To protect the constitutional religious rights of all citizens of the state, MCC is citing concerns over a ballot proposal that seeks to define religion in the state constitution as only a person’s individual beliefs and would restrict the presence of faith-based charitable aid organizations in the public square. On July 26, the Board of State Canvassers voted 4–0 to deny certification to the petitions brought forward by Fair and Equal Michigan.
Today the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously 9–0 in Fulton vs. City of Philadelphia that faith-based agencies providing child placement services in the public square with fidelity to their religious teachings are constitutional exercises and, as such, may continue providing those services within their faith tradition. Michigan Catholic Conference is praising the Court’s protection of religious liberty rights and is grateful for the work of faith-based agencies, Catholic Charities in particular, for their Gospel-mandated mission to exercise their ‘love of neighbor’ toward poor and vulnerable persons.
At a press event held online today, Michigan Catholic Conference joined with advocacy organizations calling on lawmakers to support measures that would provide state identification cards and driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.
Michigan Catholic Conference is expressing its gratitude to the Michigan Senate today for passing legislation that appropriates some $87 million in federal dollars to assist Catholic and other nonpublic schools in the state with costs associated with the COVID pandemic.
Upon learning of the death of Mr. Frank Kelley, 96, Attorney General of the State of Michigan from 1961 to 1999, Michigan Catholic Conference released reflections from its current and former chief executive officers.
In December of 2020, in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Catholic bishops in Michigan provided insights about the benefit of vaccinations for public health outcomes. The bishops also addressed moral questions for Catholics about the COVID-19 vaccines available at the time: Pfizer and Moderna. With the introduction of a new option from Johnson & Johnson that is now available in the state, the Michigan bishops have revised their statement to share moral concerns with the vaccine’s design, production, development and testing.
Following the Fiscal Year 2022 Executive Budget Recommendation presentation before state lawmakers, Michigan Catholic Conference is encouraging the Legislature to appropriate funding to reimburse nonpublic schools for complying with health and safety requirements mandated by the State of Michigan, as Governor Whitmer’s budget proposal does not fund the existing policy. At the same time, MCC is hopeful that $86 million in federal dollars will be approved shortly to assist Michigan nonpublic schools with COVID-related expenses.
The Michigan Supreme Court on Dec. 28 issued a split 3-3 ruling that will require the state Court of Claims to finalize review of a now-constitutional state appropriation that reimburses nonpublic schools for costs associated with state-mandated health and safety mandates. Michigan Catholic Conference has supported the reimbursement policy for at least three legislative sessions and is now encouraging the Court of Claims to move quickly in order for the funds to be reimbursed.
Legislation that would prohibit public water suppliers from shutting off water to residents for nonpayment has been signed into law and will protect residents through March 3, 2021. Michigan Catholic Conference supported the measure, sponsored by Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) as it moved through the legislative process. According to a release from MCC after the bill was enacted, “The new Act will ensure that no Michigan resident, particularly those who are low-income or facing imminent financial hardship, will lose the ability to wash, drink, or cook for their family during the ongoing pandemic.”
As the immunization process has begun across the country in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan bishops are addressing moral questions that have arisen about the Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca vaccines. While the three options are in various phases of use and development, the bishops have written that “it is morally permissible to receive the vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna”, especially in light of the “serious health risks” that “are present due to the current pandemic.” The bishops also have reaffirmed the Catholic responsibility to call for vaccines that have no connection to abortion.
