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Public Policy Advocacy

The Connecticut Conference carries on a vital ministry of public policy advocacy at the level of state government, and can provide support for groups working at the local level. Thanks to a major bequest from Mr. Frank Baker, the Conference is able to register a lobbyist at the Connecticut State Capitol, who informs lawmakers of the principled positions taken by the Connecticut Conference.

These social policy opinions are decided by the lay delegates and clergy who attend and vote at the Conference's annual meetings. Their resolutions speak for the Conference, but not necessarily its member congregations or individuals. The resolutions process requires fair consideration of supporting and opposing views before major decisions are made.

The primary focus of the Connecticut Conference's work over the yeas has been on poverty and economic justice, gambling, and human and civil rights. On economic justice concerns, the advocate has often worked in tandem with the Catholic Conference and the Christian Conference of Connecticut as well as coalitions concerned with homelessness and basic human need.

Legislative Agenda

Each year the Connecticut Conference prepares its Legislative Agenda, which sets out the issues the Policy Advocate will focus on through the year, based on the actions of the Annual Meeting.

Legislative Advocacy in the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ

This document goes into more detail about the theological basis, history, and importance of the Conference's ministry in social policy.