From willing volunteer he progressed to a member of the Board of Directors, and then through several staff positions. in 1991, he became president of CCV, the position which he still holds.
Today, Phil is recognized nationally as one of the most effective leaders in the pro-family movement. Much in demand as a seminar facilitator and speaker, Phil travels extensively to share his expertise with communities across the nation, especially in the area of curbing the harmful effects of sexually oriented businesses. CCV’s successful campaigns have distinguished Phil as a national spokesperson for the family, and he has appeared on numerous talk shows, including World News Tonight, Larry King Live, MSNBC, Good Morning America, CNBC & Fox News
In a 2002 Cincinnati Enquirer article Mr. Burress explains his passion for his work. Burress is a former Union Negotiator, a skill he brings with him to unite and motivate the pro-life/pro-family groups around Ohio into a formidable force which stand ready to defend and protect the Christian Values which have made America the great nation it is.
Besides his leadership role with CCV, Phil sits on the Focus on the Family and Family Research Council board of directors.
Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Fr. Robert Imbelli, a Boston College associate professor of Theology as published in L’Osservatore Romano writes:
“In effect, Archbishop Chaput is setting before his compatriots the same challenge that St. Paul posed to his fellow citizens of the Roman Empire. “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, acceptable, and perfect” (Rom 12:2). ….
In a final chapter the author engages some pressing pastoral issues regarding access to the Eucharist on the part of public figures who advocate positions the church holds to be intrinsically evil, like abortion. The Archbishop’s approach is both pastorally sensitive and theologically cogent. It will help bring clarity to the ongoing conversation and discernment in this delicate matter – one which must be addressed for the sake of the integrity of the faith.”
The New York Post says the following about the Archbishop’s views
"Ultimately," Chaput writes in "Render Under Caesar," "I believe that all of us who call ourselves American and Catholic need to recover what it really means to be 'Catholic'."
And in the book, he leads the way, warning that "when the church leaders refrain from helping political leaders see their moral responsibilities, their lack of action implies that religion has nothing to say to the public square." With Chaput on the scene, no Catholic - including those named Kennedy - should misunderstand.”
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput was born 1944, in Kansas. He joined the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, St. Augustine Province, in 1965. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from St. Fidelis College Seminary in Herman, Pennsylvania, in 1967, Archbishop Chaput completed Studies in Psychology at Catholic University in Washington D.C., in 1969. He earned a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Capuchin College in Washington D.C., in 1970 and was ordained to the priesthood on August 29, 1970.
In 1977, Archbishop Chaput became pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Thornton, Colorado, and vicar provincial for the Capuchin Province of Mid-America. He was named secretary and treasurer for the province in 1980, and he became chief executive and provincial minister three years later.
Archbishop Chaput was ordained Bishop of Rapid City, South Dakota, on July 26, 1988. Pope John Paul II appointed him Archbishop of Denver on February 18, 1997. As member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe, Archbishop Chaput is the second Native American to be ordained bishop in the United States, and the first Native American archbishop.
Books:
“ Render Unto Caesar” Serving the Nation by Living Our Catholic Beliefs In Political Life
"Living
the Catholic Faith: Rediscovering the Basics"
The Archbishop’s books and publications will be on sale at the Symposium
Dinesh D’Souza
Author, Commentator, Policy Advisor and probably one of the greatest minds of our time. Mr. D’Souza will be in Cleveland to inspire and motivate us when he participates in a one of a kind symposium “Bringing America Back to Life” presented by Cleveland Right To Life, Inc.
Mr D’Souza’s visit will coincide with the release of his newest book “Life after Death: The Evidence” which will be on sale at the Symposium.
D’Souza who is best know for his reasoned, scholarly yet layman’s prose that has enthralled and enriched millions of readers around the world. He has taken on such atheists as Dawkins and Singer and with inspired logic has demolished their atheistic view of the world. The impact of his work on society has been likened to that of C.S. Lewis.
What people are saying about his work:
“LIFE AFTER DEATH THE EVIDENCE”
“From the moment I started reading Life After Death, I found myself compelled and enthralled. This is an important and fascinating book that will reinforce the faith of the believer and enlighten and challenge even the most hardened skeptic.” 
Michael Medved, nationally syndicated radio host
Michael Medved, nationally syndicated radio host“A brilliant investigation of the fascinating and crucial issue of what happens when we die. It is an inquiry conducted on the basis of scholarship and reason and it provides a convincing answer that is explosive in its impact.”
Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life
“WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT CHRISTIANITY”
“With scholarship and eloquence that reminds me of C. S. Lewis, Dinesh D’Souza addresses the urgent questions of our time, such as ‘Is Christianity believable in the face of the discoveries of modern science and modern scholarship?’ His answer is a resounding yes. More than a decisive refutation of atheist attacks, this is a powerful, affirming, genuinely exciting argument for Christianity. You may want to carry this one around with you.” Reverend Robert H. Schuller
“WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT AMERICA”
This book is convincing, eye-opening, and ultimately uplifting. Buy it, and consider yourself lucky. Ben Stein, TV host of Win Ben Stein’s Money
Dr. David Forte:
David F. Forte is Professor of Law at Cleveland State University, where he was the inaugural holder of the Charles R. Emrick, Jr.- Calfee Halter & Griswold Endowed Chair. He holds degrees from Harvard College, Manchester University, England, the University of Toronto and Columbia University.
During the Reagan administration, Professor Forte served as chief counsel to the United States delegation to the United Nations and alternate delegate to the Security Council. He has authored a number of briefs before the United States Supreme Court, and has frequently testified before the United States Congress and consulted with the Department of State on human rights and international affairs issues. His advice was specifically sought on the approval of the Genocide Convention, on world-wide religious persecution, and Islamic extremism. He has appeared and spoken frequently on radio and television, both nationally and internationally.
In 2003, Dr. Forte was a Distinguished Fulbright Chair at the University of Trento and returned there in 2004 as a Visiting Professor. For the academic year, 2008-2009, Professor Forte was Senior Visiting Scholar at the Center for the Study of Religion and the Constitution in at the Witherspoon Institute in Princeton, New Jersey. He has given over 300 invited addresses and papers at more than 100 academic institutions.
Professor Forte was a Bradley Scholar at the Heritage Foundation, and Visiting Scholar at the Liberty Fund. He has been President of the Ohio Association of Scholars, is on the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Society, and is also adjunct Scholar at the Ashbrook Institute. He has been appointed to the Ohio State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
Hugh Hewitt:
Professor Hugh Hewitt is a law professor and broadcast journalist whose nationally syndicated radio show is heard in more than 120 cities across the United States every weekday afternoon. Professor Hewitt is a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School, and has been teaching Constitutional Law at Chapman University Law School since it opened in 1995. Professor Hewitt is a frequent guest on CNN, Fox News Network, and MSNBC, and has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times. He has received three Emmys for his work as co-host of the ground-breaking Life & Times program, a nightly news and public affairs program that aired on the Los Angeles PBS affiliate, KCET, from 1992 until 2007. Professor Hewitt also conceived and hosted the 1996 PBS series, Searching for God in America. He is the author of eight books, including two New York Times best-sellers. His most recent books are Blog: Understanding the Information Reformation That is Changing Your World and A Mormon in the White House?
Professor Hewitt served for nearly six years in the Reagan Administration in a variety of posts, including Assistant Counsel in the White House and Special Assistant to two Attorneys General. Since returning to California in 1989 to oversee the construction of the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, Hewitt has served as a member of the California Arts Council, the South Coast Air management District, and the Orange County Children and Families Commission. He and his wife live in Orange County.
Hewitt’s passions are the Cleveland Browns and Indians, Ohio State and Notre Dame college football and running.
Immaculée Ilibagiza:
Immaculée Ilibagiza is a living example of faith put into action. Her life was transformed dramatically during the 1994 Rwandan genocide where she and seven other women spent 91 days huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor's house. Immaculée entered the bathroom a vibrant, 115-pound university student with a loving family - she emerged weighing just 65 pounds to find most of her family had been brutally murdered.
Immaculée credits her salvage mostly to prayer. Anger and resentment about her situation were literally eating her alive and destroying her faith, but rather than succumbing to the rage that she felt, Immaculée instead turned to prayer. Immaculée found solace and peace in prayer and began to pray from the time she opened her eyes in the morning to the time she closed her eyes at night
Immaculée's strength in her faith empowered her to stare down a man armed with a machete threatening to kill her during her escape. She also later came face to face with the killer of her mother and her brother and said the unthinkable, "I forgive you." Immaculée knew, while in hiding, that she would have to overcome immeasurable odds without her family and with her country destroyed. Fortunately, Immaculée utilized her time in that tiny bathroom to teach herself English with only The Bible and a dictionary; once freed she was able to secure a job with the United Nations.
Today Immaculée is regarded as one of world's leading speakers on peace, faith, and forgiveness. She has shared her universal message with world dignitaries, school children, multinational corporations, churches, and at many conferences. Immaculée works hard to spread her message and to raise money for her Left to Tell Charitable Fund which directly benefits the children orphaned by the genocide.
Immaculée's first book, Left to Tell; Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust (Hay House) was released in March of 2006. Left to Tell quickly became a New York Times Best Seller. To date it has been translated into fifteen languages worldwide.
