Lansing Update / Posted December 1, 2023
With public policymakers concerned about Michigan’s lack of population growth, MCC put forth its perspective that policies focused on supporting and growing families are key for long-term population growth in this state. For more on MCC’s advocacy on this issue, plus some resources for getting Advent started off right this Sunday, read this week’s Lansing Update.
Policies that support low-income families and encourage couples to have children should be among Council’s recommendations
News Release / Posted November 28, 2023
To grow Michigan’s stagnant population, policymakers should view proposed solutions through the lens of supporting family life by making it easier to have and raise children in this state, according to a letter from MCC to the Governor’s council tasked with recommending policy goals to grow Michigan’s population.
Lansing Update / Posted November 22, 2023
While the Governor this week did sign the Reproductive Health Act bills that were sent to her desk, MCC noted in a press release the advocacy that resulted in a watered-down version of the RHA becoming law. Plus, ahead of Thanksgiving, MCC extends its gratitude for the dedicated Catholic grassroots network. Read more in this week’s Lansing Update.
MCC Calls on Lawmakers to Support Policies that Protect and Serve Women and Children
News Release / Posted November 21, 2023
In a statement, MCC highlighted the legislative and grassroots advocacy against the Reproductive Health Act that prevented several alarming policies from becoming law. However, MCC called attention to the repeal of health and safety standards required of the abortion industry in Michigan, along with many other common-sense limits on abortion in the RHA. The Catholic Conference again urged lawmakers to prioritize policies that help both mothers and their children.
Lansing Update / Posted November 10, 2023
The first-ever Michigan March for Life brought thousands of pro-lifers to the steps of the state Capitol this week. Plus, the Legislature wrapped up session for 2023, meaning there was a lot of activity on a variety of issues. Catch up on issues ranging from abortion regulations to surrogacy to juvenile justice and more in this week’s Lansing Update.
These nine advocacy principles originate from Catholic social teaching and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Within each principle are specific policy priorities MCC brings to dialogue that occurs at the state Capitol.
Every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. Human life is sacred, and the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.
All people must have access to basic human needs to ensure they can live in a dignified manner, with a particular concern for the poor, the vulnerable, and anyone who goes without those basic needs.
Faith-based organizations provide services to the needy and contribute to the common welfare of society through institutions like schools and hospitals. Faith is what animates these providers to serve and is the foundational dimension of their identity.
Education is essential for the betterment of society by providing opportunities for children and adults to reach their fulfillment.
Marriage and family life is the core social institution, directed toward establishing a foundation of success for children.
Access to affordable and adequate healthcare is a basic human necessity required for upholding the dignity of human life.
The human dignity of both the crime victim and the offender should be acknowledged within the criminal justice system when considering punishment and the capacity for rehabilitation.
The human dignity of the immigrant, the refugee and the asylee—regardless of personal circumstances, background, or even legal status—must not be forgotten when considering how to manage immigration practices.
Environmental stewardship has a moral dimension, particularly in the recognition of the impact that environmental deterioration has on people, families, and the poor.
The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Modern Catholic social teaching has been articulated through a tradition of papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents. The depth and richness of this tradition can be understood best through a direct reading of these documents. In these brief reflections, we wish to highlight several of the key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition.
