Permanent Committee on Public Affairs

Ever mindful of the rights and duties of the Papal Legate on all matters concerning relations between Church and State (cf. cans. 364, 7; 365), this Permanent Committee on Public Affairs:

1. Shall serve as a liaison body of the Conference as a whole or of individual Members thereof, of Commissions, other Permanent Committees and Offices in the Conference with the Government.

2. Shall provide a forum for discussion regarding matters that affect Church-State relations.

3. Shall represent the Conference in public hearings conducted by the Government on issues affecting Church-State relations.

4. Shall make Statements, in consultation with the Secretary General and/or the Legal Office, on questions that affect Church-State relations, in the event that the Plenary Assembly, the Administrative Council or the President are unable to do so.

5. Shall discuss with the Plenary Assembly or the Administrative Council, the drafting and public issuance of official pronouncements.