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 Action

Formed in 2013 by Bishop Emeritus Robert E. Guglielmone, the S.C. 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.

Michael F. Acquilano, J.D.

Mr. Acquilano was hired in 2013 to serve as the Director of the S.C. Catholic Conference for the Diocese of Charleston. 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), and Coastline Women’s Center (Conway, SC). Mr. Acquilano lives in Adams Run, South Carolina and is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Yonges Island, SC.
 

Caroline Funk

Ms. Funk was hired in 2021 as the Legislative Affairs Specialist for the Diocese of Charleston. Ms. Funk graduated with high honors from the Unversity of South Carolina (USC) - Columbia, where she studied political science, German, and communications. While attending USC, Ms. Funk participated in Thomistic Institute lectures and spriritual formation with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students.

After serving on a mission trip with Mustard Seed in St. Ann, Jamaica, Caroline devoted her professional interests in defending the cause for life and the rights of vulnerable persons. 

Ms. Funk advocates at the State House on behalf of the Catholic Church in South Carolina. She is a regular contributer to the Catholic Miscellany, focusing her writings on legal analysis, pro-Catholic legislative priorities, and Church teaching. As a member of Sacred Heart Church in Charleston, she voluteers in the Family Catechesis Program, helping the youth in sacremental preparation.