Professor Patrick Lee
Patrick Lee is the John N. and Jamie D. McAleer Professor of Bioethics and the director of the Institute of Bioethics at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is known nationally as a keynote speaker and author on contemporary ethics, especially on marriage and the value of human life.
Lee was born and raised in Dallas Texas. In 1992 Lee began teaching philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. In 2007 he was appointed to direct Franciscan University’s Institute of Bioethics, which hosts annual conferences and offers specific classes on contemporary ethical issues for healthcare professionals and the general public. As director, Lee defends and articulates the natural law theory’s positions on human life and marriage through his writings, debates, and public speaking engagements. His expertise includes such hot-button bioethical issues as abortion, embryonic stem-cell research, euthanasia, sexual morality, and same-sex unions.
His books include Body-Self Dualism in Contemporary Ethics and Politics: (Cambridge University Press) with Dr. Robert P. George of Princeton University, and Abortion and Unborn Human Life (Catholic University of America Press). He has published over 40 articles in refereed journals or books, and is a regular contributor to popular publications such as First Things, National Review Online, New Atlantis, and The Public Discourse.
Lee has recently lectured or debated at Boston University, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Wisconsin at Wausau, Baylor University, Fordham University, and Princeton University. He is a member of the American Catholic Philosophical Association, the Society of Christian Philosophers, and the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars. Lee delivered the Olaf Tollefsen lecture at St. Anselm's College in New Hampshire in 2003 and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition Lecture at University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas in 2005. In 2006 he was presented the Cardinal Wright
Star Parker
Star Parker is the founder and president of CURE, the Coalition on Urban Renewal & Education, a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides national dialogue on issues of race and poverty in the media, inner city neighborhoods, and public policy.
Prior to her involvement in social activism, Star Parker was a single welfare mother in Los Angeles, California. After receiving Christ, Star returned to college, received a BS degree in marketing and launched an urban Christian magazine.
The 1992 Los Angeles riots destroyed her business, yet served as a springboard for her focus on faith-based and free market alternatives to empower the lives of the poor. As a social policy consultant, Star Parker gives regular testimony before the US Congress, and is a national expert on major television and radio shows across the country.
Currently, Star is a regular commentator on CNN, MSNBC, and FOX News. She debated Jesse Jackson on BET; fought for school choice on Larry King Live; and defended welfare reform on the Oprah Winfrey Show.
Major accomplishments include co-producing a documentary on welfare reform with the BBC in London Star Parker's personal transformation from welfare fraud to conservative crusader has been chronicled by ABC's 20/20 Readers Digest; Dr. James Dobson; The Washington Times and many others
Articles and quotes by Star have appeared in major publications including the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and the New York Times. Her autobiography "Pimps, Whores & Welfare Brats" was released in 1997 by Pocket Books and her new book, "Uncle Sam's Plantation" is released by Thomas Nelson in the fall of 2003.
Andrew Trew:
Is a lawyer, bioethicists and arbitrator, originally from England. His terminal degree is in law from the University of Bristol in England. He holds a diploma in European Law (University of Amsterdam), and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He received his clinical training in Bioethics at the Cleveland Clinic where he was International Scholar in the Bioethics Department, and is a member of the Institutional Review Board. He currently teaches Bioethics at St Mary Seminary Cleveland and at John Carroll University.
Professor Andrew Trew teaches Bioethics at St Mary Seminary Cleveland, received his clinical training in Bioethics at the Cleveland Clinic where he is a Member of the IRB and was recently Chairman of the Regional Hospitals’ IRB. He is a Member of Bishop Lennon’s Medical Moral Committee, and has been invited to participate in Pontifical Academy for Life events in the Vatican. Professor Trew is a Contributing Writer for “Design World” magazine,( 2008-) writing on business ethics, medical innovations, patents and copyright issues. He is a member, Cleveland Clinic IRB and Case University/University Hospitals Outside Interests Committee.
Dr. Paul Wright MD.
Dr. Paul Wright _ First met Mother Teresa in 1992 at the Beato Juan Diego shelter, a homeless shelter run by the Missionaries of Charity. He began treating Mother Teresa in 1994. Dr. Wright received the 2003 Voice of Hope Award, which is given to an individual who reveals excellence, creativity and leadership in charity and justice. In 2004 he received the Thomas A. Dooley Award from the Notre Dame Alumni Association. This award is bestowed upon an alumnus who has shown exceptional service and care for humanity.
Wright is a cardiologist and graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He lives in Brookfield, Ohio, with his wife and daughter. His first ever book has recently been released “Mother Teresa’s Prescription: Finding Happiness and Peace in Service” and reveals his experience with this saintly woman.
He says of Mother Teresa that he thought his medical skills would help to cure her ailments; instead “she cured me …“She cured me …Mother’s prescription will empower you …this healthy new life will help you grow in love and compassion.”
