The South Dakota Catholic Conference is the official voice of the bishops of South Dakota on issues of public policy and provides explanations of Church teaching and their practical application. It is an educational resource on proposed public policies that impact life and the dignity of the human persons, religious liberty and other issues that affect the rights of Catholics to practice their faith, both personally and in the public square. The South Dakota Catholic Conference follows the development of public policies and communicates with public officials in all branches and at all levels of governments, not only during a legislative session, but throughout the year.