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The Word from Lansing
The Word from Lansing is a regular column written by Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) staff for Catholic news outlets. Through these columns, MCC outlines current advocacy issues of importance to the Conference and discusses the Catholic position and role in the political process. This publication complements the more regular updates provided by Michigan Catholic Conference’s Catholic Advocacy Network.

Time to Discuss Law Enforcement Reform Again After Tragic Death in Grand Rapids
On the anniversary of George Floyd’s death, and after a similar tragedy that recently played out in Grand Rapids that resulted in the death of another African-American man in a police encounter, we encourage the Legislature to take up a series of law enforcement reforms aimed at trying to address these issues. Read more…

Defense of Life, Support of Mothers Didn’t End with Roe — and it Won’t End with Dobbs
The U.S. Supreme Court could rule to overturn Roe v. Wade. Or it might not. That was true before, and after, a draft decision in the current Dobbs case before the court recently broke out into the public. But what we know — and have known — is regardless of what happens next, the mission to ensure legal protection of the unborn and to build up a culture of support for mothers and children remains unfinished. Read more…

Scholarship Proposal Helps Families Choose Best Education for Children
Amidst the uncertainty in the ongoing COVID landscape, parents are assessing all options and seeking choices they feel best furthers their kids’ learning. With that in mind, a campaign has launched to put more money directly in the hands of parents to pay for the education expenses their kids need, regardless of the type of school they attend, whether it’s public, private or home school. Read more…

As Catholics, We Serve Both Mothers and Their Babies
Our Catholic faith is a both/and faith. Catholics believe it is essential to both oppose the tragedy of abortion and support mothers both before and after they give birth. To illustrate, we sought to explore in-depth the various ways Catholics walk with mothers in need in Michigan. Read more…

St. Vincent’s Settlement with Michigan Is a Big Win for Religious Liberty
A settlement reached in a state lawsuit filed against the St. Vincent Catholic Charities was an important win for religious liberty and also for the most vulnerable children in the State of Michigan, upholding the constitutional right to religious liberty that is a cornerstone of our state and nation. Read more…

How Expanding One Tax Credit Would Reduce Poverty; Put More People To Work
MCC is urges support to expand a tax credit for working families that would alleviate poverty and help get people back to work. It's the best anti-poverty, best pro-family, and best job creation measure this Legislature could pass. Read more…

What the Dobbs Case Could Mean for Abortion In Michigan
Nearly fifty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a controversial decision, established a constitutional right to abortion. But now, the nation’s highest court has been asked to reconsider the decision it made in the 1973 case known as Roe v. Wade. MCC’s Word from Lansing column takes a look at how a successful outcome in Dobbs, potentially coming in June 2022, could prohibit abortion in Michigan. Read more…

Michigan Catholics CAN Make a Difference in the Public Realm
Since its formation in 1963, Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC)—the public policy voice of the Catholic bishops in our state—has actively championed issues that promote the common good of Michiganders and serve the most vulnerable. For nearly sixty years, MCC has lived its mission and built positive relationships with lawmakers, other advocacy groups, and experts. These relationships have helped accomplish policy goals in fidelity to Catholic teaching. Read more…

With Gratitude for African-American Catholics
In a 2018 pastoral letter, Open Wide Our Hearts, the U.S. bishops emphasize that racism is a life issue, “directly [placing] brother and sister against each other, violating the dignity inherent in each person.” In response, all Catholics are called to acknowledge the harm of racism, to examine critically their own attitudes about race, and to listen to the experiences of their neighbors (especially those of races different than their own) in order to break down racism. This edition of The Word from Lansing elaborates on the theme of combatting racism and draws attention to those Black and African-American Catholics whose lives of virtue and perseverance are models for modern times. Read more…

Taxpayer Funding Should Not Pay for Abortions
Since 1976, members of both political parties have supported the Hyde Amendment and other federal policies that have prevented taxpayer dollars from paying for abortions. Recently, President Biden released his annual budget recommendations, which did not propose a renewal of the Hyde Amendment. If passed, this change would allow billions of taxpayer funds to begin contributing towards elective abortions. Throughout the month of June, Michigan Catholics have signed a petition urging Congress to respect the conscience of the American people and to protect mothers and babies. Read more…
More The Word from Lansing
For a complete list of all The Word from Lansing columns, please visit the archives.