D.C. Catholic Conference

What is the DCCC?
The DCCC is an organization established by the Archdiocese of Washington to serve as a forum that communicates and promotes positions that are shaped by Catholic moral and religious beliefs on public issues in the District of Columbia. The DCCC joins over 35 Catholic Conferences nationwide. For more information, contact Ron Jackson, Executive Director, 301-853-5342

Where is the DCCC located?
The DCCC is located at the Pastoral Center, 5001 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782 or PO Box 29260, Washington, DC 20017.

What are the goals of the DCCC?
To provide Catholic moral leadership and vision in the area of public policy in the District of Columbia.

To represent and speak for the Archdiocese of Washington before all branches of the D.C government and the federal government as required and other organizations on all matters pertinent to public policy in the District of Columbia; and

To enable effective participation and representation of Catholics from parishes, Archdiocesan agencies, and institutions in the shaping of public policy in the District of Columbia.

How are issues and priorities for advocacy determined?
The mission of the DCCC is to identify, analyze and review public policy issues for their social and moral dimensions, measuring the public policies against Gospel values that are the essence of our Catholic social teachings. Priorities for advocacy are then set based on these parameters.

The Church has a long history of advocating on behalf of the poor, the needy, and victims of injustice. As a faith community we support policies and legislative initiatives that promote the sanctity of human life and human dignity from conception to grave. Generally, the Conference will address matters regarding family life; social needs programs; health-care matters, pro-life and social justice issues. By joining in the public debate we attempt to provide greater opportunity for individuals to improve the quality of their lives.

There are many issues that clamor for our attention - the death penalty initiative, abortion, the destruction of the family and family values; treatment of men and women confined in our jails; welfare and health-care reform; homelessness, hunger, joblessness, the lack of affordable housing, chaos in many of our public school; crime and violence, the availability of resources and treatment for the care of the mentally ill, the mentally retarded and the developmentally disabled. We recognize that we cannot advocate on behalf of every issue at one time. Therefore, the Board's direction is critical to the success of the Conference.

What is the role of the Executive Director?
The Executive Director is responsible to the Cardinal and Bishops to develop recommendations for Conference positions and initiatives; execute Conference policy decisions and initiatives with support from other Archdiocesan offices and manage the daily operations of the Conference. The Executive Director serves as the principal spokesperson for the Conference.

Who provides staff assistance to the DCCC?
Staff assistance is provided to the Board and the Executive Director by the Catholic Schools Office, Pro-Life Office, Office of Social Development, Office of Black Catholics, and the Office of Hispanic Affairs, as issues warrant.