Michigan Catholic Conference Updates

Welcome

Thu, 06 Oct 2008 10:29:00 -0500

The November 4 general election has produced changes at both the state and congressional level, and has also altered the composition of the Michigan Supreme Court.

In Lansing, Democrats have expanded their majority in the House of Representatives to 67 out of 110 seats. The State Senate was not up for re-election and maintains its Republican control.

Michigan’s congressional delegation has shifted from a Republican to a Democrat majority. The elections of State Senator Mark Schauer and former state lottery commissioner Gary Peters give the Democrats an 8-7 edge in Washington, D.C.

With the defeat of Chief Justice Cliff Taylor, Republican control of the Michigan Supreme Court has diminished from 5-2 to 4-3.

At the statewide ballot, Michigan voters approved the use and growth of marijuana as well as expanding the unregulated destruction of human embryos for research purposes.

Statement on Passage of Proposal 2

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:04:00 -0500

According to Paul Long, Vice President for Public Policy: “Enshrining in the state constitution a measure that prohibits the legislature from enacting any oversight or accountability measures related to the destruction of human embryos has unsettling consequences for the future.” Read press release…

Michigan’s Catholic Bishops Urge Faithful to Vote NO on Proposal 2

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:12:00 -0400

The Catholic Bishops of Michigan have composed the following letter to all Catholics in the state urging a NO vote on Proposal 2. View document…

National Bishops Conference Responds to Speaker Pelosi’s Misrepresentation of Church’s Teaching Against Abortion

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:45:00 -0400

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Justin F. Rigali, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop William E. Lori, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, have issued the following statement. Visit website…

Statewide Advocacy Groups Urge Opposition to Proposed Energy Utility Rate Increase

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0400

Several advocacy organizations today collectively urged all 148 members of the Michigan Legislature to protect the state’s poor and vulnerable citizens from the effects of rate “deskewing” as part of the Legislature’s debate on House Bill 5524, measures which seek to restructure the state’s energy utilities market. Read press release…

MCC Statement on Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Veto

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:13:00 -0400

The following statement was released by Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long after Governor Jennifer Granholm vetoed Senate Bill 776, legislation banning partial-birth abortion in Michigan. Read press release…

Bishop Boyea Statement on Governor’s Veto

USCCB Publishes Statement Reaffirming Church’s Opposition to Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:44:00 -0400

The bishops’ statement promotes the Church’s support for ethical adult stem cell research while opposing the harvesting of human embryos as “the deliberate killing of innocent human beings… a gravely immoral act.” View document…

2008 Election and Political Activities Guide Headed to Parishes

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:14:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference has distributed to every parish in the state a copy of its new publication Election and Political Activities Guide: A Handbook for the 2008 Elections from the Michigan Catholic Conference. The handbook, which can be ordered in large quantities, answers commonly asked questions received by parish staff throughout the election season, and addresses critical issues regarding the Church’s involvement in electoral matters. View document…

Action Alert! Urge Gov. Granholm to Sign Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Bill

Mon, 2 Jun 2008 14:55:00 -0400

The Catholic Legislative Advocacy Network has been updated to allow for messages to be sent to the governor urging her to sign legislation that will outlaw partial-birth abortion in Michigan. Please take a few moments to contact the governor and urge her to defend the rights of the unborn. Visit website…

MCC Urges Senate Energy Committee to Protect Poor and Vulnerable in Energy Debate

Wed, 28 May 2008 08:38:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference today issued to members of the Senate Energy Policy & Public Utilities Committee a letter regarding the package of energy bills recently adopted by the House of Representatives. Read press release…

Catholic Conference Praises Pro-Life House for Passing Partial-Birth Abortion Ban

Wed, 28 May 2008 08:38:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long made the following statement after the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 776, legislation that would outlaw partial-birth abortion in the state, by a vote of 74-32. Read press release…

Action Alert! Urge Your State Representative to Oppose Conscience Prohibition Legislation

Fri, 16 May 2008 14:48:00 -0400

The Catholic Legislative Advocacy Network has been updated to include legislation that would prohibit faith based pharmacies and pharmacists from acting in accord with his or her conscience and the moral teachings of the Catholic church. Please take a moment to write your representative in opposition to House Bill 6049. Visit website…

