CCI Executive Director Robert Gilligan hosts the Catholic Conference Radio Hour on the third Monday of the month on Relevant Radio. Gilligan discusses current public policy issues affecting the Church with experts and newsmakers.
Mark Fleming of the National Immigrant Justice Center joins Bob to talk about the current push for comprehensive federal immigration reform, as outlined in the Senate's "Gang of Eight" legislation. Next, Margie Manczko Breen of the Archdiocese of Chicago's Respect Life Office discusses the guilty verdict in the trial of Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell. To close out the show, Dave Smith, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute, talks about the various marriage rallies his group has been hosting in targeted legislative districts as state lawmakers enter the final two weeks of the legislative session.
Bishop Lance Davis of the African-American Clergy Coalition joins Bob to talk about the fight against redefinition of marriage efforts in the form of Senate Bill 10. Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran adds to the discussion by telling how he sees the importance of marriage and a strong family in his work. Sr. Lisa Polega of the Archdiocese of Chicago's Immigrant Affairs & Immigration Education talks about a campaign for federal immigration reform called "Together as Brothers and Sisters."
Bob first talks with Bishop Larry Trotter of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church of Chicago who is also heading up a coalition of African-American clergy in the Chicagoland area opposing redefinition of marriage efforts in the Illinois legislature. Betsy Clarke, president and founder of the Juvenile Justice Initiative, joins Bob to talk about needed reforms to the juvenile justice system, which CCI supports. To close out the show, Mary Ann Bibat of the Community Care Program at Catholic Charities in Chicago tells how all providers of the CCP program were notified by the state Department on Aging that they won’t get paid after March 15 because the DoA has run out of money for the program.
It's another Marriage Monday, as the Illinois House Executive Committee is expected to take up and approve redefinition of marriage legislation tomorrow. Bob talks first to the Rev. Eugene Rivers of Boston, who rose to national prominence several years ago because of his work against gang activity. Now he's working against redefinition of marriage efforts. Next, newly elected state Rep. Jeanne Ives, R-Wheaton, talks about the upcoming vote in the House on Senate Bill 10, which redefines marriage. To close out the show, Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse joins Bob. Morse is the founder and director of the Ruth Institute, which promotes the benefits of life-long, traditional marriage to college students.
