ATLANTA—Frank Mulcahy is stepping down from his role as the Catholic Church’s representative in Georgia’s public arena, where he ensures the voices of the state’s bishops are heard at the Georgia State Capitol and with state leaders. 

Frank Mulcahy, executive director of the Georgia Catholic Conference, listens to speakers at the press conference for Ring Around the Capitol, an advocacy day to end the death penalty for people with intellectual disabilities. Photo by Julianna Leopold

Since 2000, Mulcahy has served as executive director of the Georgia Catholic Conference. He represents the bishops of the Diocese of Savannah and the Atlanta Archdiocese. During his tenure, Mulcahy, 78, has witnessed the Republican Party’s rise to dominate state politics. During the decades, he has been advocating for school vouchers for low-income families and lobbying lawmakers on life issues, from abortion restrictions to death penalty reform. 

He expects to train a successor and then retire once the gavel falls on the 2025 legislative session.  

Mulcahy and his wife Claudia worship at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Alpharetta. They have a grown son. Mulcahy is also an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. He is a member of the Lay Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, associated with the Holy Spirit Monastery in Conyers. In addition, he is a spiritual director for Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center and an adjunct instructor in spiritual direction with Spring Hill College. 

He recently answered questions about the Georgia Catholic Conference via email. 

Georgia Bulletin: For people who do not understand, what is the Georgia Catholic Conference, and how does it represent the Catholic Church? 

Mulcahy: Under the direction of the Catholic bishops of Georgia, the conference promotes public policy positions related to Georgia governmental programs, legislation and policies which affect the common good and interest of the Catholic Church. I speak to government officials to advocate for policies that are in accord with Catholic social teaching and the needs of the church in carrying out its mission. I’ll primarily lobby Georgia legislators but often contact members of Congress from Georgia in coordination with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and other national Catholic organizations. 

GB: Through the years, what changes have you seen in the relationship between the church and Georgia lawmakers? 

Mulcahy: No political party completely represents the teachings of the Catholic Church; each party, however, is consistent with Catholic teaching to some extent. When I began as director, both houses of the General Assembly were majority Democrats. As the political majority in the state shifted to Republicans, we were able to more successfully advocate for issues that are consistent with the Republican platform, such as anti-abortion and school choice legislation. 

A key part of the work of the conference director is the development of a relationship with leading members of both parties. 

GB: What’s the strangest question or request you’ve ever received from a legislator about the Catholic Church? 

Mulcahy: Most legislators understand my role in public life but occasionally I have had requests that are of a personal nature which are best served by the Archdiocesan Tribunal or another agency. Most understand that I cannot affect or expedite a person’s annulment, and that I would not even try. 

GB: Catholics make up only about 10 percent of the population in Georgia. What role does collaboration with other faith or secular groups play in lobbying efforts? 

Mulcahy: Collaboration is essential. When we collaborate, we make it clear that we join in supporting or opposing specific legislation and we do not endorse all positions that another group may take. The conference does not formally join alliances, nor do we sign joint letters or statements with other organizations, lest there be confusion as to our teaching. There are some organizations that are so radically opposed to Catholic teaching that we cannot join them even if we support the same issues. 

On a federal level, the conference joins with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and other national Catholic groups to present a united face to Congress in supporting or opposing congressional action which is in accordance with Catholic teaching. An important part of federal advocacy involves funding for national and international charitable services which directly affects impoverished people around the world. 

GB: What has been the most rewarding part of representing the Catholic Church in the public policy arena? 

Mulcahy: State legislation affects the lives of many Georgians and federal legislation can affect people through the country, if not people around the world. The most rewarding laws are those which directly benefit the lives of people. The establishment of special needs scholarships and student scholarship organizations are examples of legislation that directly benefit families seeking the most appropriate education for their children. Likewise, we support legislation that keeps immigrant and refugee families together and thriving. In addition, the conference supports pro-life legislation to protect the most vulnerable among us. It is particularly rewarding when I encounter people who tell me how the laws we supported have affected their lives. 

GB: What words do you have for Catholics to encourage participation in the political process? Do lawmakers want to hear from people?  

Mulcahy: Successful lawmakers keep in touch with the needs and hopes of their constituents. Catholic social doctrine emphasizes the dignity of the human person and the need for government to serve the good of all, and it is important that we base our advocacy on this principle. If we do not advocate for our teachings and beliefs, we cannot blame public officials if they take positions contrary to our hopes.  

GB: Making laws may require taking the long view, measured in years, not a single session. Are there any specific pieces of legislation you wish you could have seen through before stepping down? 

Mulcahy: The long view requires continual focus on the dignity of every human person created by God and saved by Jesus Christ. The teaching on the dignity of the human person supports all elements of Catholic social teaching so that the conference seeks protection for migrating persons and families, impoverished brothers and sisters in war-torn parts of the world, parents seeking education for their children and all people seeking freedom to worship God according to the dictates of their conscience.