Religious Freedom Must Be Upheld in Contraceptive Mandate Debate, Says Catholic Conference

Wed, 14 May 2008 15:59:00 -0400

As the Senate Health Policy Committee addresses legislation today concerning contraceptive mandates, the Michigan Catholic Conference is urging lawmakers to uphold and respect the bedrock constitutional principle of religious freedom. Read press release…

CNS: Science, Religion, Not in Conflict, Bishops Say in Stem Cell Document

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:51:00 -0400

The brief policy statement on embryonic stem-cell research that is to come before the U.S. bishops at their June 12–14 meeting in Orlando, Fla., is designed to set the stage for a later, more pastoral document explaining why the Catholic Church opposes some reproductive technologies. Visit website…

MCC Praises Medical Society’s ‘Neutral’ Position on Embryo Destructive Research

Mon, 05 May 2008 12:59:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference President and Chief Executive Officer Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M., released the following statement regarding Michigan State Medical Society’s decision of May 4 to move its position on embryo destructive research from support to neutral. Read press release…

FOCUS: On Immigration

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:24:00 -0400

This publication of FOCUS analyzes immigration policy in Michigan, how Church teaching relates to this important topic, and features a republication of the Michigan bishops’ statement on federal comprehensive immigration reform. View document...

Congressional Resolution Welcomes Pope Benedict to America

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:23:00 -0400

U.S. Representative Thaddeus McCotter of Michigan has introduced, and Congress has unanimously passed, a resolution honoring Pope Benedict XVI on his first papal visit to the United States. View document...

FOCUS: Poverty in Michigan: Grief, Anxiety and Suffering on the Rise

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:36:00 -0400

The Conference’s latest Focus publication analyzes poverty in Michigan from 2001–2006, highlights skyrocketing home foreclosure rates, decreased access to health insurance and the state’s high unemployment rate, and calls on elected officials to rediscover the option for Michigan’s poor and vulnerable. View document...

Bishop Boyea to Lead Lansing Diocese

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:46:00 -0500

Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling announced today that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted his resignation as head of the Diocese of Lansing, and has appointed Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Earl Boyea as the fifth bishop of the diocese. Visit website...

Catholic Conference Praises Legislature for Driver’s License Fix

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:18:00 -0500

MCC Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long made the following statement praising the Michigan Legislature for passing common sense legislation that assures driver’s licenses will be available for legal, nonpermanent residents of Michigan. Read more...

Catholic Schools Week 2008: January 27 to February 2

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:29:00 -0500

This year’s theme for Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools Light the Way,” which is meant to focus on the leadership that Catholic Schools provide to our nation, producing graduates who light the way to a brighter future for all humankind. Visit website...

Michigan House of Reps. Resolution Honoring Catholic Schools

Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit to Benefit Over 600,000 Working Poor Families

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:00:00 -0500

Michigan’s recently enacted Earned Income Tax Credit will stand to benefit over 600,000 low-income working families this year despite the gloomy outlook of the state’s economy, the Catholic Conference announced at a press conference at the State Capitol. Read more...

Stem Cell Op/Ed Piece in Lansing State Journal

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:08:00 -0500

The following opinion piece was published in the Lansing State Journal on January 13. The letter urges support for new advancements in ethical stem cell research and implores Michigan lawmakers to abandon legislation that seeks to clone and kill human embryos. Visit website...

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:00:00 -0500

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recently adopted its revised statement on Catholic participation in political and civic life. The statement urges Catholics to be involved in public life and to use the values of their faith to shape their political choice. Visit website...

Stem Cell Breakthrough Solves Ethical Dilemma

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:00:00 -0500

The following statement was recently released by Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chairman of the Committee for Pro-Life Activities at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Visit website...

National Catholic Bioethics Center Statement

Michigan Catholic Conference Receives National Award for Stem Cell DVD

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:00:00 -0500

Michigan Catholic Conference has received the MarCom Gold Award from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals for the production of its DVD “The Science of Stem Cells: Finding Cures and Protecting Life.” Read more...

Catholic Conference Urges House Judiciary Committee to Promote Stem Cell Successes

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 13:57:00 -0500

MCC released the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on legislation that seeks to destroy human embryos for research purposes. Read more...

