Advocacy
Any human society, if it is to be well-ordered and productive, must lay down as a foundation this principle, namely, that every human being is a person, that is, human nature is endowed with intelligence and free will. Indeed, precisely because one is a person one has rights and obligations flowing directly and simultaneously from one’s very nature. And as these rights and obligations are universal and inviolable, so they cannot in any way be surrendered. Pacem in Terris (“Peace on Earth”), St. Pope John XXIII, 1963 #9.
What is Advocacy? Advocacy is taking action to support a cause or proposal. It encompasses educating and mobilizing citizens, and it involves them in developing and promoting policies they care about.
The Maryland Catholic Conference
The Maryland Catholic Conference advocates for the Church’s public policy positions before the Maryland General Assembly and other civil officials. The Conference represents all three dioceses with territory in the state – the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the Archdiocese of Washington, and the Diocese of Wilmington – and is directed by a Board of Governors that includes all of Maryland’s bishops. Learn how to advocate on local issues affecting Maryland and the counties of the Archdiocese of Washington.
The DC Catholic Conference represents the public policy interests of the Catholic Church that impact people in the District of Columbia and encourages active participation by Catholics in the public square. We work with the local government and the federal government, particularly in support of policies that help those in need and serve the common good. Learn more on how to advocate on local issues affecting the District of Columbia and the Archdiocese of Washington.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
The Office for International Justice and Peace advocates for world issues on behalf of the U. S. bishops. The website includes key documents, legislative priorities and other important advocacy information. Learn more on how to advocate on national issues from guidance of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Catholics Confront Global Poverty Action Center
Catholics Confront Global Poverty (CCGP) is an initiative by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services. It represents the official voice of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States on policy issues related to improving the lives of poor and vulnerable people worldwide. Learn more on how to advocate on international issues affecting our brothers and sisters across the globe. CGP is a joint effort of the USCCB and CRS.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
CRS is the official overseas relief agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. CRS reaches out to people in more than 94 countries and territories around the world to alleviate human suffering and promote peace for poor and disadvantaged people. As the official development agency of the Catholic Church, CRS works through an extensive network of partners around the globe, providing humanitarian relief and development assistance in the fields of health and HIV/AIDS, peace and justice, education, agriculture, microfinance and emergency response.
Questions? For more information contact the Office of Social Concerns.