JD Vance speaks on faith, conversion at Catholic event on Capitol Hill

By Mary Rose JD Vance speaks to supporters (Photo by Joey Sussman/SHutterstock) Vice President JD Vance spoke May 21 at a monthly gathering of Catholic lawmakers and congressional staffers on Capitol Hill, sharing details of his conversion to Catholicism and his thoughts on the role of faith in public life. The event, called “Catholic Connections,” is hosted by House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., who holds the informal, off-the-record discussions to allow Catholic elected officials, aides, and others to connect over their shared faith. Vance, a 2019 convert to Catholicism who previously identified as an atheist, shared his Christian testimony and discussed living a life of service to others, according to lawmakers who attended. “It was an honor to have @VP JD Vance, the highest-ranking Catholic in U.S. government, at Catholic Connections this morning,” Emmer wrote in a post on X. “Thank you, Mr. Vice President, for joining us and sharing your story of faith, family, and public service.” Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, praised Vance for joining the group and noted that the vice president “shared his testimony, his faith, and the importance of living out our values through service to others.” Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Wash., who had spoken at a previous session, said Vance’s remarks were “thoughtful and inspiring.” Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., said it was “Wonderful to have the Vice President visit the U.S. Capitol and share his faith journey from atheism to conversion to the Roman Catholic faith.” According to Emmer’s office, Catholic Connections is dedicated to “fostering a faith-based community among Catholics working on Capitol Hill.” Source