UMCC in Detroit Free Press: ‘Focus Research on Adult Stem Cells’

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400

The Free Press has published an MCC comment piece that speaks to the Church’s support for adult stem cell research and highlights policy concerns over House Bill 4616, legislation that seeks to promote embryonic stem cell research in Michigan. Visit website...

Michigan Catholics Overwhelmingly Opposed to Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Poll Finds

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:38:00 -0400

A new statewide poll on the subject of stem cell research has found that 80 percent of Michigan Catholic residents are opposed to measures that would kill the human embryo so the stem cells can be removed. Read more...

Catholic Conference Responds to Formation of Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ballot Committee

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:25:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference President and Chief Executive Officer Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M., made the following statement regarding the formation of the ballot question committee “Stem Cell Research BQC.” Read more...

Michigan Catholic Conference Launches Massive Statewide Stem Cell Education Program

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 09:59:00 -0400

In an effort to communicate the Catholic Church’s teaching on human life as it relates to adult and embryonic stem cell research, the Michigan Catholic Conference has launched a monumental internal statewide education program that includes over 500,000 Catholic homes and nearly 800 parishes.

US Bishops’ Labor Day Statement Focuses on Immigration Debate

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 10:30:00 -0400

Labor Day “is a time to recommit in our own small ways — to our own work, to treat others justly, and to defend the lives, dignity, and rights of workers, especially the most vulnerable,” according to “Labor Day 2007: A Time to Remember; A Time to Recommit,” the annual Labor Day statement from the U.S. bishops. Visit website...

MCC Letter to Legislature Regarding Earned Income Tax Credit Bill

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 09:35:00 -0400

On September 22, 2006, after having passed both legislative chambers with wide bipartisan support, Public Act 372 was enacted. This piece of legislation created a state Earned Income Tax Credit for the first time in Michigan history. Legislation has been introduced, however, to freeze the implementation of this tax credit until the Budget Stabilization Fund reaches $250 million. Because the purpose of the Earned Income Tax Credit is to provide financial relief for the working poor, the Michigan Catholic Conference is adamantly opposed to Senate Bill 662. View document...

MCC Letter to Sen. Stabenow Regarding Immigration Failure

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:09:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference has written to U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow regarding her position on immigration and asking her to support a comprehensive policy that respects the dignity of the human person. View document...

Catholic Conference Applauds Plummeting Support for Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:07:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long made the following comment today after President Bush vetoed legislation that would have required national funding for research that kills human embryos. Read more...

Statement Regarding U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals’ Partial-Birth Abortion Ruling

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 16:51:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long made the following statement today after the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Michigan’s Legal Birth Definition Act as unconstitutional. Read more...

Statement on Release of Jack Kevorkian

Thu, 31 May 2007 09:00:00 -0400

MCC President and Chief Executive Officer Sister Monica Kostielney made the following statement regarding the issue of assisted suicide as it relates to Jack Kevorkian’s release from prison. Read more...

December Statement Regarding Michigan Parole Board Decision

American College of Pediatricians Call for End to Destructive Embryo Research

Fri, 18 May 2007 15:25:00 -0400

According to the college, “Every dollar spent on the failed and unnecessary process of embryonic stem cell research steals resources away from the established utility and potential of adult stem cell research.” Visit website...

Stem Cell Push Leads to Cloning, Killing

Michigan Bishops’ Statement on Federal Immigration Reform

Thu, 17 May 2007 10:23:00 -0400

In an effort to communicate the Church’s support for immigration reform that respects the dignity of immigrant laborers, the diocesan bishops of Michigan have composed a Statement on Federal Immigration Legislation Read more...

Poll: Michigan Residents Overwhelmingly Opposed to Cloning and Destroying Human Embryos

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 09:12:00 -0400

A statewide poll commissioned by the Michigan Catholic Conference reinforces the organization’s position that Michigan residents are overwhelmingly opposed to measures that would clone and destroy human embryos for research purposes, the Conference announced today. Read more...

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Partial-Birth Abortion

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 11:07:00 -0400

In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the federal partial-birth abortion ban. The law was passed in 2003 but never went into effect pending court challenges. Read statement from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Visit website...

MCC Viewpoint on Religious Freedom

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 12:00:00 -0400

This opinion/editorial piece was submitted to the Lansing State Journal and addresses the issue of religious freedom as it pertains to certain legislative measures. View document...

