Water is an essential resource within the Great Lakes State, impacting so many aspects of life: cleaning, growing and cooking food, transportation, entertainment, and especially, nourishment. The latest FOCUS publication, “Clean and Affordable Water for All,” details the importance of water safety, affordability, and accessibility for each Michigander, as well as the Church’s insights from the Gospel teaching to “give drink to the thirsty.” Read more…

The Central Michigan Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (CMPRSA) has recognized Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) for the second year in a row by honoring the organization with three top awards for excellence in public relations and communication. CMPRSA presented MCC a first-place Pinnacle Award in the Speeches category and two second-place Excellence Awards in the category of Newsletters and Guest Columns/Op-Eds. 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! Urge Support for Raise the Age in Both Chambers; MCC Offers Support for Federal Lawsuit, Buck v. Gordon; Engagement With Officials Addressed by MCC at Muslim Capitol Day; Senate Approves Hospice Exemption Bills; The Word from Lansing: Standing Against Religious Bigotry. Read more…

The Catholic Church strongly believes in protecting religious freedom, not just for Catholics but also for those of other faiths—or no faith at all. An important component in this protection is also standing up against incidents of religious bigotry in society. The Word from Lansing for April shares examples of religious bigotry today and encourages people of goodwill to instead take the lead in fostering a climate of respect and religious tolerance. Read more…

Michigan Catholic Conference released the following comments regarding a federal lawsuit filed by the Becket law firm in the Western District of Michigan seeking to protect the conscience rights of faith-based child placement agencies. 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: Committees Consider "Raise the Age"—MCC Testifies; MCC Raises Concerns on Sanctuary City Bills; Hospice Exemption Bills Continue to House Floor; MCC Submits Public Comments on MI-Post Forms; Suicide Prevention Commission Bill Has MCC Support. 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: Discharge Petition Needs More Signatures for Vote on Born-Alive Act. Note: Michigan lawmakers are currently back in their home districts for the spring legislative recess. They will return to Lansing for regular session next week on Tuesday, April 9. 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: USDA Requests Comments on Proposed SNAP Change; Continued Pressure Needed: Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act; U.S. House Calls for Action on Equality Act; USCCB Opposes; U.S. Bishops Praise Expanded Mexico City Policy; The Word from Lansing: Prioritizing the Vulnerable in the State Budget. 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: Settlement Agreement "Does Nothing to Protect Foster Care Youth"; MCC Urges Stricter Regulations for E-Cigarettes; USCCB Opposes Equality Act; Reaffirms Authentic Human Dignity. Read more…

On March 5, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and State Budget Director Chris Kolb presented their Executive State Budget Recommendations for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year. These recommendations included several positive elements, including a doubling of the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The Word from Lansing from MCC delves further into these elements, as well as budget items not included in the governor’s proposal but that MCC will continue to advocate for during the budget process. 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 "Raise the Age" Package; Nonpublic School Educators Meet with State Lawmakers; Hospice Fixes to Opioid Law Pass Committees. 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 Reacts to Executive State Budget Recommendations; "Raise the Age" Package Receives First Senate Hearing; Join Us: Pray for an End to Infanticide. Read more…