History

The Saint Joseph Foundation began in 1982 as a small group of lay Catholics in San Antonio under the name of Fidelity Forum of Texas. Informing the faithful and assisting them to protect their rights under canon law soon became our primary purpose and Fidelity Forum became the Saint Joseph Foundation on November 1, 1984. Its first office was the founders’ laundry room.

Thirty years later, the Saint Joseph Foundation continues to grow and now operates out of a large farmhouse in eastern Ohio with a full-time staff dedicated to the Church and the protection of her people.

Mission and Work

To Defend Catholic Truth and Uphold Catholic Rights

We strive to assist the faithful in a courteous, professional manner in their relationship to the Church. We accept a variety of cases, including liturgical abuse, marriage, sacrament denial, education, Catholic non-profits, and associations. As a non-profit, we provide all services free of charge, operating on donations. If you have a concern or question, or would like to donate, please fill out our contact form.

Our Team

Charles M. Wilson, M.T.S

Founder

After a career as a sales executive in the printing and packaging industry, Mr. Wilson established the Saint Joseph Foundation in 1984. He is a Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, an associate member of the Canon Law Society of America and serves on the Boards of Directors as well as the advisory committees of several well-known Catholic apostolates.

Charles Wilson, the Saint Joseph Foundation’s founder and longest serving president, passed away on June 10, 2021. Those indebted to Chuck for his tireless defense of the rights of the faithful are innumerable. Our staff were blessed by his friendship and leadership. You can read his obituary here.

Philip C.L. Gray, J.C.L.

President and Canon Lawyer

A lifelong Catholic, dedicated husband and father, and successful business entrepeneur, Philip Gray joined the staff of The St. Joseph Foundation in 1996 as a private consultant in canon law.  His educational background in Canon Law, Theology, Mental Health and Human Services, and Philosophy, has given him a strong basis for his work within the Foundation.  Philip has taught as an adjunct faculty member of Franciscan University of Steubenville since 1998.  He previously served as the Vice President of Catholics United for the Faith, and ran its Information Services and Membership Services programs.  Under his care, the Information Services program answers an average of 800 questions/month, and was considered one of the most robust apologetics and Catholic information services in North America.  In January 2002, he launched a full-time private canon law practice, Professional Canonical Services.  He joined the Board of Directors in 2010 and became president of The St. Joseph Foundation in January 2014.  With the affiliation of Catholics United for the Faith (CUF) to The St. Joseph Foundation in February 2017, Philip became President of CUF as well.

Philip is an accomplished speaker.  He has presented at national, regional, and local conferences and events on a variety of topics.  Philip is available for presentations to audiences of all sizes.