South Carolina Catholic Conference

We serve as a liaison to state and federal government officials on matters of concern to the Catholic Church. We act as a nonpartisan public policy voice on behalf of the faithful Catholics in the Palmetto state.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of his Church guide the work of the South Carolina Catholic Conference, which through relationships with representatives and agencies of South Carolina government, analyzes the moral dimension of public policies, proclaims the sanctity of life and dignity of the human person, leads decision makers in reaching just solutions, and provides opportunities for Catholics in South Carolina to carry out their responsibility to participate in political life.

A state Catholic Conference is a church agency representing the dioceses within a state in order to provide for the coordination of the public policy concerns of the church. State Catholic Conferences communicate with state governments, other church agencies, non-Catholic churches, and secular agencies. Bishops, priests, religious, and lay persons are involved in the work of the conferences.

Formed in 2013 by the Bishop of Charleston, the South Carolina Catholic Conference is the means by which the bishop and clergy of the state act together on public policy matters for the mutual well-being of the Catholic Church and all citizens throughout the state. By collaborating with political and public organizations, the South Carolina Catholic Conference, inspired by Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church, works at the appropriate level of government for legislation and regulations that reflect the Gospel message of respecting for human life and promoting the common good.

Dedicated to contributing the Church’s message to matters affecting human life, the poor, families, and the common good, the South Carolina Catholic Conference addresses a broad spectrum of issues.

• Protecting Human Life
• Children and Families
• Religious Liberty
• Concern and Respect for the Poor and Powerless
• Immigration
• Poor and Vulnerable
• Health and Human Services
• Criminal Justice
• Education Reform