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…

The Catholic Church has many inspiring models of faith, including Sr. Thea Bowman, a religious sister in the early stages of consideration for sainthood. Sr. Thea’s life of service to others and dedication to her faith remind Catholics that it is important to stand up for the vulnerable and the common good, even in difficult community and policy conversations. The Word from Lansing column for February reflects upon Sr. Thea’s example and calls for Catholic to be a voice for others. 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: Urge Your U.S. Officials to Oppose Discriminatory Legislation; Speak Out to Oppose Payday Lending Expansion; Catholic Conference Supports Net Metering Legislation. 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: MCC Testifies on Behalf of Support for Pregnant Women, Mothers; Catholic Conference Urges State Lawmakers to Act on Education Funding ; Executive Recommendations Include Several MCC-Priority Items—Continued Work Needed ; Advocacy Report on the 100th Michigan Legislature Released by MCC. Read more…

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. 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…

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: COVID-19 Education Aid Clears State House of Representatives; Payday Lending Expansion Reintroduced in State Legislature; Catholic Schools Week Highlights Excellent Values-Based Education; U.S. Bishops Disappointed in White House Action to Rescind Title X Rule; Bishops Share Priorities for Consideration in New COVID Assistance; USCCB Welcomes Administration's Actions for Immigrants and Refugees; Federal Racial Equity Actions on Housing and Prisons Welcome, Says U.S. Bishops. 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…

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: Across the Country, Pro-Life Citizens Send Message That All Are Valued; U.S. Bishops Decry President Biden’s Order to Promote and Fund Abortion Overseas; Governor Delivers State of the State; MCC Committed to Mission-Based Advocacy; State Legislature Passes Catholic Schools Week Resolutions; Michigan Nonpublic School Students Benefit from First Robotics Grants; Biden Administration’s Roe v. Wade Statement is “Disturbing and Tragic”; USCCB Grateful for Early Actions to Address Urgent Food and Housing Needs. 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: On 48th Anniversary of Legalized Abortion, Take Action; USCCB Comments on Inauguration of President Biden; MCC Issues Guiding “Blueprint” Document for 2021–2022 Advocacy; U.S. Bishops Welcome End of Immigration and Refugee Ban from Certain Countries; Catholic Leaders Hopeful with Announcement of U.S. to Rejoin Paris Climate Change Agreement; Michigan House of Representatives Names Committee Assignments. 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: 101st Michigan Legislature Begins Two-Year Session; This January, Take Action to Support Human Life; Congress Approves COVID-19 Relief for Nonpublic Schools; The Word from Lansing: COVID-19 Vaccines and Moral Considerations; SCOTUS Issues Preliminary Injunction in Abortion Pill Case. Read more…

Over the past ten months, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed life for people across the globe, impacting physical health, emotional well-being, and economic outcomes for families and businesses. In 2021, many are feeling optimistic with vaccines for COVID-19 becoming available, including two from Pfizer and Moderna. The Catholic bishops of Michigan recently commented on the importance of vaccinations for public health and addressed moral questions that are facing Catholics about the vaccines that are available. Read more…