Public Policy Committee

Too often, politics becomes a contest of powerful interests, partisan attacks, sound bites, and media hype. The Catholic Church calls for a different kind of political engagement: one shaped by the moral convictions of well-formed consciences focused on the dignity of every human being, the pursuit of the common good, and the protection of the weak and the vulnerable.

Seeing a need for laity to have a voice in public policy matters, NJCC's Board of Bishops created a public policy committee to work directly with them and NJCC staff on analyzing bills and policy issues to determine what action is needed. 

To ensure equal representation throughout the state, the committee is made up of nineteen members, fourteen of whom are appointed equally by the bishops from each of the seven dioceses. The other five members are at-large members who represent the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic HealthCare Partnership of New Jersey, the Diocesan Directors of Human Resources, the office of the Diocesan Attorneys, and a member with experience in legislative affairs.

The objective of the public policy committee is to liaise with NJCC staff and the Board of Bishops on the following: public policy issues of import to the Church; recommendations for policies, positions, and issues of study, along with resources, such as ad-hoc committees, that are needed to carry out the work of NJCC; assisting and advising on the development and implementation of programs intended to educate parishioners on public policy matters; and inspiring action from the faithful on public policy matters that can affect the Church.