African-American Catholics have contributed substantially to the shaping of communities across the country. Currently there are six African-Americans in the early stages of examination for sainthood. Their life stories and witness to the Gospel demonstrate the importance of generosity, faith, and perseverance in the midst of challenges and at times, experiences of racism. FOCUS highlights potential and current saints of African descent, and shares Catholic teaching that encourages all believers to speak out against racism. Read more…

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. Read more…

Over the course of the 2019–2020 state legislative session, Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) worked diligently with lawmakers and legislative staff of both political parties to advance the common good. In a February report, MCC details its advocacy work from the past two years and highlights critical legislative achievements for Michiganders, especially those that recognize the dignity of the human person and address the needs of the vulnerable. Read more…

Catholics are called to a life of charity and justice, which includes engagement in the democratic process and in decisions that impact local communities. In this spirit, Michigan Catholic Conference exists as the advocacy voice of the Church in Michigan, standing up for justice and dignity during the formation of statewide public policy. Within its February Focus publication, A Blueprint for the Common Good, MCC outlines ten principles that will inform the organization’s upcoming work at the State Capitol during the 2021–2022 legislative session Read more…

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. Read more…

Close to 5.5 million Michiganders cast their ballots in the 2020 election, selecting officials to represent them at the local, state, and national levels. Michigan voters also approved two statewide ballot proposals and weighed in on a number of local issues. To provide information about the results, MCC prepared a graphic summary of the national and statewide races that includes incumbent status, partisan affiliation, and when applicable, officials’ names or votes cast. Read more…

On October 15, the U.S. Census Bureau ended field operations for the 2020 Census. MCC is grateful to all who responded and all who worked to ensure a more accurate count was achieved. Your actions will help determine the state’s representation in Congress for the next decade, influence the way federal and state legislative lines will be drawn, inform emergency preparedness and public safety plans across Michigan, and guide how federal funding is distributed for local needs. Thank you.

This election, Michigan voters will cast ballots to determine the outcome of numerous local, state, and federal races, as well the fate of several issue proposals. In its latest FOCUS, MCC offers resources to help Catholics develop a well-formed conscience, learn from the lives of the saints, and prepare their voting choices. Read more…

In June Medical Services v. Russo, the U.S. Supreme Court narrowly ruled to strike down a Louisiana law requiring abortion doctors to have hospital admitting privileges. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) decried the decision and its disregard for the health and safety of women. At the same time, USCCB renewed its commitment to fight for justice for mothers and children. Read more…

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) commented yesterday on the death of George Floyd and the protests which have broken out in Minneapolis and in other cities in the United States. In this statement, the USCCB highlights the importance of listening to the experiences of those who have historically been disenfranchised, recognizing and calling out injustice, and taking actions against racism. Read more…