MCC Updates

FOCUS: Conscience Rights, A Foundation for Democracy

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:40:00 +0000

This latest publication of FOCUS identifies individual and institutional conscience protections that are in place at the federal level. The document provides a timeline of when the policies were enacted and what rights they seek to protect. Despite a thirty year history of bipartisan agreement on conscience rights, recent actions from the administration have presented significant concern for religious liberty moving forward. Along with a timeline, the document includes Archbishop Carroll's "prayer for government" and an excerpt from the USCCB document "Our First, Most Cherished Liberty." Read more…

Catholic Conference Applauds Legislation to Streamline Adoption Process

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:31:00 +0000

Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) released the following comments this afternoon after the Michigan House of Representatives passed a multi-bill legislative package to simplify the adoption process in the state and to address the topic of putative fathers. The comments below may be attributed to Tom Hickson, MCC Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy: “Simplifying and streamlining the adoption process in Michigan is a win-win policy for all parties involved, especially the birth mother and her child. By shortening both the consent duration and the supervisory requirements, this legislation will help to develop a greater sense of permanency. Read more…

2013 Fortnight for Freedom: June 21–July 4, 2013

Tue, 28 May 2013 13:50:00 +0000

The U.S. bishops have called for a Fortnight for Freedom, a two-week period of prayer and action, to address many current challenges to religious liberty, including the August 1, 2013 deadline for religious organizations to comply with the HHS mandate; Supreme Court rulings that could redefine marriage in June, and religious liberty concerns in areas such as immigration and humanitarian services. Read more…

Memorial Day 2013: Prayer of the Archdiocese for the Military Services

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:57:00 +0000

Almighty God and Father, look with love upon our men and women in uniform and protect them in their time of need. Give them health and stability and allow them to return to their loved ones whole and unshaken. Be with their families and sustain them in these uncertain times. Grant strength and peace of mind to the Veterans who have given their best for the country they love. Support them in infirmity and in the fragility of old age. Teach us to remember their sacrifices and to express our gratitude. Manifest your tender care to those in the Military Academies who prepare for future service and to those who serve our Nation far from home. Teach us to remember the sacrifices of those whose efforts contribute to ensuring our way of life. Bless and multiply the priests who minister to the faithful of the Archdiocese for the Military Services. Reward their generosity and keep them faithful. Hear us as we present our prayers to You through Christ our Lord. Read more…

Following Committee Passage, USCCB Urges U.S. Senate to Act Quickly on Immigration Reform

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:53:00 +0000

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Migration, has applauded approval by the Senate Judiciary Committee of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, legislation which would reform the nation's immigration system. "This is an important step in the legislative process," he said May 22, the day after the committee vote. "I applaud Chairman Patrick Leahy and the committee members for their efforts and strong bipartisan cooperation," said Archbishop Gomez. Read more…

Catholic Health Leaders Offer Guiding Principles for Medicaid Reform

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:49:00 +0000

Leaders of the state’s largest religious community and network of health care providers today are offering through a joint statement their guiding principles for Medicaid reform as the House Committee on Michigan Competitiveness meets to begin its discussion on proposed reform policies. Signed by Michigan Catholic Conference, Trinity Health, Ascension Health-Michigan, and OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group, the statement explains that reforming Medicaid in an acceptable manner is “a noble endeavor” that will benefit future generations and the state as a whole. Read more…

Catholic Conference Applauds Senate Members for Human Trafficking Awareness

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:58:00 +0000

It has been estimated that approximately 150 women in Michigan under the age of 18 are sold into sex trafficking each month, and Michigan Catholic Conference is applauding four members of the Michigan Senate for raising awareness to this “scourge of evil.” “Michigan Catholic Conference is supportive of and thankful for the efforts of this bipartisan legislative day to raise awareness about the horrors of human trafficking, which Blessed John Paul II referred to as a ‘scourge of evil,’” said Michigan Catholic Conference Policy Advocate Rebecca Mastee. “It is imperative to raise the collective level of consciousness in Michigan about this issue as human trafficking is an appalling crime against the fundamental rights and dignity of the human person.” Read more…

Human Trafficking Awareness Day May 2 at the Capitol

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:39:32 +0000

On Thursday, May 2, the women of the Michigan Senate will host a bipartisan legislative day to raise awareness to the problem of human trafficking in Michigan and throughout the country. It is estimated that approximately 150 women under the age of 18 are sold into sex trafficking each month in the state. This is a horrible crime against the fundamental rights and dignity of the human person. Michigan Catholic Conference supports the efforts of the Senators and invites interested persons to join the May 2 legislative day in Lansing. Read more…

Grand Rapids Diocese Announces Father David Walkowiak Will Succeed Bishop Hurley

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:39:00 +0000

The Diocese of Grand Rapids announced April 18 that Father David John Walkowiak, a priest from the Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio, will succeed Bishop Walter Hurley as the 12th bishop of the diocese. Bishop-elect Walkowiak will be ordained to the episcopacy June 18, 2013 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Grand Rapids. “I am grateful to Pope Francis for entrusting me with this apostolic office as bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids,” said Bishop-Elect Walkowiak. “In accepting this appointment I renew my trust in the Lord who asks me to set out again on a new mission. I thank God for providing me with the opportunity to serve this local church, which I pray will be a blessing to its people.” Read more…

U.S. Bishops' Conference Welcomes Immigration Proposal, Urges Work Toward Basic Rights and Dignity

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:35:59 +0000

WASHINGTON—The introduction of U.S. Senate bipartisan legislation to reform the U.S. immigration system was welcomed by Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration, April 17. “I welcome the introduction of legislation today in the U.S. Senate,” Archbishop Gomez said. “The U.S. bishops look forward to carefully examining the legislation and working with Congress to fashion a final bill that respects the basic human rights and dignity of newcomers to our land—migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable populations.” Read more…