Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: Responses to Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report; FOCUS: The Issues, the Candidates, and Your Vote 2018; The Word from Lansing: The Future of Roe v. Wade. Read more…

The Catholic Church calls for Catholics to promote the common good and to engage in the public realm, including through voting. The U.S. bishops do not instruct Catholics for whom to vote but encourage all to develop a well-formed conscience and to consider candidates carefully before casting their ballot. In preparation for the November 2018 election, this edition of FOCUS offers issues and questions to consider before voting. Read more…

In 1973, two Supreme Court decisions led to legalized abortion across the United States. Michigan had previously banned the practice for almost 130 years. In The Word from Lansing for August, Michigan Catholic Conference details the impact of these decisions on Michigan and what would happen here if they were overturned. Read more…

Pope Francis has approved a revision to paragraph 2267 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which addresses Catholic teaching on the death penalty. In light of new understanding about its use in the modern world and building on previous revisions to the Church’s teaching, the recently adopted language calls the death penalty “inadmissible” and “an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.” The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith announced the change on August 1, 2018. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: ACTION NEEDED! Five Days Left to Support the "Protect Life Rule"; Participate in National Pro-Life Prayer Effort Starting August 3; USCCB Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Humanae Vitae; Primary Election Approaching on August 7. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: USCCB Launches National Pro-Life Prayer Effort; ACTION NEEDED! Show Support for the "Protect Life Rule"; ACTION NEEDED AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL! Protect Vulnerable Girls' Access to Education; The Word from Lansing: State Budget Successes and the Importance of Engagement; 2018 Election Year Guidelines for Catholic Organizations. Read more…

In June, Michigan lawmakers passed and the governor signed two measures into law that provide for the state’s October 2018–September 2019 budget. The Word from Lansing column for July highlights Michigan Catholic Conference’s advocacy during the budget process, as well as several key budget items that were included in the final version and were supported by MCC. Read more…

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has called for Catholics to participate in a nationwide prayer campaign, each Friday from August 3 to September 28. In light of the open U.S. Supreme Court seat, the campaign is focused on praying that the change in the Court will move the United States closer to the full protection and welcoming of every human life in law. Read more…

Michiganders have two elections coming up: the August 7 Primary Election and the November 6 General Election. In preparation for these events, and to facilitate appropriate participation in political and electoral activities, Michigan Catholic Conference offers guidelines for Catholic parishes, schools, and other 501(c)(3) organizations. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: Governor Signs 2018–2019 State Budgets into Law; Medicaid Work Requirement Becomes Law; Second DACA Measure Defeated in U.S. House; USCCB Applauds SCOTUS for Upholding Free Speech in NIFLA v. Becerra; U.S. Bishops Express Concerns with SCOTUS Travel Ban Ruling; USCCB Expresses Disappointment in SCOTUS Janus v. AFSCME Ruling; Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy Announces Retirement. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: Discussion Continues in U.S. House on DACA — Action Needed!; Bishops Comment on Family Separation; President Issues Executive Order; Feasts of Two Saints Kick-off Religious Freedom Week; The Word from Lansing Column: Elections—And Your Vote—Matter. Read more…

Two important dates are quickly approaching this summer. Monday, July 9 is the last day individuals can register to vote prior to the Michigan Primary Election, which will be taking place on Tuesday, August 7. The June column of The Word from Lansing speaks to the importance of these upcoming elections and why Michigan Catholics should take the time to get registered and prepared. Read more…