Michigan Catholic Conference today is applauding the state Office of Attorney General for continuing to defend the Michigan Marriage Amendment that was found unconstitutional on Friday by U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman. After the ruling, a statement was released by the Catholic bishops in the state addressing the importance of one man and one woman in marriage and pledging to support efforts to appeal the judge’s decision. “The Catholic community has made clear its strong support for the 2004 voter approved marriage amendment, and that any legal decision to overturn the amendment should be appealed and overturned,” said Paul A. Long, Michigan Catholic Conference President and CEO. Read more…
The seven arch/diocesan Catholic bishops in the State of Michigan released a statement today after U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman issued a ruling that overturns the 2004 voter-approved Michigan Marriage Amendment. The bishops write collectively under the name of the Michigan Catholic Conference, the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state. “Today’s decision from federal district court Judge Bernard Friedman to redefine the institution of marriage by declaring Michigan’s Marriage Amendment unconstitutional strikes at the very essence of family, community and human nature,” the bishops write. “Marriage is and can only ever be a unique relationship solely between one man and one woman, regardless of the decision of a judge or future electoral vote. Nature, the very essence of humanity as understood through historical experience and reason, is the arbiter of marriage, and we uphold this truth for the sake of the common good.“ Read more…
Michigan Catholic Conference released the following statement this afternoon in an effort to bring the voice of the Catholic community to ongoing conversations related to civility and tolerance within the public sphere in the State of Michigan: “The role of the Michigan Catholic Conference is to advocate on behalf of public policies that promote the common good for the State of Michigan. The Catholic Conference does so by working with elected officials on both sides of the political aisle as well as the Executive branch of state government. Michigan Catholic Conference does not seek to interfere with intra party discussions related to administration or partisan activity. In recent weeks, regrettable comments relating to personal classification, documented status and religion have become the source of public conversation. It is important to convey during this period that every human person is made in the image and likeness of God.” Read more…
In light of the recent U.S. District Court decision to strike down Michigan’s constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman, Michigan Catholic Conference’s The Word from Lansing column this month focuses on the true meaning and purpose of marriage. The case continues now in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, OH, and a stay has been temporarily granted while the case is being considered further, placing the 2004 Michigan Marriage Amendment back into effect. Michigan Catholic Conference, on behalf of the Catholic bishops of Michigan, will continue to support the State’s efforts to defend marriage. Read more…
The Justice for Immigrants campaign that is dedicated to supporting the USCCB position on immigration reform has asked for “electronic postcards” to be sent to members of Congress. The bishops that comprise the USCCB Committee on Migration recently celebrated a Mass at the U.S./Mexico border to raise awareness of the need for reform and to recognize those who lost their lives attempting to cross into the United States. MCC staff is regularly in contact with the state’s Congressional delegation regarding this subject, and your voice is needed as well. Please take a few minutes to send an electronic “postcard” to your U.S. Senators and member of Congress urging them to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Read more…
Michigan residents who earn up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level (about $15,500 for a single person; $31,000 for a family of four) are now eligible to apply for the Healthy Michigan Plan. This new health care plan went into effect on April 1 and applications are now being taken for those who qualify. Michigan Catholic Conference and the leadership of the state’s Catholic health care systems supported the legislation that reformed the state’s Medicaid system and created this new benefit. A joint statement can be read here, which called for reform that was truly universal, did not deny care to those in need, and respected the life and conscience of every person. Click here to read more about the Healthy Michigan Plan, eligibility, and how to enroll.…
Michigan Granted Employment Based Visa Center; The Word from Lansing: Upholding the Truth of Marriage; Bills to Streamline Adoptions Signed by Governor; Happy Easter from Michigan Catholic Conference. Read more…
Border Mass Continues Momentum for Immigration Reform; New Health Plan for Low-Income Residents Now in Effect; Medical Ethics Bills Signed Into Law. Read more…
Michigan Marriage Amendment Back in Effect as Appellate Court Stays Decision; State Department Budgets Pass Subcommittees; Legislators Depart for Spring Recess; Legislation Shortening Adoption Process Headed to Governor; Michigan House Adopts Immigration Resolutions; Discussion on Charitable Gaming Rules Continues; U.S. Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in Hobby Lobby Religious Freedom Case. Read more…
