Lansing Update / Posted May 16, 2025
This week, MCC responded to a court ruling that will further deregulate abortion in Michigan, while also lending support to legislation that recognizes the dignity of the preborn. Also, a case is made for why Pope Leo XIV is a Michigan pope.
Longstanding abortion limitations, including 24-hour waiting period, struck down by judge
News Release / Posted May 14, 2025
In response to a court ruling that struck down the state regulations requiring a 24-hour waiting period prior to an abortion and informed consent be provided to women, MCC said it is clear that the intent of the 2022 ballot proposal was to grant constitutional protections to an industry that places itself above the health and safety of women and the lives of pre-born children.
The Word from Lansing / Posted May 12, 2025
Even though she retired from public life 15 years ago, reflecting on Sister Monica’s life and legacy—who passed away at the age of 87 on April 28, 2025—and recalling some of her insights provide invaluable perspective on the continued need for the Church to be present in public policy advocacy.
Lansing Update / Posted May 9, 2025
The Church welcomed with great excitement this week Pope Leo XIV as the newest Successor to St. Peter, becoming the first American-born pope to lead the global Catholic Church, who even studied for a period of time in west Michigan.
News Release / Posted May 8, 2025
MCC president and CEO Paul A. Long offered comments on the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an Augustinian priest who holds dual American and Peruvian citizenship, and has taken the name of Pope Leo XIV for his papacy.
These nine advocacy principles originate from Catholic social teaching and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Within each principle are specific policy priorities MCC brings to dialogue that occurs at the state Capitol.
Every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. Human life is sacred, and the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.
All people must have access to basic human needs to ensure they can live in a dignified manner, with a particular concern for the poor, the vulnerable, and anyone who goes without those basic needs.
Faith-based organizations provide services to the needy and contribute to the common welfare of society through institutions like schools and hospitals. Faith is what animates these providers to serve and is the foundational dimension of their identity.
Education is essential for the betterment of society by providing opportunities for children and adults to reach their fulfillment.
Marriage and family life is the core social institution, directed toward establishing a foundation of success for children.
Access to affordable and adequate healthcare is a basic human necessity required for upholding the dignity of human life.
The human dignity of both the crime victim and the offender should be acknowledged within the criminal justice system when considering punishment and the capacity for rehabilitation.
The human dignity of the immigrant, the refugee and the asylee—regardless of personal circumstances, background, or even legal status—must not be forgotten when considering how to manage immigration practices.
Environmental stewardship has a moral dimension, particularly in the recognition of the impact that environmental deterioration has on people, families, and the poor.
The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. The depth and richness of this tradition can be understood best through a direct reading of these documents. In these brief reflections, we wish to highlight several of the key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition.
