Bishops and other religious leaders gathered in Rome last month for a worldwide Synod. This gathering examined the gifts young people bring to the Catholic Church and the ways the Church can better accompany them. The discussions also highlighted the need to prepare young Catholics for engagement in the public realm. 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: Michiganders Choose New Leadership for State Government; State Voters Return Incumbent to U.S. Senate; Michigan Congressional Delegation Shifts to 7-7 Split; Proposal 1 Passes, Legalizes Recreational Marijuana in State; Redistricting and Voting Measures Widely Approved by Michigan Voters; Two New Members of the State Board of Education Chosen; One Incumbent, One Challenger Head to Michigan Supreme Court; Republicans Retain Control of Michigan Legislature, Democrats Gain Seats; "Lame Duck" Session Begins for Michigan Legislature. Read more…

On Tuesday, November 6, Michiganders elected public officials to represent their interests at the local, state, and federal levels beginning in January. Voters also weighed in on three statewide ballot proposals. View a snapshot of the results…

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: Why Vote on Tuesday, November 6?; Vote 'NO' on Proposal 1 and Legalized Recreational Marijuana; Issues to Consider Before Voting on Election Day; Read Informational Backgrounders on Statewide Proposals 2 and 3; Election Logistics: Polling Place, Sample Ballot, and More. 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: Catholic Conference Continues to Urge Opposition to Legalized Marijuana; Election Website Offers Informational Resources on Ballot Proposals, Voting. Read more…

At its September meeting, the Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) Board of Directors unanimously voted to oppose Proposal 1, a measure that would legalize recreational marijuana in the state. If adopted, Proposal 1 would not protect youth, improve health outcomes, improve communities, or make people better workers. The Word from Lansing column for October provides further insights into MCC’s position and the negative impact legalizing recreational marijuana will likely have on Michigan. 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: Appeals Court Issues Decision on Mandate Funding for Nonpublic Schools; On the Passing of Most Reverend Joseph Cistone of Saginaw; Election Resources Available at MCC Website. Read more…

Michigan Catholic Conference shares its profound sorrow with the parishioners, clergy and family of Bishop Joseph Cistone, who passed away unexpectedly the evening of October 15th due to the complications of cancer. We remember the joy in which he approached his ministry as bishop and his service to this organization as a member of the Board of Directors. Read more…

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) both applaud Congressional actions to extend the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for another five years. So far the plan has saved millions of lives, prevented millions of new infections and supported 6.4 million orphans, vulnerable children and their caregivers worldwide. The legislation, now on its way for final passage, also sets U.S. policy for the support of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. 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: Catholic Conference Launches Website for Election Resources, Information; MCC Urges 'No' Vote on Recreational Marijuana; Critical "Raise the Age" Discussion Continues; New Theme and Materials Available for Respect Life Month. Read more…

Every year, October marks the observation of Respect Life Month in the U.S. Catholic Church. This celebration highlights the responsibility of all Catholics to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between. The theme for this year is “Every Life: Cherished, Chosen, Sent.” Resources—including articles, posters, and graphics—are available for year-round use. Read more…

According to the Focus document: "Questions about this proposal considered by the MCC Board of Directors, which includes the diocesan bishops of the state, asked if this measure promotes the common good and uplifts the moral fiber in the state. After careful review, the MCC Board is urging a No vote on the measure, citing the harm it may cause for Michigan families, health outcomes, communities and workers.” Read more…