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 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.
The Word from Lansing / Posted February 9, 2024
With the Governor’s annual State of the State speech and the start of the state budget process, MCC argues public policy—from new legislation to spending priorities—should be aimed at lifting up families and provides some policy proposals that could serve this goal.
The Word from Lansing / Posted January 9, 2024
MCC identifies five important legislative issues it will be watching during calendar year 2024, including assisted suicide, commercial surrogacy, driver’s licenses for immigrants, and more.
The Word from Lansing / Posted December 11, 2023
In response to the ongoing discourse among Michigan public officials about the state’s stagnant population, MCC argues that public policies that support and grow family life will lead to population growth in Michigan.
The Word from Lansing / Posted November 11, 2023
The Church in Michigan encourages public officials to embrace the idea that the family is the primary cell of human society, and to consider economic and social policies that promote such a principle — with particular consideration given to families who are struggling to make ends meet.
The Word from Lansing / Posted October 2, 2023
As a package of dangerous anti-life bills remain stalled in the Legislature, some of our elected officials need the courage to stand firm in their convictions and oppose the Reproductive Health Act (RHA), and faithful Catholic citizens can help them do that by sending elected officials a message to vote no on the RHA.
The Word from Lansing / Posted September 15, 2023
The clergy abuse crisis inflicted on today’s Catholics has been a tragic chapter for the Church. Yet amidst the tragedy and scandal, there is hope for renewal and healing. To help advance understanding and awareness of a cultural change within the Church, the upcoming edition of Michigan Catholic Conference’s quarterly Focus publication shares how the Church in Michigan works to protect children and prevent abuse through safe environment protocols considered among the strongest in the nation.
The Word from Lansing / Posted June 1, 2023
The sheer impact of gun violence on human life should demand a response from Catholics, and MCC’s latest edition of Focus explains and clarifies how lay and ordained Catholics can support gun policies in the interest of protecting human life, with the goal to keep guns from people who may cause harm to themselves or others.
The Word from Lansing / Posted May 18, 2023
In this column, MCC describes the recent trend of lawmakers acting to expand abortion in Michigan after Proposal 3, and urges them to take a different course and find ways to prevent abortion from happening.
The Word from Lansing / Posted April 25, 2023
Despite the uphill battle it entailed, MCC staff earlier this year deployed essentially every tool in the advocacy toolbox to fight for the rights of schools, charities, and organizations who wish to serve others in the public square according to the teachings of their faith.