Bishop Ronald Gilmore elected president of National Catholic Rural Life Conference

Des Moines – The Most Reverend Ronald M.Gilmore was elected president of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference at the biennial meeting June 4. He succeeds the Most Reverend David L. Ricken, bishop of Cheyenne. Bishop Gilmore has been a member of the NCRLC board since 2001. The term of the president is three years.

The other newly elected officers are: the Most Reverend Joseph Charron, bishop of Des Moines, vice president; Sister Christine, Diocese of Toledo, secretary, and Father Tom Graner, Rolette, N.D., treasurer.

The purpose of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference is to assist in the enablement of rural dioceses and communities to develop their appreciation of the character of rural life in their own area.

Founded in 1923, the National Catholic Rural Life Conference has been a witness for hope in rural America for more than 80 years. Throughout these eight decades, the Rural Life Conference has lifted up and affirmed the rural way of life.

Over the years, the Catholic Rural Life Conference has clearly stood in favor and support of rural people, family farms and local businesses that promote sustainable community development.

With this rich history, the Catholic Rural Life Conference looks forward to being a spiritual presence in rural America for the 21st Century. The NCRLC mission to support and empower rural people is made more necessary by globalization and world environmental issues.

Other Kansans who have served as president of the NCRLC are: Father Arthur Luckey, Salina, 1926-1928; Archbishop Ignatius J. Strecker, 1972-1976 and 1983 – 1986, and Bishop David L. Ricken, native of Dodge City, 2001-2005.