Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: U.S. Catholic Bishops Speak Out Against Racism; MCC Offers Condolences in Death of Bishop Murray; Catholic Conference Supports Police Training Bills; Michigan Values Life Petition Signatures in Verification Process; Dual Enrollment Expansion Bills Continue to Senate Floor; Legislation Would Expand Medicaid Access to Telemedicine. Read more…

Upon hearing of the death of Bishop James A. Murray, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) wishes to extend to Most Reverend Paul Bradley, Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo and the faithful of the Kalamazoo Diocese heartfelt condolences and prayers for the soul of Bishop Murray. 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…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: With House Passage, Payday Lending Bill Requires Continued Opposition; MCC Publishes Focus, Webpage to Highlight Laudato Si' Anniversary; 2020 Census: Your Voice is Needed. Read more…

Throughout the month of May, Catholics across the world have recognized the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’s second encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, issued from Rome in May of 2015. Michigan Catholic Conference has joined these efforts by developing and distributing materials for Catholic institutions and various secular bodies, including its venerable FOCUS publication along with numerous web-based resources. MCC’s efforts accompany recent public initiatives from the Catholic Church to widen the impact of the pope’s teaching, including Laudato Si’ Week and the Day of Common Prayer for Creation, which took place May 24. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: Michigan Dioceses Set Timeline, Safety Guidelines for Liturgical Services; The Word from Lansing: Living Care for One Another; Michigan House Approves Minor DNR Bills; 2020 Census Resources Offered in Almost 60 Languages; Laudato Si’ Week Brings Catholics Together to Protect Common Home; Department of Labor Issues Directive and Guidance on Religious Liberty; Memorial Day Honors Service and Sacrifice. Read more…

Over the past few months, federal and state lawmakers have passed a variety of aid packages in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These bills have included support for hospitals, food assistance, unemployment benefits, schools, and small businesses, among other aspects. The Word from Lansing for May explains the recent legislation, as well as encourages Michiganders to reflect upon their shared responsibility for one another. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: ACTION NEEDED! Catholic Schools Need Your Help; Bureau of Elections Resumes Vetting of Petitions to End Dismemberment Abortion; Funding for COVID-19; Response Clears Michigan Senate; State Revenues Down $3.2 Billion. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: ​​​​​​​Completing the 2020 Census is Easier Than Ever; Reminder: Demand an Ethically Made COVID-19 Vaccine; Michigan House Approves Minor DNR Bills; USCCB Condemns Increased Reports of Racism in Pandemic; Happy Mother's Day from Michigan Catholic Conference. Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: ACT NOW! Demand an Ethically Made COVID-19 Vaccine. Read more…

On April 16th Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was asked by a podcast host about her to decision to allow abortion facilities to remain open during the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order. In response, Whitmer stated that abortion is “life sustaining.” MCC responded to the governor’s comments by stating that her understanding of life issues has become “bifurcated and confusing,” and is asking for the governor to pause and reflect on “the wounds her comments have created for countless people in this state and elsewhere.” Read more…

Lansing Update publishes on Fridays when the Michigan Legislature is in session and chronicles legislative activity of interest to Michigan Catholic Conference. Join the Catholic Advocacy Network to receive Lansing Update in your inbox. This week: MPSC Order Addresses Utility Rates for Michiganders; Responses Needed in the 2020 Census. Read more…