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.
Current law requires seventeen-year-olds in Michigan to be charged as adults if arrested, even for minor, non-violent crimes. Recognizing this policy does little to divert youth from crime and keep communities safe, a bipartisan group of lawmakers are seeking to transform the way juveniles are treated in the criminal justice system. Michigan Catholic Conference advocates for these “Raise the Age” measures to be enacted in the State Legislature, and the May edition of The Word from Lansing explains why.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Annually, this month highlights the importance of protecting children, but the work of creating safe environments for kids is needed each and every day. The April edition of The Word from Lansing outlines what the Catholic Church has done to prevent abuse, assist victims, and promote child safety.
Rates of serious diseases, such as polio and measles, have significantly decreased in the United States over time, in part due to medical advances such as vaccinations. Parents and health professionals benefit from open discussions about these preventative tools, the risks of serious diseases, and the possibility of any risk that may occur after an immunization. In The Word from Lansing for April, Michigan Catholic Conference and encourage individuals and families to learn more about vaccinations, their impact on individuals and communities, and Catholic teaching regarding their use.
For those receiving assistance through the Family Independence Program (FIP), Michigan law can disincentivize marriage, causing some to delay or forego it to retain assistance for their children. The Word from Lansing for February outlines the importance of marriage as an anti-poverty tool. The column also provides information on recently introduced legislation in Lansing that encourages family stability and promotes marriage.
Prescription medicines for pain, including opiates, have helped many facing difficult illnesses and conditions. Unfortunately, Michigan has seen greater abuse of these prescription medications in recent years, even among children. During the 2017–2018 legislative session, state lawmakers have been discussing policies that curb unnecessary or excessive opioid use, and many of these measures have become law.
During the season of Advent, there are many opportunities to serve those in need, especially the poor. Pope Francis posed a challenge for Catholics in his November World Day of the Poor message, urging all not to be satisfied with the state of poverty in their midst. This month’s The Word from Lansing column explains that the Holy Father asks for interaction with these individuals and families instead, encouraging us to look beyond stereotypes and create friendships.
While society seems to link one’s value to his or her abilities or independence, the Catholic Church recognizes that each person has dignity and welcomes all with warmth, compassion, and assistance. The Word from Lansing column for November highlights a few areas of ministry within the Church that reinforce this idea, including assistance for women with unexpected pregnancies, post-abortive counseling, and life-affirming care for the terminally ill.
The freedom of religion has long been upheld in America as a right for every person, regardless of their religious beliefs. This month’s The Word from Lansing column focuses on the importance of defending religious freedom for all people, as well as the importance of coming together in interfaith collaboration to address pressing issues in society.
Recognizing the dignity of every person, regardless of differences in race, ethnicity, or background, is a core element of the Catholic faith. Last month, after divisive speech and racially-motivated violence that left three dead in Charlottesville, Virginia, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) called for the creation of an Ad-Hoc Committee Against Racism. The new chairman of this committee, Most Reverend George Murry of Youngstown, Ohio, has challenged Catholics across the country to stand against racism and intolerance, accompanying statements of solidarity with concrete action.
In recent years, the Michigan Legislature has taken several steps to ensure the health and safety of all Michigan students, including the approval of $2.5 million to reimburse nonpublic schools for complying with state health and safety mandates. Unfortunately, legal pressure has challenged this funding, and opponents of the appropriation have articulated misleading information about nonpublic schools. The Word from Lansing column for August addresses these erroneous claims and highlights why Michigan should care for and protect students at all schools as a matter of fairness. A similar version of this column first ran in The Detroit News on July 26, 2017.
