Minnesota Catholic Conference executive director stepping down at end of July

After 10 years of leading the Minnesota Catholic Conference — the public policy voice of the Church in Minnesota — Jason Adkins announced July 1 he is stepping down as executive director and general counsel to start a new law firm.

“I leave this role with a heart full of gratitude for the unique opportunity to serve our local Church,” Adkins said. “Politics is an important mission field, and we have worked at every turn to offer a credible witness to the Gospel at the Capitol and in the public arena. I have been blessed to work with courageous, unified bishops and a dedicated staff, which has made this ministry a joy.”

The bishops of Minnesota will begin a search to fill Adkins’ position, which includes advising them on legislative matters and public affairs. The executive director also works with MCC staff to execute the bishops’ goals and priorities in social ministry and advocacy for human life and dignity through lobbying, communications and public engagement.

“Jason’s collaboration and visionary leadership at the Minnesota Catholic Conference will be sorely missed by the bishops of our state,” said Archbishop Bernard Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis. “We are grateful that his love for the Church and Catholic social teaching and his understanding of the political process has consistently intersected in his work at the MCC. I will be always grateful that he has consistently inspired us in our work to keep the focus on people rather than politics to the benefit of our brothers and sisters in need.”

Key accomplishments cited by the MCC during Adkins’ tenure have included knocking down unreasonable and discriminatory COVID-19 worship restrictions for all faith communities in the state; serving as a trusted resource with leaders in both political parties to enact legislation that protects human dignity and promotes the common good; and helping change the discussion at the Capitol around poverty and the safety net for low-income families.

The MCC also partnered with more than 70 organizations in the Minnesota Alliance for Ethical Healthcare to stop legislation that would legalize assisted suicide, and founded the MCC partner organization Opportunity for All Kids to advocate for school choice legislation.

Adkins is leaving the MCC on July 31 to launch a law firm, Cross/Castle PLLC. He will work with business and nonprofit clients and build the firm’s pro bono and public interest practice, with the aim of helping families and faith communities. He also plans to assist MCC in an ongoing advisory role.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the body of Christ in this new role,” Adkins said. “I am just moving to a new spot on the battlefront.”