Lansing Update: October 5, 2012

In This Week’s Lansing Update:

1. MCC Launches New Election Web Page
2. October is Respect Life Month
3. Poll Indicates Strong Support for Religious Liberty in the Provision of Public Services
4. Find the MCC on Social Media
5. Michigan Lawmakers Out Till November

MCC Launches New Election Web Page

Michigan Catholic Conference launched its new election page “Faithful Citizenship in Action” this week to provide voting resources to Catholics across Michigan. With the November 6 election a month away, it is important to think carefully about each candidate and proposal that will appear on the ballot. The site, which can be accessed at www.micatholic.org, provides information on Faithful Citizenship, Catholic social teaching and the six ballot proposals, as well as a link to your sample ballot. Also included on the page are three separate FOCUS publications that have been sent to parishes across the state.

October is Respect Life Month

This Sunday, October 7, kicks off Respect Life Month, a celebration which began in 1972 to honor the value and dignity of all human life. Most Reverend Walter Hurley, Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, has released a statement [Link no longer available —Ed.] saying this Sunday, Respect Life Sunday, allows each of us to begin the month by “reflect[ing] on our commitment as Catholics to promote and cherish a culture of life for all people from conception to natural death.” The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has produced many helpful resources to pray for the respect of human life this month and through the year at www.usccb.org. These materials include a rosary novena for life and liberty, scripture readings and prayers (“holy hour”) on life and liberty, and a bulletin insert on religious freedom and the Health and Human Services contraceptive mandate. MCC encourages pastors and parishioners to share these materials within their parish community.

Poll Indicates Strong Support for Religious Liberty in the Provision of Public Services

A poll released Wednesday by Michigan Catholic Conference indicates 80% of Michigan likely voters support religious liberty in the provision of public services. The question asked to likely voters was: Do you believe religious organizations in the U.S. should or should not have the freedom to provide educational and charitable assistance to the general public that is in accordance with their own religious beliefs and teachings, without government interference? In a statement released by Michigan Catholic Conference, President and C.E.O. Paul Long said, “Michigan residents are clearly stating that faith-based organizations have a right to adhere to their religious tradition when serving the public.” Overwhelming numbers of Democrats, Republicans, men, women, young, old, pro-life and pro-abortion rights advocates each responded with a yes to the above question.

Find the MCC on Social Media

Many of you have already found and “liked” the Michigan Catholic Conference Facebook page and “followed” us on Twitter, but if you use social media and haven’t connected with us yet, do so today! Those who are connected to our social media pages can read the most up to date information about Michigan Catholic Conference, including advocacy alerts, news releases and articles, and information about bills that are of interest to the MCC. Please click on the above links to connect with our pages and share us with your friends and family- it will only take a few seconds! Thank you for your support.

Michigan Lawmakers Out Until November

Due to election activities, the Michigan Legislature will only meet once for a brief session this month. Both the State Senate and House of Representatives will return after the election in November to a more regular schedule to finish out the year.