The Word from Lansing Archives

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.

2023

1. Enough With Ever-Expanding Abortion Policy. Let’s Make It So Women Don’t Need It. May 18, 2023
2. Against the Odds, MCC Stands Up for Catholics’ Freedom to Serve April 25, 2023
3. What It Means to Be ‘Politically Homeless’ in Lansing March 16, 2023
4. Public Policy Should Be Focused on Upholding Human Dignity March 3, 2023
5. Our Plan to Advance the Common Good This Legislative Session February 3, 2023

2022

1. What’s Next After Proposal 3 Approval? Make Abortion Unthinkable November 17, 2022
2. What Abortion Proposal Supporters Won’t Tell You October 7, 2022
3. Disparaged & Under Attack, Pregnancy Centers Deserve Support in Mission to Love July 27, 2022
4. Addressing Gun Violence is Complicated, But Must Include Gun Reform July 8, 2022
5. Time to Discuss Law Enforcement Reform Again After Tragic Death in Grand Rapids May 25, 2022
6. Defense of Life, Support of Mothers Didn’t End with Roe — and it Won’t End with Dobbs May 9, 2022
7. Scholarship Proposal Helps Families Choose Best Education for Children April 8, 2022
8. As Catholics, We Serve Both Mothers and Their Babies March 22, 2022
9. Another Failed Attack on Catholic Provider Underscores Importance of Religious Liberty January 31, 2022
10. How Expanding One Tax Credit Would Reduce Poverty; Put More People To Work January 19, 2022

2021

1. Could Roe Go? What Dobbs Case Could Mean For Abortion In Michigan December 2, 2021
2. Michigan Catholics CAN Make a Difference in the Public Realm August 20, 2021
3. With Gratitude for African-American Catholics July 16, 2021
4. Taxpayer Funding Should Not Pay for Abortions June 18, 2021
5. Catholic Action Needed to Promote Life, Protect the Unborn May 28, 2021
6. So-Called ‘Equality Act’ Threatens Society and Religious Communities May 21, 2021
7. During Pandemic, Catholic Schools Rise to the Challenge April 30, 2021
8. Small Steps of Love in the State Budget Process March 12, 2021
9. Catholic Advocacy in 2021—Be a Light February 26, 2021
10. COVID-19 Vaccines and Moral Considerations January 15, 2021

2020

1. Water Shutoffs Are a Health Concern in COVID-19 Pandemic December 18, 2020
2. Catholics Emboldened to Fight Abuse, Encourage Healing November 20, 2020
3. This Election, Let’s Vote, then Act October 23, 2020
4. Promote Civility, Love Others, and Build Community This Election September 25, 2020
5. During Challenges, the Church Calls for Faith August 14, 2020
6. Do Justice, Love Goodness, and Walk Humbly with God July 17, 2020
7. Reflecting on Care for Our Common Home June 19, 2020
8. Living Care for One Another May 21, 2020
9. This Election Season, Civilize It April 10, 2020
10. Payday Lending and the Cycle of Poverty March 27, 2020
11. 2020 Census—Counting Our Communities February 21, 2020
12. Censo de 2020—Contando Nuestras Comunidades February 21, 2020
13. Patience and Persistence: Advocacy Successes in 2019 January 17, 2020

2019

1. Revenge is Not the Answer December 20, 2019
2. Safe Delivery Law Saves Michigan Newborns November 22, 2019
3. Michigan Prepares to Enact “Raise the Age” Legislation October 25, 2019
4. EITC Extends a Helping Hand September 20, 2019
5. End Dismemberment Abortion in Michigan August 16, 2019
6. Support the Dignity of Human Life July 19, 2019
7. Clean and Affordable Water for All June 21, 2019
8. Religious Agencies Are Vital Resources for State’s Children May 24, 2019
9. Standing Against Religious Bigotry April 19, 2019
10. Prioritizing the Vulnerable in the State Budget March 22, 2019
11. Pushing Back Against Racism February 22, 2019
12. 2019–2020: A Blueprint for the Common Good January 25, 2019

