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Wisconsin Catholic Conference

The Public Policy Voice of the Catholic Church in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) was founded in 1969 by the Bishops of Wisconsin. The Conference seeks to fulfill the vision of the Second Vatican Council, which called upon the Church to be more involved in the world.

With the message of the Gospel and the social teachings of the Church at its foundation, the WCC offers a specifically Catholic contribution to state and federal public policy debates. The Conference also offers a statewide response to issues common to its five dioceses.

Functions of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference

Advocate

Serves as an advocate on matters related to the interests and values of the Church

Analyze

Provides decision makers with studied positions on social and moral issues

Collaborate

Offers a forum to meet and exchange information, and deliberate and recommend policies or actions

Educate

Formulates and publishes opinions and positions on legislation and public policy

WCC Board of Directors

The Bishops of Wisconsin comprise the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference. The President of the Board is the Archbishop of Milwaukee. The Board meets three times a year to review issues and set the WCC’s legislative agenda.

  • Archdiocese of Milwaukee

    • The Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki, Archbishop of Milwaukee, WCC President
    • The Most Reverend Jeffrey R. Haines, Auxiliary Bishop of Milwaukee
    • The Most Reverend James T. Schuerman, Auxiliary Bishop of Milwaukee
    • The Most Reverend Richard J. Sklba, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Milwaukee

  • Diocese of Madison

    • The Most Reverend Donald J. Hying, Bishop of Madison, WCC Vice President

  • Diocese of Green Bay

    • The Most Reverend David L. Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay, WCC Secretary/Treasurer

  • Diocese of La Crosse

    • The Most Reverend William P. Callahan, Bishop of La Crosse

  • Diocese of Superior

    • The Most Reverend James P. Powers, Bishop of Superior

WCC Staff

Barbara Sella has worked at the WCC since 2002, where she covered education, pro-life, and social concerns issues.  She holds a doctorate in Medieval Studies from the University of Toronto.  As WCC Executive Director, she also serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Church Unemployment Pay Program, Inc.

Tia Izzia earned her Master of Public Affairs degree from the University of Wisconsin­ La Follette School of Public Affairs in 2021, while working at the Thompson Center on Public Leadership.  She studied theology and philosophy at Benedictine College and worked in nonprofits serving mothers in need and individuals with disabilities.

David Earleywine is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School.  He interned at the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the Madison City Attorney’s office and worked in Catholic youth formation.  He studied political science and organizational leadership at Carroll University.

For over thirty years, Coyle-Kaufmann has managed the operations of the WCC office. From fielding incoming calls to designing publications, she maintains order and continuity in the office.

Join the Work of the WCC

“As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1915)

The WCC offers many resources and opportunities for Catholics to get involved. The WCC encourages you to prayerfully consider issues close to your heart and those important for your community.

Learn more about these issues using WCC resources and stay up-to-date on news and policy developments. The WCC’s Advocacy Network is one of the best ways to stay updated on notable issues and policy developments. As a part of the Advocacy Network, you will receive special legislative email alerts and the bi-weekly Capitol Update for information on newly introduced legislation, legislative activity, and WCC advocacy. Click here to subscribe today.

Finally, be moved to action. Contact your legislators, be an advocate in your community, and be an active citizen in your government.

Need information on the Church Unemployment Pay Program? Click here…

Church Unemployment Pay