The Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC) based in Richmond, located in the heart of Richmond city, Virginia, serves as the official public policy agency of the Roman Catholic bishops in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Born out of a deep commitment to the principles and teachings of the Catholic faith, the VCC plays a pivotal role in advocating for social justice, promoting the dignity of human life, and shaping public policy decisions throughout the state.
Established in 1989, the VCC represents the two dioceses of Virginia – the Diocese of Richmond and the Diocese of Arlington. With a clear mission of engaging in public affairs on behalf of the Catholic Church, the organization strives to be a moral voice and an instrumental force in promoting the common good by addressing issues of great importance to Virginia's Catholic community and the broader society.
As an agency dedicated to public policy, the VCC focuses on a wide range of critical areas, including education, healthcare, immigration, criminal justice, economic justice, religious freedom, and other key policy issues. Drawing on the rich teachings of the Catholic Church, the VCC seeks to ensure that the voices and concerns of the Catholic community are represented in the legislative process and that policies that align with Catholic social teaching are pursued.
One of the central pillars of the VCC's work is its commitment to defending the sanctity of human life from conception until natural death. As staunch advocates for the unborn, the VCC educates policymakers, lobbies for pro-life legislation, and engages with the Catholic community to foster a culture of life where every human life is valued and protected.
Furthermore, the VCC is dedicated to advancing social and economic justice, aspiring to build a society that upholds the dignity of every individual, especially the marginalized and vulnerable. By promoting policies that address poverty, promote affordable housing, ensure access to quality healthcare, and combat racism and discrimination, the VCC tirelessly endeavors to create a more just and compassionate society, consistent with the Catholic belief in the inherent dignity of every human being.
In its commitment to promoting Catholic values, the VCC actively engages with lawmakers, policymakers, and the broader community through advocacy, education, and collaborative initiatives. By participating in public hearings, meeting with legislators, and organizing events, the VCC fosters dialogue, builds bridges, and raises awareness about the issues that lie at the intersection of faith and public life.
Additionally, the VCC firmly supports the principles of religious freedom, striving to protect the rights of individuals and institutions to practice their faith without undue interference from the government. Through legal advocacy and raising awareness, the VCC works diligently to safeguard the religious liberty of Catholics and all people of faith in Virginia.
In summary, the Virginia Catholic Conference in Richmond exemplifies the transformative power of faith in the public sphere. As an authoritative voice for the Catholic Church, the VCC advocates for policies that reflect the values of compassion, solidarity, and justice, rooted in the teachings of Christ and the Catholic tradition. By tirelessly working to shape public policy decisions, the VCC seeks to create a more equitable and compassionate society that respects the dignity of all, ultimately contributing to the common good of both the Catholic community and the broader citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
