Iowa Catholic Conference Newsletter, Sept. 12, 2025

Sign the “Civilize It” pledge

Leaders across the political spectrum have condemned political violence after the tragic Sept. 10 assassination of a leading conservative activist, Charlie Kirk. It leads to the question of what one can do in response to the seemingly ever-increasing acts of terror. A concrete act we can take is to sign and live by the “Civilize It” pledge offered by the U.S. Catholic bishops. We can pledge to respond with:

Charity

• To affirm through my words and actions the dignity of every person, each made in God’s image. Even those with whom I disagree are made in his image.

• To respectfully listen in order to understand experiences different from my own.

Clarity

• To engage in critical examination to ensure that my perspectives are rooted in truth, that my sources of information are unbiased, and that I do not open myself to manipulation by partisan interests.

• To form my conscience through prayerful reflection, study of scripture and Church teaching, and guidance from reputable experts.

• To reflect on my own values and seek, with others, to identify shared values.

• To be open to the process of dialogue that can require change of perspective—my own and others’—in service to the inviolable dignity of all and the common good.

  
  

Creativity

• To be a bridgebuilder who participates in constructive dialogue based in shared values, a mutual exchange of gifts, and the humility to together seek the good.

• To see differences in perspective as opportunities for creative tension which can yield solutions for the common good.

• To work with others in order to identify creative solutions rooted in our shared values.

As Catholics, we ought to know that while it’s important for us to be involved in politics, it’s not the be-all and end-all of life, nor should politics be anyone’s religion. Jesus Christ is the Lord of Life.

Good news for Iowa’s achievement levels

The “National Report Card”on K-12 student achievement has been released and while American students unfortunately seem to be performing at lower levels, the stats in Iowa are different. Judging from the 2025 spring statewide assessment results, there have been some good gains in early literacy and science. Further information can be found here.

High school math proficiency rates continue to lag behind those of earlier grade levels. Following the passage of the Math Counts Act this year, Iowa is implementing new statewide supports for mathematics teaching and learning.

Catholic Relief Services chapters meet with federal delegation

Several members of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) chapters in Iowa have been meeting with our federal delegation in support of international humanitarian aid. We appreciated the opportunity to meet virtually with Sen. Charles Grassley and in person with Sen. Joni Ernst’s staff to let them know we oppose further cuts. CRS is the official overseas relief and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

CHA and USCCB support palliative care bill

The Catholic Health Association recently joined with the USCCB to express support for the bipartisan Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA, H.R. 4425). This legislation would increase the number of permanent faculty in palliative care in medical schools, nursing schools and other programs; to promote education and research in palliative care and hospice; and to support the development of faculty careers in academic palliative and hospice care.

Senate seat opens

Sen. Joni Ernst has announced she’s not running for re-election. U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson from northeast Iowa is now running for the Republican nomination for the Senate along with former state Sen. Jim Carlin and Joshua Smith. State Sen. Zach Wahls, state Rep. Josh Turek, Jackie Norris, Nathan Sage, and former state Rep. Bob Krause, are running so far on the Democratic side.

And finally,

Particularly if you live in Central Iowa, you can join Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice as they walk with people who have appointments with ICE in downtown Des Moines every Tuesday morning. “Accompaniment” provides support and solidarity to immigrants and sends a message that our community is paying attention.

You can register for an online training set for Oct. 9 and learn how to accompany vulnerable community members as they navigate the U.S. immigration system.