MCC Updates

FOCUS: Promoting Religious Liberty Through Advocacy

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:18:48 -0500

Grassroots advocacy remains a critical resource and a valuable opportunity for Catholics to urge public officials to enact policies that advance the common good and uphold the moral fiber of the state. While the Catholic Legislative Advocacy Network continues to grow in 2012, new and frightful legislative challenges have arisen. Regrettably, policies have surfaced at the congressional level, now funneling down to the state level, that obstruct the Catholic Church’s constitutional right to exercise its faith free from government intervention. Continue reading…

Action Alert! Contact Your U.S. Representative to Support Right of Conscience Act

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:47:28 -0500

To correct the threats to religious liberty and rights of conscience posed by the recent HHS contraceptive mandate, the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act has been introduced in Congress (H.R. 1179, S. 1467). This measure will ensure that those who participate in the health care system "retain the right to provide, purchase, or enroll in health coverage that is consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions." It is more important than ever that Members of Congress be urged to co-sponsor this measure. Continue reading…

Lansing Update, January 27, 2012

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:03:25 -0500

“Choose Life” License Plates May be Coming to Michigan; Senate Passes Resolution Honoring Catholic Schools Week. Continue reading…

State Senate Recognizes “Catholic Schools Week”

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:51:05 -0500

The State Senate has voted to support a resolution that recognizes January 29 – February 5, 2012 as Catholic Schools Week. According to the Resolution: “The Catholic Church sees the parents as the primary educators and that parental supervision and involvement play a major role in the education of students.” Continue reading…

Lansing Update, January 20, 2012

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:45:31 -0500

Federal Government Will Force Religious Employers to Purchase Contraceptive Coverage; MCC Testifies in Support of Shared Time/Dual Enrollment Legislation; Catholic Conference Urges Reform of Statewide Indigent Defense System. Continue reading…

U.S. Bishops Vow to Fight HHS Edict

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:21:07 -0500

WASHINGTON—The Catholic bishops of the United States called “literally unconscionable” a decision by the Obama Administration to continue to demand that sterilization, abortifacients and contraception be included in virtually all health plans. Continue reading…

U.S. Bishops Welcome Pope's Reaffirmation of Religious Liberty During Ad Limina Visit

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:27:32 -0500

The U.S. bishops expressed praise and gratitude for the latest statement of Pope Benedict XVI on the need to protect religious liberty, which he delivered in an address January 19, to U.S. bishops gathered in Rome for their ad limina visits. “Of particular concern are certain attempts being made to limit that most cherished of American freedoms, the freedom of religion,” said Pope Benedict. “Many of you have pointed out that concerted efforts have been made to deny the right of conscientious objection on the part of Catholic individuals and institutions with regard to cooperation in intrinsically evil practices. Others have spoken to me of a worrying tendency to reduce religious freedom to mere freedom of worship without guarantees of respect for freedom of conscience.” Continue reading…

Catholic Conference Applauds Dual Enrollment Push in State of State Address

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:39:00 -0500

Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy Tom Hickson made the following comments this evening after Governor Snyder urged the Michigan Legislature during the State of the State Address to pass dual enrollment legislation. Continue reading…

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: MCC Testifies in Support of Shared Time/Dual Enrollment Legislation

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:01:17 -0500

Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy Tom Hickson and Policy Advocate Paul Stankewitz today testified before the House Education Committee in support of legislation that streamlines policies that benefit non-public school students. Continue reading…

Religious Leaders Join Together in Support of Marriage, Religious Liberty

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:33:10 -0500

Leaders of some of the largest religious communities in the United States have joined together in an open letter to all Americans to voice their shared concern for marriage and religious freedom. Signatories include leaders from Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish, Lutheran, Mormon, and Pentecostal communities in the United States. Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York and president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, was one of the four signing Catholic bishops. Continue reading…