MCC Updates

Citing Likely Impact on Canon Law, MCC Urges Opposition to “Anti-Foreign Law” Bill

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:27:32 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference President and C.E.O. Paul A. Long is speaking in opposition today to House Bill 4769, legislation intended to prohibit the application of foreign law in Michigan. Michigan Catholic Conference is strongly opposed to this bill because of its likely impact on the application of Catholic canon law in the state. Continue reading…

On the Formation of the Michigan Legislative Prayer Caucus

Wed, 02 May 2012 13:23:45 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference released the following statement regarding today's announcement of the formation of a Michigan Legislative Prayer Caucus. Continue reading…

Lansing Update, April 27, 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:32:31 -0400

Legislature Passes State Department Spending for 2012–13 Fiscal Year Continue reading…

U.S. Bishops Issue Call to Action in New Religious Liberty Statement

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:40:05 -0400

“Our First, Most Cherished Liberty,” released April 12, urges the laity to work to protect the First Freedom of the Bill of Rights, and itemizes numerous instances at home and abroad where religious liberty has come under attack. According to the statement: “What is at stake is whether America will continue to have a free, creative, and robust civil society—or whether the state alone will determine who gets to contribute to the common good, and how they get to do it.” Continue reading…

Lansing Update, March 30, 2012

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:31:46 -0400

Legislation Would Allow for Concealed Weapons in Churches; Strengthened Parental Consent Laws Move to House; 2012–13 Departmental Budgets Begin to Move Through the Legislative Process Continue reading…

Thousands Protest HHS Mandate in Detroit, Nationwide

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:55:33 -0400

Detroit—Upwards of 1,000 people enthusiastically cheered when Fr. Stephen Pullis took the microphone in downtown Detroit with a simple but forceful message. “We cannot give up, we cannot back down, and we cannot be silent,” he said to a roar. Among those speaking at the rally was Most. Rev. Michael Byrnes, auxiliary bishop of the Detroit archdiocese, pictured above. Continue reading…

U.S. Bishops Launch Nationwide Call to Prayer for Religious Liberty

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:51:27 -0400

The Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), gathering for its March 2012 meeting, called for a nationwide prayer effort to support the ongoing struggle to protect religious freedom and conscience rights from various threats, including the coercive HHS contraception/sterilization mandate. Continue reading…

Lansing Update, March 16, 2012

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:36:16 -0400

Legislation Banning Abortion Coercion Heads to Senate; Senate Subcommittee Addresses Lack of Abortion Clinic Inspections; Failure to Report Stem Cell Research Could Mean Decreased Funds for U of M. Continue reading…

United for Religious Freedom: A Statement of the Administrative Committee Of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:55:09 -0400

Following its meeting, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops Administrative Committee released this statement in defense of religious freedom and conscience rights that are under attack from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The statement also lays out next steps and dispels common myths about the HHS mandate. Continue reading…

On the U.S. Senate Respect for Rights of Conscience Act Vote

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:34:44 -0500

The votes of Michigan’s U.S. senators, Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin, against the Blunt Amendment represent an unacceptable position—one that seeks to inflict significant monetary damages on religious employers who will abide by their consciences rather than the dictates of the state. Today’s vote may not be the end of legislative efforts to protect conscience rights, and this critical issue will almost certainly be addressed by the courts. As such, the Catholic Church, numerous other faith denominations and persons of goodwill will continue to oppose the HHS mandate in all three branches of government. While these efforts are underway, opposition from the Catholic faithful, along with consistent and clear teaching from the bishops in the State of Michigan, will continue in order to protect religious liberty rights in our great nation. Continue reading…