Summary
The Political Power of the Catholic Church. - Cover Story
Two US organizations of Catholic bishops had a $40 million budget solely for political lobbying in 1992. The political influence of these groups has had a profound effect on US family planning programs and other social issues. The church's tax-exempt status enhances its lobbying efficiency.See the full content of this document
Extract
The bishops lobby.
Mention of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops or the United States Catholic Conference draws a blank look from most people, including most Catholics. But to those involved in public policy and political life, the names evoke the power and influence of the Catholic bishops of the United States.
The NCCB and the USCC were established in 1966, just after the Second Vatican Council. The two organizations comprise the approximately 300 active bishops and auxiliary bishops in the United States. On paper, the NCCB and the USCC are separate entities. The NCCB is an ecclesiastical body, with a mission to give the bishops a forum for internal discourse; the USCC (which was preceded by a similar organization called the National Catholic Welfare Conference) is a civil corporati...See the full content of this document
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