News Release: Michigan Catholic Conference Celebrates Passage of Proposal 2

LANSING—Proceeding a month-long Catholic voter education plan that focused on the sanctity of marriage and respect for fellow human beings, the Michigan Catholic Conference today celebrated the success of Proposal 2—the state constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of only one man and one woman—and pledged to continue its advocacy toward strengthening marriage in the state.

“Despite the many forces working against society’s bedrock institution, this proposal was not only a teachable moment regarding the importance of marriage, but also an endeavor to ensure that Michigan’s Defense of Marriage Act is left solely to the will of the people,” said Michigan Catholic Conference President and C.E.O. Sr. Monica Kostielney, R.S.M. “Today millions of Michigan citizens spoke loud and clear in defense of the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman.”

Earlier this year over 500,000 citizens from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds signed petitions seeking the ultimate protection of marriage by amending the state’s constitution. The Michigan Catholic Conference responded in-kind by developing and instituting a Catholic voter education plan designed to contribute Catholic support for the proposal.

During the month of October all 802 Catholic parishes across the state received supporting material and were encouraged to make use of a taped messaged from His Eminence Adam Cardinal Maida, chairman of the Michigan Catholic Conference board of directors, urging support for Proposal 2. In addition, nearly 600,000 registered Catholic households across the state received a letter composed by the state’s diocesan bishops in support of the proposal.

Looking toward the future, and considering marriage is consistently attacked on several fronts in today’s society, the Michigan Catholic Conference has pledged to continue its advocacy efforts on behalf of the common good to ensure that the institution of marriage is strengthened.

“We look forward to continuing our work with people of good will to strengthen the ideal family structure that includes one man and one woman raising children in a loving and committed life-long relationship,” said Sr. Monica. “This understanding is part of the common moral heritage of our society.”

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

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