Catholic Conference Questions Governor’s Support for Human Cloning

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 21:30:00 -0500

Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long released the following statement responding to Governor Granholm’s reference to stem cell research in her 2007 State of the State Address. Read more...

Catholic Conference Releases 2007-2008 Advocacy Priorities

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 12:00:00 -0500

Supporting efforts to bring statewide health care insurance to Michigan, along with opposing ongoing legislative efforts to decriminalize human cloning in the state top the Michigan Catholic Conference’s advocacy agenda for the 94th legislative session, the Conference announced today. Read more...

Facts vs. Politics on Stem Cells

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 13:49:00 -0500

“An unusual thing happened on the way to Congress’s latest vote on stem cell research: A science journal, and secular news media, got something right on this issue.” Visit website...

FOCUS (2/07): 2007-2008 Advocacy Priorities

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 13:24:00 -0500

This Focus essay itemizes those public policy issues that the Michigan Catholic Conference will advocate either for or against throughout the 94th legislative session. View document...

Stem Cell Advances Made with Amniotic Fluid

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 10:50:00 -0500

“The recent announcement by scientists at Wake Forest and Harvard universities that the amniotic fluid surrounding a child in the womb can be the source of medically useful stem cells is just the latest in a series of studies....” Visit website...

Statement on Parole of Jack Kevorkian

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 10:24:00 -0500

Michigan Catholic Conference released the following statement after the Michigan Parole Board announced Jack Kevorkian will be paroled on June 1, 2007. Read more...

Catholic Conference Urges Support for Net Neutrality

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 15:47:00 -0500

As the Michigan Senate prepares to deliberate measures deregulating the cable television market, the Conference is urging members to ensure “net neutrality” protections are included with the legislation in order to safeguard Internet-based religious speech. Read more...

Cardinal Maida Ordains Auxiliary Bishop for Detroit Archdiocese

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:00:00 -0500

Msgr. Daniel Flores of the Diocese of Corpus Christi has been ordained an auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of Detroit, with the special task of focusing on Hispanic concerns. Bishop Flores’ biography, audio clips, Cardinal Maida’s homily and several other helpful resources are available at the archdiocesan Web site. Visit website...

November 7 General Election Results

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 09:35:00 -0500

The Michigan Secretary of State provides residents with official election results for statewide offices. Follow this link to see county by county breakdowns and vote totals for Governor, United States Senate, Congress, the Michigan Legislature, ballot proposals and other races. According to the Secretary of State, approximately 53 percent of registered voters participated in the November 7 election, setting a Michigan record of some 3.8 million voters. Visit website...

Election Comments of Adam Cardinal Maida

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 08:27:00 -0500

Michigan Catholic Conference Chairman of the Board His Eminence Adam Cardinal Maida, Archbishop of Detroit, has addressed Tuesday’s election, reminding Catholic voters of their moral duty to participate in the political process and urged their “no” vote on Proposals 2 and 5. Cardinal Maida also called for Catholics to vote for candidates who are respectful of the common good, especially as it relates to the dignity of human life. Read more...

FOCUS (10/06): Proposal 5: Unreasonable, Unfunded and Unnecessary

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 10:09:00 -0400

The purpose of this essay is to analyze Proposal 5 and explain its effect on the State of Michigan. As few will disagree that education must be a top priority, the details of this ballot proposal will prove to impede the goal of consistently placing the educational needs of children first. View document...

MCC Hails New State Earned Income Tax Credit

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 13:33:00 -0400

Creating a state Earned Income Tax Credit that piggybacks the federal credit will prove to be the best piece of legislation passed by the State this year, the Michigan Catholic Conference stated today as the governor enacted Senate Bill 453. The Conference sites the tax credit’s ability to bring financial relief to low-income working families who pay high marginal tax rates. Read more...

Catholic Conference Praises House Effort to Create Earned Income Tax Credit

Tue, 05 Sep 2006 16:39:00 -0400

“Today the House of Representatives acted in a bipartisan fashion to provide additional assistance to low-income families and individuals who are working to escape poverty,” said MCC Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long. Read more...

Conference Urges Continued Support for Religious Freedom in Child Placement Services

Tue, 05 Sep 2006 15:16:00 -0400

“As a matter of religious freedom, faith-based agencies can and should be able to provide child placement services within the precepts of their faith tradition without obstruction from state government,” says MCC Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long. Read more...