2018

1. Reflecting, Preparing, and Acting — Advent and Advocacy December 21, 2018
2. The Synod on Young People, Faith & Vocational Discernment November 16, 2018
3. Proposal 1—Say No to Recreational Marijuana October 26, 2018
4. The Issues, The Candidates, and Your Vote 2018 September 28, 2018
5. The Future of Roe v. Wade August 17, 2018
6. State Budget Successes and the Importance of Engagement July 20, 2018
7. Elections—And Your Vote—Matter June 22, 2018
8. Why Michigan Needs to Raise the Age May 25, 2018
9. Create Safe Environments for Children April 20, 2018
10. Vaccinations and the Common Good March 30, 2018
11. Encouraging Marriage in the Fight Against Poverty February 23, 2018
12. New Laws Seek to Curb Opioid Crisis in Michigan January 19, 2018

2017

1. Encountering the Poor This Advent and Beyond December 15, 2017
2. Promoting a Respect for Life November 17, 2017
3. Freedom of Religion and the Value of Interfaith Collaboration October 20, 2017
4. Taking Steps to Overcome Racism September 22, 2017
5. Health and Safety Matter for All Michigan Students August 11, 2017
6. Promoting the Common Good—A Look Back July 14, 2017
7. Raising Awareness About the Dignity of Children June 16, 2017
8. Religious Freedom—An American Right for All May 19, 2017
9. Confronting Michigan’s Growing Opioid Crisis April 21, 2017
10. Promoting the Freedom to Serve Others March 24, 2017
11. A Blueprint for the Common Good February 24, 2017
12. 2017: A Time to Reflect, a Time to Take Action January 20, 2017

2016

1. Protecting the Freedom to Serve Should Be a Priority in 2017 December 23, 2016
2. Seek Compassionate Care, Not Assisted Suicide November 25, 2016
3. Calling for Dignity in the Public Square October 14, 2016
4. Opportunities for Work and its Impact on Society September 16, 2016
5. Love & Peace in the Midst of Violence August 19, 2016
6. Protecting the Health and Safety of All Michigan Students July 15, 2016
7. Public Transportation and Communities in Need June 24, 2016
8. Standing Up Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault May 20, 2016
9. Just Governance: A Lesson in Loving Our Neighbors April 22, 2016
10. Practicing Mercy in the State Budget March 18, 2016
11. Black History Month and the Need for Continued Dialogue February 5, 2016
12. Catholic Schools Contribute to Society January 8, 2016

2015

1. The Human Face of the Refugee Crisis December 11, 2015
2. Reforming Juvenile Justice in Michigan November 13, 2015
3. Respect Life Month Emphasizes Worth of Every Life October 16, 2015
4. Religious Tolerance and the Freedom to Serve September 18, 2015
5. Educational Choice, An Investment in Our Children August 14, 2015
6. Earned Income Tax Credit Beneficial for Working Poor July 17, 2015
7. Breaking the Cycle of Crime June 19, 2015
8. Month of May Promotes Foster Care Awareness May 29, 2015
9. Serving Michigan’s Greatest Gift—Our Children April 17, 2015
10. Policies Offer Increased Opportunities for Michigan Students March 6, 2015
11. A Blueprint for the Common Good February 6, 2015
12. 2013–2014 Session in Review January 16, 2015

2014

1. Freedom of Conscience December 19, 2014
2. The “Lame Duck” Legislative Session November 14, 2014
3. Respect Life Month October 17, 2014
4. Voting—Overcoming Obstacles to Participation and Why It Matters September 19, 2014
5. Federal Legislation Exposes Threats to Religious Liberty August 22, 2014
6. The Moral Urgency of Immigration Reform July 18, 2014
7. Elections, Faithful Citizenship, and Political Guidelines June 20, 2014
8. Restorative Justice and Juvenile Life Without Parole May 23, 2014
9. Upholding the Truth of Marriage April 18, 2014
10. Promoting Positive Alternatives to Abortion March 21, 2014
11. A Poor Church for the Poor February 14, 2014
12. Greater Educational Choice is Needed in Michigan January 16, 2014

2013

1. Abortion is Not Health Care December 10, 2013
2. Catholics Lead Fight Against Evil of Human Trafficking November 14, 2013
3. Preserving the Religious Liberty of Faith-Based Child Placement Agencies October 18, 2013
4. Michigan Catholic Conference Supports Passage of Medicaid Reform September 20, 2013