The Missouri Catholic Conference is the public policy agency of the Catholic Church in Missouri. We promote the common good by advocating for public policy that upholds the sanctity and dignity of all human life.
For women or families in crisis please click here for a list of resources available by diocese.
Prayer to Defeat Missouri Abortion Initiative
All Catholics are encouraged to pray for the defeat of the abortion initiative. To read the prayer please click here.
To learn more about the abortion initiative petition click here.
For women or families in crisis please click here for a list of resources available by diocese.
Realism with hope, prayer brings new life
Podcast: Jimmy Akin
The Missouri Catholic Conference had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Jimmy Akin about civility and politics. Jimmy Akin is a senior Apologist at Catholic Answers and hosts Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World. You can listen to the podcast here.
Missouri Abortion Amendment 3
Deceptive – Extreme
Jeopardizes Women’s Health
On August 13, 2024, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcoft, issued a Certificate of Sufficiency, that placed the deceptive and extreme abortion amendment (Amendment 3) on the November ballot. The Missouri Catholic Conference strongly opposes this misleading amendment which seeks to enshrine abortion in the Missouri Constitution. Please read our press release here: Amendment 3 News Release
Podcast: MO House Chaplain
Msgr. Robert Kurwicki, the Vicar General for the Diocese of Jefferson City, is the Chaplain to the Missouri House of Representatives. Msgr. Kurwicki discusses what it’s like to be a Catholic Priest and to serve as the Chaplain in state government. You can listen to the podcast here.
Podcast: The Catholic Church and Annulments
The Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Jefferson City, Fr. Brad Berhorst, JCL, JV, discusses annulments. Many Catholics confuse civil divorce with the Catholic Church’s declaration of annulment. Fr. Berhorst discusses the differences, what constitutes a valid marriage, reasons that create an impediment to a valid marriage, and the annulment process. You can listen to the podcast here.
Podcast: Hope and Healing after Abortion
Chuck and Linda Raymond discuss the lingering pain and guilt felt by women and men after an abortion. This podcast covers how to find healing and hope as individuals and couples and what resources are available through the Catholic church to help those who are wounded by abortion. You can listen to the podcast here. Resources by diocese for women and families can be found here.
Podcast: Bishop Edward Rice
Bishop Edward Rice, of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, gave an impassioned pro-life homily during Mass at the Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter, at the end of the Midwest March for Life on May 1, 2024 in Jefferson City, MO. You can listen to the podcast here.
Easter Guide
MO Attorney General Enacts Age Verification for Pornography Websites
Bipartisan Bill Would Allow Foreign Religious Workers to Keep Serving in the US
USCCB Ending Cooperative Agreements with Federal Government Related to Children’s Services and Refugee Support
Request a Speaker
The staff of the Missouri Catholic Conference is available to discuss with your parish, organization or group about what is happening at the Missouri Capitol, legislation, or the Catholic Church’s position on numerous topics. Each member of our staff can talk on a variety of issues. Listed below are their most requested topics. If you do not see a specific issue you are interested in, please contact our office so we can discuss your selected topic.
Jamie Morris, Executive Director and General Counsel
Most requested topics include Pro-Life Issues, Faithful Citizenship, Religious Liberty, Family, Education, and Legislation.
Curtis Wichmer, Legislative Analyst
Most requested topics include Criminal Justice, the Death Penalty, Social Programs, Pornography Regulations, and Catholic Social Teaching.
Guillermo Villa Trueba, PhD, Hispanic Outreach Manager
Most requested topics include Immigration, Refugees, Catholic Social Teaching, and Religious Liberty. Dr. Villa Trueba’s talks can be given in Spanish or English.