About
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What We Do
The S.C. Catholic Conference represents the Catholic Church on matters of public policy. The role of the Conference is to seek justice, fairness and charity for all, with a particular emphasis on the poor and vulnerable.
Our positions transcend political platforms or ideologies. The Conference is neither Democrat nor Republican, liberal or conservative. Our positions are based on the principles of Catholic teaching and recognition of the innate dignity of every human person made in the image and likeness of God.
The Conference advocates for the agenda of the Bishop as it relates to state government. We seek to work in partnership with the state to fashion public policies that respect the human person from conception until natural death. Our positions and statements are made with malice toward none and charity toward all.
Our History and ActionFormed in 2013 by Bishop emeritus Robert E. Guglielmone, DD, the South Carolina Catholic Conference is the means by which the bishop and clergy of the state act together on public policy matters for the mutual well-being of the Catholic Church and all citizens throughout the state. By collaborating with political and public organizations, the S.C. Catholic Conference, inspired by Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church, works at the appropriate level of government for legislation and regulations that reflect the Gospel message of respecting for human life and promoting the common good.
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Michael F. Acquilano, J.D.
Director
Michael Acquilano, J.D., was hired in 2013 to serve as the Director of the South Carolina Catholic Conference for the Diocese of Charleston. He was named the Secretary of Communications and Public Affairs for the diocese in 2019. In 2023, was appointed its Chief Operating Officer, and in 2024 took on the additional responsibilities of Vice Chancellor.
Mr. Acquilano graduated from Bentley University in Boston, Massachusetts with a degree in Corporate Finance and Accounting. In 2009, he studied International Finance and Negotiations at Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Rouen, one of the top business schools in Europe.
After returning from his studies in Paris, Acquilano lived in Odumasi Krobo, Ghana where he acted as a Business Consultant for Ghana Poultry Network (GAPNET). GAPNET’s mission is to provide business development assistance through a micro-financing organization. He later received his law degree from Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida.
Mr. Acquilano serves as a board of director for many non-profit and Catholic organizations including Sidewalk Advocates for Life (Dallas, TX), Law of Life Summit (Chicago, IL), South Carolina Citizens for Life (Columbia, SC), Exceptional SC (Columbia, SC), SC Free Clinic Association (Camden, SC), Catholic Charities of South Carolina (Charleston, SC), and Coastline Women’s Center (Conway, SC).