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WASHINGTON (November 13, 2000) -- Cathleen A. Cleaver, Chief Counsel of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, U.S. House of Representatives, has been named Director of Planning and Information for the Pro-Life Secretariat of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB). In this position, Ms. Cleaver will be the Conference's chief spokesperson on pro-life issues.
Msgr. Dennis M. Schnurr, NCCB General Secretary, announced the appointment. "Cathleen Cleaver's distinguished background provides her with a deep understanding of the sanctity of human life, and she has a gifted ability to effectively communicate on such issues," said Msgr. Schnurr. "I am grateful to Ms. Cleaver for placing her talents at the service of the Church."
As Chief Counsel of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Ms. Cleaver has first hand experience in regard to constitutional amendments, sanctity of life issues, freedom of religion, speech and association, and civil rights. She is the former director of legal policy for the Family Research Council, filing briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts in cases involving abortion, euthanasia and pornography. Ms. Cleaver has testified before the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and has appeared on national and international media programs.
"I am honored by this opportunity to help promote the voice of the Catholic community on the most important issue facing America today--the sanctity of human life," said Ms. Cleaver.
"Ours is a voice of compassion, recognizing the dignity of each human being, and I am humbled to have a role in advancing this understanding."
The Pro-Life Secretariat works to teach and deepen respect for all human life, especially the most vulnerable--the unborn, disabled, elderly, or those who are dying. The Secretariat also coordinates and advises with respect to public policy to protect the lives of those vulnerable members of the human family. It works both within the Church and in the public square, and encourages local programs that assist pregnant women, disabled persons, the dying, and those who have been involved in abortion.
Ms. Cleaver succeeds Helen Alvare, who held the position since 1990. Ms. Alvare resigned in July to become a professor at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America.