The Rev. Daniel Berrigan, a non-violent activist and poet, will kick-off the 1999-2000 breakfast forum series for the Center for Church/State Studies at DePaul University. The first forum will be held at 8 a.m., Sept. 23 at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd. Berrigan will draw on his experience as a peaceful man of action in his forum address, "The Sovereignty of God, Peacemaking and the Courts."

A Jesuit priest and recognized figure in the peace movement, Berrigan became a leading critic of America’s war on Vietnam during the 1960’s. He worked with his brother Philip to forge the prophetic strategies of non-violent, conscientious resistance. He has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless anti-war advocacy.

Berrigan, who marched with Martin Luther King during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, has published more than 50 books of prose and poetry. His works include "Time Without Number," "Night Flight To Hanoi," "Trial Poems," and his autobiography, "To Dwell in Peace."

The Center for Church/State Studies provides a forum for the discussion and study of critical issues involving religion, government and the law in the belief that both church and state benefit from a dispassionate, scholarly analysis of church/state legal issues. The center is non-denominational and does not assume positions on constitutional issues or become involved in litigation.

The forum is free and open to the public. Reporters wishing to cover the event should contact Valerie Phillips at 312/362-5039.