Keynote Speaker, Bishop Richard E. Pates
Bishop Richard E. Pates, ninth bishop of the Diocese of Des Moines, will be the keynote speaker for the 19th
annual Iowa Institute for Social Action.
Bishop Pates was elected by his fellow bishops to be the chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
(USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace. The committee assists the bishops in advancing the social mission of
the Church on international justice and peace through policy development, advocacy, education, outreach and acts of ecclesial
solidarity. The committee advises the bishops on international public policy issues as well, especially integral human development,
human rights, religious freedom and peace. In his role as chairperson, Bishop Pates has authored statements and letters on
the banning of landmines, federal budget decisions, the 2012 Farm Bill, and nuclear arms reduction.
