The first week of the last stretch of session kicked off this week and MCC was involved on a number of fronts, including issuing a press release and video about what it's like to live without a driver's license in Michigan. The testimonial video is connected to MCC's advocacy for driver's licenses for immigrants. Watch the video and see what other legislation MCC is tracking this week.
As the end of the current legislative session approaches, there remains another opportunity for lawmakers to increase school safety funding for nonpublic schools, and that's where faithful Catholic citizens can help.
Pending bills in both the House and Senate would make Michigan driver’s licenses and state identification cards available to applicants who do not have proof of U.S. citizenship but can prove their identity and Michigan residency. Without a driver’s license, more than 100,000 Michiganders who lack federal documentation cannot legally drive to buy groceries, drop their kids off at school, or get to work.
Catholics advocating for the dignity of immigrants and refugees descended on Lansing this week to continue the push to pass driver’s license legislation. Read about other legislation MCC supports to help foster children and human trafficking victims, as well as the story of the patron saint for hunters as opening day for firearm season begins today.
The 2024 election came and went and most of the results are in. MCC provides a rundown of the most pertinent results for Michigan Catholics. Plus, the lame duck legislative session is just around the corner, and MCC will be working to advance some unfinished policies before session ends. Read about those priorities and more.
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.
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.