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 July 27, 2022
Pregnancy centers, which are dedicated to helping women and their unborn and born children, have been attacked, disparaged and denied state funding. Yet they are doing the work to support a culture of life and to prevent the tragedy of abortion, and they deserve our help.
The Word from Lansing / Posted July 8, 2022
In the wake of several mass shootings, we join with the U.S. bishops in urging lawmakers to address gun access and gun regulations in addition to other measures intended to curb gun violence, such as school safety measures and mental health improvements.
The Word from Lansing / Posted May 25, 2022
On the anniversary of George Floyd’s death, and after a similar tragedy that recently played out in Grand Rapids that resulted in the death of another African-American man in a police encounter, we encourage the Legislature to take up a series of law enforcement reforms aimed at trying to address these issues.
The Word from Lansing / Posted May 9, 2022
The U.S. Supreme Court could rule to overturn Roe v. Wade. Or it might not. That was true before, and after, a draft decision in the current Dobbs case before the court recently broke out into the public. But what we know — and have known — is regardless of what happens next, the mission to ensure legal protection of the unborn and to build up a culture of support for mothers and children remains unfinished.
The Word from Lansing / Posted April 8, 2022
Amidst the uncertainty in the ongoing COVID landscape, parents are assessing all options and seeking choices they feel best furthers their kids’ learning. With that in mind, a campaign has launched to put more money directly in the hands of parents to pay for the education expenses their kids need, regardless of the type of school they attend, whether it’s public, private or home school.
The Word from Lansing / Posted March 22, 2022
Our Catholic faith is a both/and faith. Catholics believe it is essential to both oppose the tragedy of abortion and support mothers both before and after they give birth. To illustrate, we sought to explore in-depth the various ways Catholics walk with mothers in need in Michigan.
The Word from Lansing / Posted January 31, 2022
A settlement reached in a state lawsuit filed against the St. Vincent Catholic Charities was an important win for religious liberty and also for the most vulnerable children in the State of Michigan, upholding the constitutional right to religious liberty that is a cornerstone of our state and nation.
The Word from Lansing / Posted January 19, 2022
MCC is urges support to expand a tax credit for working families that would alleviate poverty and help get people back to work. It's the best anti-poverty, best pro-family, and best job creation measure this Legislature could pass.
The Word from Lansing / Posted December 2, 2021
Nearly fifty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a controversial decision, established a constitutional right to abortion. But now, the nation’s highest court has been asked to reconsider the decision it made in the 1973 case known as Roe v. Wade. MCC’s Word from Lansing column takes a look at how a successful outcome in Dobbs, potentially coming in June 2022, could prohibit abortion in Michigan.
The Word from Lansing / Posted August 20, 2021
Since its formation in 1963, Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC)—the public policy voice of the Catholic bishops in our state—has actively championed issues that promote the common good of Michiganders and serve the most vulnerable. For nearly sixty years, MCC has lived its mission and built positive relationships with lawmakers, other advocacy groups, and experts. These relationships have helped accomplish policy goals in fidelity to Catholic teaching.
