Texas Catholic Conference

The Texas Catholic Conference is the association of the 15 ordinary Roman Catholic Bishops of Texas. A major function of the Conference is to be the public policy arm of the Bishops of Texas, before the Texas Legislature, the Texas delegation in Congress, and state agencies. The public policy issues addressed by the Conference include institutional concerns of the Catholic Church and issues related to Catholic Social teaching.

81^st Legislative Session Priorities

• Life Issues: Our foundational principle to protect the life and dignity of all human persons calls us to work to end abortion, euthanasia, destruction of human embryos, cloning and assisted suicide.
• Immigration: We recognize the historic and present day contributions of immigrants in Texas by supporting their ability to work in a healthy environment in order to provide for their families and continue their valuable participation in the community.
• Education: We recognize parents as the primary educators of their children through supporting parental choice in education.
• Health and Human Services: We show God’s special concern for the poor and vulnerable by supporting programs that make health care more affordable and accessible while providing incentives, environmental protections and for morally appropriate health research.
• Criminal Justice Reform: We support fiscal and moral reform in our state’s criminal justice system with the emphasis on ending the death penalty and supporting successful rehabilitation and reintegration of those re-entering society.

Legislative Advocacy Days are an opportunity for Catholics around the state to participate in the political process by voicing the concerns of the Texas Bishops.

• February 17^th is Charity and Justice Day: The day will focus on Immigration, Health and Human Services, and Criminal Justice priorities.
• March 31^st is Life and Family Life Day: The day will focus on Life and education priorities.

If you would like to participate in one or both of these days either at the Capitol or at home please contact Pat Macy at 218-1183.