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March 25, 2025Tallahassee, FL - The Catholic bishops of Florida honored four awardees at the annual Catholic Days at the Capitol breakfast on Wednesday. This year’s award recipients were core partners working alongside the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops to defeat Amendment 4 in November 2024, which would have rolled back legal protections for the unborn in Florida.
Paul Renner, Defensor Dignitatis Award
Paul Renner was honored with the Defensor Dignitatis Award, presented in appreciation for efforts to protect the human dignity of the residents of Florida. Renner served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2015-2024, and as Speaker of the House from 2022-2024. Multiple pro-life initiatives that ensured support for women and young families were accomplished during his tenure, including the Heartbeat Protection Act that ushered in Florida's 6-week abortion limit. When Amendment 4 reached the ballot, Renner gave generously of his political acumen and made a significant financial contribution to help see to its defeat.
Additionally, Renner made universal education savings accounts one of his top priorities as speaker. He oversaw the successful passage of HB 1 in 2023, which expanded access to Florida’s already robust school choice programs to all students, regardless of income, putting Florida ahead of the rest of the US in parental choice in education.
Renner is a U.S. Navy veteran, former prosecutor, and business attorney.
He resides in Palm Coast, Florida with his wife Adriana and their two children.
Drs. Steven and Grazie Christie, Distinguished Catholic Leader Award
Drs. Steven and Grazie Christie received the Thomas A. Horkan, Jr. Distinguished Catholic Leader Award in honor of their determined commitment to the pro-life cause, and especially for their roles in defeating Amendment 4.
Steven Christie, MD specializes in radiology and is a member of the State Board of Medicine. Christie is author of the book, “Speaking for the Unborn: 30-Second Pro-Life Rebuttals to Pro-Life Arguments,” endorsed by notable pro-life leaders, including Archbishop Thomas Wenski and Bishop Robert Barron.
Grazie Christie, MD also specializes in radiology. She is a member of the State Board of Education. Christie is a well-known bilingual speaker on a range of topics. Her writings have been featured in the Washington Post, Newsweek and the Wall Street Journal; she has been a regular commentator on EWTN.
As proponents of Amendment 4 began their ad campaign that distorted Florida abortion laws, the Board of Medicine acted to protect women at risk, releasing public service announcements featuring Dr. Steven Christie. When the Vote No on 4 public communications campaign got into full swing, Dr. Grazie Christie stepped up as the face and medical expert in a key ad highlighting the deceptive nature of the amendment. Together, they valiantly and publicly stood up to defeat Amendment 4, fielding many speaking events and interviews.
The Christies reside near Miami with their five children.
John Sowinski, Distinguished Catholic Leader Award
John Sowinski was presented with the Thomas A. Horkan, Jr. Distinguished Catholic Leader Award in recognition of his instrumental role in defeating Amendment 4 at the ballot box in November 2024. Sowinski is a founding partner of Orlando-based Consensus Communications, has over 30 years of experience in public policy and media relations, and is regarded as the premier expert on statewide referendum campaigns in Florida.
Among the many successes of the Amendment 4 campaign, he identified the most persuasive messages that were used among almost all opponents. He was also able to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders on nearly every aspect of the campaign.
Prior to Amendment 4, Sowinski worked with the bishops on several projects over the years.
Sowinski is a lifelong Catholic who currently resides near Fort Pierce, Florida. He raised three sons with his wife, Patty.# # #
Photos included with release:
Photo 1, L to R: Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami; Speaker Paul Renner; Bishop Erik T. Pohlmeier, Diocese of St. Augustine
Photo 2, L to R: Dr. Steven Christie; Dr. Grazie Christie; Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami
Photo 3, L to R: Bishop John G. Noonan, Diocese of Orlando; Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, Diocese of Palm Beach; John and Patty Sowinski; Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, Archdiocese of MiamiThe Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops is an agency of the Catholic Bishops of Florida. It speaks for the Church in matters of public policy and serves as liaison to the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. The archbishop and bishops of the seven (arch)dioceses in Florida constitute its board of directors.