Catholics try new form of lobbying legislators

Iowa’s four Catholic dioceses are trying a new approach today to lobbying Iowa legislators. Sara Eide is associate director of the Iowa Catholic Conference, the arm of the church that handles legislative issues. Eide says instead of holding a legislative reception at the capitol building, they’re holding the first annual “Day of Prayer for Elected Officials” She says it’s a change in focus designed to incorporate prayer and let legislators know Iowans are praying for them.The events include a prayer service, and a legislative workshop.The workshop is open to all Catholics and will hopefully teach them how their actions can impact legislation. There will also be a liturgy with the four Catholic Bishops of Iowa. Eide says there’s a place for prayer and politics, although some people might not think so. She says there is a separation in many aspects, but she says legislators appreciate the power of prayer.The events begin at 9:30 this morning and wrap up this afternoon with a meeting and reception with legislators at the state capitol building. There are approximately half a million Catholics in Iowa.