We are Faithful Citizens.
As Catholics, we are called to promote and advocate for the common good.
Our History
In 1976, Raymond G. Hunthausen, Archbishop of Seattle, formalized the Washington State Catholic Conference (WSCC) in order to foster a unified Catholic voice on public policy issues. Archbishop Hunthausen, Bishop Bernard Topel of Spokane, Rev. Fred Brenner, temporary administrator of the Diocese of Yakima, and Auxiliary Bishop Nicholas Walsh of the Archdiocese of Seattle were among those on the initial WSCC Board of Directors.
On July 1, 1976, Rev. Harvey MacIntyre was appointed as the first executive director of the WSCC and served until his resignation in 1987. Mr. Ned Dolejsi succeeded him and served for nine years. In 1997, Sr. Sharon Park, OP, was appointed executive director and served until retiring in the fall of 2017. Joe Sprague served as the executive director from 2017 to 2019, and Mario Villanueva served from 2019 to 2023. The current WSCC executive director is Jean Welch Hill, and she was appointed in 2023.
Fr. Harvey McIntyre, first Executive Director of the WSCC, with Governor John Spellman, circa 1983.
From its founding, the WSCC has sought to protect and uphold the sanctity and dignity of human life at every stage by opposing expansion of abortion, legalization of assisted suicide, and ongoing use of the death penalty, and supporting efforts to reduce poverty fund needed public services and protect creation from environmental degradation.
The WSCC continues to work for the common good and to create a society that recognizes the dignity of every human person by advocating for human life, education, social justice, and religious freedom in accord with the Gospel mandates and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Sr. Sharon Park OP, Executive Director 1997-2017, began her journey with the WSCC in 1977.
50th Anniversary Lookbook
The WSCC’s 50th Anniversary Lookbook offers a visual reflection on the people, partnerships, ministries, and milestones that have shaped the conference’s work since 1976. Through photos, stories, reflections, and historical highlights, the Lookbook celebrates the WSCC’s mission of advocating for life, justice, peace, and the common good in Washington state.
ENGAGE
Lend Your Voice
Joining WSCC's Advocacy Network makes it easy to contact your public officials and keep up-to-date on important issues facing the Washington State Legislature and United States Congress.