The Word from Lansing is a regular column written by Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) staff for Catholic news outlets. Through these columns, MCC outlines current advocacy issues of importance to the Conference and discusses the Catholic position and role in the political process. This publication complements the more regular updates provided by Michigan Catholic Conference’s Catholic Advocacy Network.
Amidst the uncertainty in the ongoing COVID landscape, parents are assessing all options and seeking choices they feel best furthers their kids’ learning. With that in mind, a campaign has launched to put more money directly in the hands of parents to pay for the education expenses their kids need, regardless of the type of school they attend, whether it’s public, private or home school.
Our Catholic faith is a both/and faith. Catholics believe it is essential to both oppose the tragedy of abortion and support mothers both before and after they give birth. To illustrate, we sought to explore in-depth the various ways Catholics walk with mothers in need in Michigan.
A settlement reached in a state lawsuit filed against the St. Vincent Catholic Charities was an important win for religious liberty and also for the most vulnerable children in the State of Michigan, upholding the constitutional right to religious liberty that is a cornerstone of our state and nation.
MCC is urges support to expand a tax credit for working families that would alleviate poverty and help get people back to work. It's the best anti-poverty, best pro-family, and best job creation measure this Legislature could pass.
Nearly fifty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a controversial decision, established a constitutional right to abortion. But now, the nation’s highest court has been asked to reconsider the decision it made in the 1973 case known as Roe v. Wade. MCC’s Word from Lansing column takes a look at how a successful outcome in Dobbs, potentially coming in June 2022, could prohibit abortion in Michigan.
Since its formation in 1963, Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC)—the public policy voice of the Catholic bishops in our state—has actively championed issues that promote the common good of Michiganders and serve the most vulnerable. For nearly sixty years, MCC has lived its mission and built positive relationships with lawmakers, other advocacy groups, and experts. These relationships have helped accomplish policy goals in fidelity to Catholic teaching.
In a 2018 pastoral letter, Open Wide Our Hearts, the U.S. bishops emphasize that racism is a life issue, “directly [placing] brother and sister against each other, violating the dignity inherent in each person.” In response, all Catholics are called to acknowledge the harm of racism, to examine critically their own attitudes about race, and to listen to the experiences of their neighbors (especially those of races different than their own) in order to break down racism. This edition of The Word from Lansing elaborates on the theme of combatting racism and draws attention to those Black and African-American Catholics whose lives of virtue and perseverance are models for modern times.
Since 1976, members of both political parties have supported the Hyde Amendment and other federal policies that have prevented taxpayer dollars from paying for abortions. Recently, President Biden released his annual budget recommendations, which did not propose a renewal of the Hyde Amendment. If passed, this change would allow billions of taxpayer funds to begin contributing towards elective abortions. Throughout the month of June, Michigan Catholics have signed a petition urging Congress to respect the conscience of the American people and to protect mothers and babies.
For forty-five years, federal policies that protect the unborn have prevented taxpayer dollars from paying for abortions. Unfortunately, now powerful elected officials are calling for their elimination. In the first week of June, Michigan Catholics have the opportunity to send a strong message to Congress and to advocate for the unborn.
Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Equality Act (HR 5), which would add new regulations in federal anti-discrimination laws for “sexual orientation” and “gender identity and expression.” However, if passed, the act would discriminate against people of faith for their beliefs about marriage, sexuality, and the place of religion in society. The Word from Lansing column shares the Church’s concerns about the bill and instructs Catholics about advocacy opportunities against it, as the measure is now before U.S. Senators.
