Following the momentous and historic ruling from the Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturns the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision — which to this day has resulted in the tragic loss of some 63 million unborn children nationally and more than 1.5 million children in Michigan — the eleven Catholic bishops in the state of Michigan have released a joint statement that expresses joy with the Court’s majority opinion while reaffirming the Catholic Church’s compassion and support for mothers in need. Read more…

Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) is urging state authorities and elected officials from both parties to take note of recent violence toward religious communities and pro-life organizations at a time when extremist organizations are promoting violence and riots should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade. “The Catholic community in Michigan is calling for peace and civility ahead of and following the Dobbs decision,” said MCC President and CEO Paul A. Long. Read more…

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today in Carson v. Makin that the State of Maine’s refusal to provide funds for students to attend schools that provide religious instruction violates the Constitution. According to the ruling, the state must allow for students to use funds at religious schools because the state provides funds for students to attend private, non-religious schools. Michigan Catholic Conference noted in a statement today that while the opinion requires further examination for any potential impact here, it does bring us closer to the day when families in all 50 states have access to full educational choice. Read more…

Michigan Catholic Conference has formally announced it is helping to steer a statewide ballot question committee in opposition to a proposed “anything goes” constitutional amendment that would permit unrestricted abortion throughout pregnancy and prevent parental participation in their children’s lives related to human sexuality. “This is an historic occasion for the pro-life community and indeed all people in Michigan to oppose such an extreme amendment to the state constitution,” said Michigan Catholic Conference President and CEO Paul A. Long. “We are eager to engage with all people of goodwill to clarify how dangerous this proposal is for unborn children, vulnerable women and families.” Read more…

Michigan Catholic Conference responded to a lawsuit filed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today attempting to overturn longstanding state law that prohibits abortion in Michigan other than to save the life of the mother. Read more…

Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Grand Rapids Most Rev. Robert J. Rose went home to be with the Lord on Ash Wednesday, March 2. He was 92 years old. Bishop Rose was a dear friend to the MCC, having served the Conference both as a Board member and Chair of the MCC Finance Committee during his time in episcopal office in the Diocese of Gaylord and the Diocese of Grand Rapids. “He was a strong supporter of the work and mission of MCC and was passionate about its advocacy for human life, social justice and the common good,” said Paul A. Long, MCC President and CEO. Read more…

Since 2003 Michigan Catholic Conference has advocated for the state Earned Income Tax Credit, a tax policy that benefits low-income wage earners and their families through a deduction on state taxes. Providing state support in addition to the credit at the federal level, Michigan workers currently are able to claim six percent of the federal credit on their state taxes. MCC is supporting initiatives in both the legislature and from the governor’s office that would greatly enhance the tax credit on behalf of working families. Read more…

Michigan Catholic Conference is applauding a settlement agreement filed in federal court Jan. 25 that allows faith-based adoption and foster care providers to continue to operate according to their religious mission. The settlement agreement between St. Vincent Catholic Charities and the state of Michigan protects conscience rights in the provision of child placement and, as such, helps to ensure religious foster care and adoption agencies will continue to serve Michigan children and families of varying religious, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Read more…

On January 7, a group of pro-abortion rights organizations announced the formation of a ballot committee to consider a petition drive to enshrine abortion in the state constitution. In response, MCC Policy Advocate Rebecca Mastee said “More than anything, women considering an abortion deserve support, love, and compassion. For decades, abortion has been touted as the only option, harmless and easy, yet we know this is a lie. Abortion hurts women.” Read more…

Michigan Catholic Conference is responding to Governor Whitmer’s veto of Education Savings Account legislation by encouraging the Governor and lawmakers to help students whose academics have been impacted by the Covid pandemic. MCC had offered its support for the ESA bills due to their ability to assist families enrolled in both public and nonpublic schools with education-related costs. Read more…