News Release: Statement Regarding Today's Executive Order

Michigan Catholic Conference President and CEO Paul A. Long made the following comments regarding the signing of an Executive Order today from President Donald Trump:

“The freedom for religious institutions to serve others, especially those most in need, in the fields of health care, education, and charitable care has benefitted our communities and the common good in Michigan for decades. Federal mandates placed on Catholic and other religiously-affiliated institutions through provisions of the Affordable Care Act created unnecessary policy and legal questions that posed serious risk to the very existence of Catholic health care centers, schools, nursing homes, and charitable services, among others.

Today’s Executive Order, reported to offer broad protections from these burdensome mandates, begins to return a greater tolerance of religious beliefs and practices than has been present in recent years. As the presence of an Executive Order on this topic affirms, the freedom for religious institutions to serve others and to express and practice — not just worship — one’s religious convictions is a fundamental element of both American society and constitutional law.

Michigan Catholic Conference recognizes the necessity to continue advocating, in collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, for strengthened legislative and regulatory protections on these and other critical matters of importance to people and organizations of faith.”

Editor’s Note: Earlier this year Michigan Catholic Conference launched a statewide television and digital advertising effort based on short films that highlight and promote the charitable, health care, and educational work of religious institutions in Michigan communities. The :30 and :60 second television commercials that focus on the freedom to serve others are expected to continue through the year.

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

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