The Word from Lansing is a regular column written by Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) staff for Catholic news outlets. Through these columns, MCC outlines current advocacy issues of importance to the Conference and discusses the Catholic position and role in the political process. This publication complements the more regular updates provided by Michigan Catholic Conference’s Catholic Advocacy Network.
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.
The Word from Lansing / Posted April 16, 2025
At the heart of immigration are individual people with names, families, and stories. This column invites readers to recognize the person of Jesus Christ in others through the experiences of migrants who have traveled to unfamiliar surroundings to support and protect themselves and their families.
The Word from Lansing / Posted February 24, 2025
Ensuring every student receives a quality education is critical to promoting the common good. As the state budget process gets underway, MCC will be advocating for a student-centered approach to education funding.
The Word from Lansing / Posted December 6, 2024
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.
The Word from Lansing / Posted October 6, 2024
Among the Church’s social teachings, there is none more important than protecting human life and dignity, which is highlighted every year in October during Respect Life month. This column focuses on two specific life issues due to their continued presence and discussion in the public square among legislators, candidates, media, and the general public.
The Word from Lansing / Posted September 3, 2024
Catholic voters are invited to begin their approach to the election by forming their consciences according to the teachings of the Church, which along with praying for insight and acting on this process of formation is at the crux of MCC’s newest edition of Focus, which is now available in print and online.
The Word from Lansing / Posted July 26, 2024
Beyond public speeches and campaign rhetoric, the state budget represents the priorities and people that state lawmakers are willing to support with the public’s tax dollars. With that in mind, MCC offers commentary on what the latest budget prioritizes, and what it doesn’t.
The Word from Lansing / Posted June 25, 2024
That each human person is endowed by God with infinite dignity was the subject of a recent Vatican document, and the truth of human dignity also forms the basis of MCC’s public policy work. Read about how upholding human dignity serves as the common link for the Church’s approach to abortion, surrogacy, serving the poor, and caring for the migrant and refugee.
The Word from Lansing / Posted April 17, 2024
Pope Francis has challenged Catholics to be a Church that goes to the margins of society and to seek out those who have been forgotten or cast off by the rest of the world, and that’s a principle that MCC articulates in advocating for or against public policy at the state Capitol. Read a recent example about how two different policies that MCC took positions on shared the same theme of looking out for the vulnerable.
The Word from Lansing / Posted March 15, 2024
Backed by Church teaching that stands opposed to unjust business practices that prey on the poor and vulnerable, read about why MCC is supporting legislation to cap predatory payday lending rates.