MCC Applauds Senate for Creating State Earned Income Tax Credit

Wed, 30 Aug 2006 16:33:00 -0400

“The Conference congratulates those from both parties who voted in favor of the working poor as the creation of this common sense tax measure will prove to be the best piece of legislation passed this year,” says MCC Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long. Read more...

Catholic Conference Deeply Concerned With Health Care for Prison Population

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 16:30:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long made the following statement concerning the death of Ms. Carla Ringleka, who died in prison after reports of her diagnosed cancer spread for nearly a year before treatment. Read more...

New Study Provides No “Ethical” Road to Stem Cell Research

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 11:20:00 -0400

“This experiment left no embryos alive, and solves no ethical problem,” says Richard M. Doerflinger, Deputy Director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Visit website...

MCC Launches 2006 Election Information Page

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 14:18:00 -0400

Voter education surveys, candidate profiles, ballot proposal information and voter registration links are now available on Michigan Catholic Conference’s 2006 Election Information web page. Read more...

FOCUS (9/06): Proposal 2: Unjust for Michigan

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 09:24:00 -0400

This Focus essay intends to educate Catholic voters on the history and purpose of affirmative action programs, the positive effects they have in today’s society, and why Proposal 2 is bad public policy for the State of Michigan. View document...

MCC Calls for Honest Dialogue in Embryonic Stem Cell/Cloning Debate

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 15:23:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference has called upon the administration and legislators to engage in honest and open dialogue with the residents of Michigan regarding measures that support embryonic stem cell research and human cloning. Read more...

MCC Letter to U.S. Senate Regarding Stem Cell Research

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 10:28:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference composed this letter to Senators Levin and Stabenow urging their opposition to H.R. 810, legislation that will allocate federal public tax dollars for the destruction of human embryos for research purposes. View document...

Conference Calls for Religious Freedom in Adoption Services

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 09:39:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long made the following statement in support of House Bills 5908 and 5909, legislation that would guarantee the religious freedom of faith-based child-placement agencies. Read more...

FOCUS (6/06): The Issues, The Candidates and Your Vote 2006

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 12:00:00 -0400

This Focus essay is intended to help educate Catholic voters on the breadth of issues for which they are called to consider during an election year. These issues include Human Life, Religious Freedom, Economic Justice and Fiscal Issues, Children and Families, and Education and Health Care. Free copies of the essay are available by contacting the Conference. View document...

Guidelines for End of Life Decisions: Patient, Physician, and Family

Tue, 02 May 2006 14:51:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference is pleased to present this helpful document on end of life issues from the Catholic perspective. Complete with citations from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Catholic Health Association, Evangelium Vitae and Michigan Compiled Laws, Guidelines for End of Life Decisions helps to answer end-of-life related questions from a pastoral and Catholic health care viewpoint. View document...

Religious Freedom in Health Care Recognized by House of Representatives

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 15:10:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference applauds the passage of legislation that seeks to protect the religious freedom of faith-based health care benefit providers. House Bills 4745 and 4746 provide a civil right of conscience for faith based benefit providers from being forced to offer or provide non-emergency benefits that specifically violate a religious tenet of the faith-based organization. Read more...

Michigan Ranked #1 Pro-Life State

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 14:07:00 -0400

Americans United for Life, a leading national pro-life advocacy group, has recently ranked Michigan number one in the country in terms of legislation that defends human life. AUL’s report “Defending Life 2006: A State-by-State Legal Guide to Abortion, Bioethics and End of Life” may be ordered or downloaded at the organization’s website. Visit website...

Michigan Catholic Conference Applauds Minimum Wage Increase

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 10:10:00 -0500

Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long made the following statement regarding the enactment of legislation to increase Michigan’s minimum wage. Read more...

MCC Letter Regarding Federal Immigration Reform

Mon, 27 Mar 2006 11:36:00 -0500

The following letter was composed to Sens. Levin and Stabenow in regard to federal immigration legislation expected to be addressed soon by the U.S. Senate. View document...

Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform

Mon, 27 Mar 2006 11:28:00 -0500

This website is designed to help achieve the goals of the Justice for Immigrants Campaign. You will find information about Catholic teachings that underpin this Campaign, as well as proposals from the Catholic Bishops to achieve reforms in our nation’s immigration laws and policies that better reflect our values as a nation of immigrants. Visit website...

Michigan Catholic Conference Urges Public Support for Adult Stem Cell Research

Tue, 21 Mar 2006 09:26:00 -0500

Research using adult stem cells is currently producing treatments for some 65 different medical conditions and deserves the recognition and support of the public, the Michigan Catholic Conference told the House Health Policy Committee today in Lansing. Read more...

MCC Letter to Parishes Regarding Petition Drive

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 15:44:00 -0500

In response to a petition drive that seeks to define life as beginning from the moment of conception, the Michigan Catholic Conference has recently composed a letter to all parishes in Michigan explaining why the Church is not participating. View document...

Statement on Responsibilities of Catholics in Public Life

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 15:08:00 -0500

According to the USCCB: “A recent public statement by 55 Catholic and Democratic members of the House of Representatives offers an opportunity to address several important points about the responsibilities of Catholics in public life.” Visit website...

MCC Applauds Senate for Increasing Minimum Wage

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 11:39:00 -0500

Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long made the following statement after the Senate passed legislation increasing the state minimum wage. Read more...

Ms. Rosemary E. Smith Joins MCC Board of Directors

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 14:25:00 -0500

Michigan Catholic Conference announced Ms. Rosemary E. Smith of the Diocese of Gaylord has been elected to serve on the Conference’s Board of Directors. Read more...

MCC Labels Administration’s Call for Human Cloning and Embryonic Stem Cell Research ‘Irresponsible’

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 23:00:00 -0500

Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long released the following statement in response to Governor Granholm’s call in her State of the State Address to repeal Michigan’s law prohibiting human cloning and embryonic stem cell research. Read more...

“State Law Respects Life, Science,” Detroit Free Press, February 10. For additional educational resources on adult and embryonic stem cell research, please visit the Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics website. For more information on the Catholic Church's teaching on stem cell research, please read our February 2005 FOCUS essay.

Bishop Alex Sample to Join MCC Board of Directors

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 11:21:00 -0500

Michigan Catholic Conference announced today Most Reverend Alex K. Sample, Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Marquette, will become a member of the Conference’s board of directors following his Mass of Ordination today at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Marquette. Read more...

MCC Statement on Welfare Reform Veto

Tue, 27 Dec 2005 09:58:00 -0500

Michigan Catholic Conference President and Chief Executive Officer Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M., made the following statement regarding the administration's veto of legislation intended to reform the state's welfare program. Read more...

Letter to Governor Granholm Opposing Lifetime Limits in Welfare Reform

Mon, 05 Dec 2005 11:31:00 -0500

Michigan Catholic Conference and 14 additional organizations that advocate on behalf of the poor and vulnerable of Michigan have composed a letter to Governor Jennifer Granholm urging her to rescind support for lifetime limits in current welfare reform legislation. View document...

Michigan Catholic Conference Urges Compassion for the Poor in Welfare Reform Legislation

Tue, 29 Nov 2005 14:28:00 -0500

As the legislature works to move Michigan’s poorest population toward self-sufficiency, the Michigan Catholic Conference today urged the Senate Families and Human Services Committee to address welfare reform with compassion for the poor and an emphasis on job training, education and protection of the family. Read more...

FOCUS (11/05): Reflections Concerning Payday Lending

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 09:44:00 -0500

The Michigan Legislature recently passed the “Deferred Presentment Service Transactions Act,” legislation that regulates the payday lending industry for the first time in state history. The intent of this Focus publication is to raise awareness of this new law and to provide consumers with helpful information pertaining to the payday lending industry. View document...

Michigan Political History Society to Celebrate MCC's 40th Anniversary

Mon, 24 Oct 2005 14:51:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference announced today that the Michigan Political History Society will gather to honor 40 years of the Conference’s advocacy by celebrating A Vision, A Voice, A Presence: A History of the First Forty Years of the Michigan Catholic Conference, the recently published history book of the organization. Read more...

MCC Publishes 40th Anniversary History Book

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 11:35:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference has published a history book commemorating its 40 years of advocacy and service to the residents of Michigan: A Vision, A Voice, A Presence: A History of the First Forty Years of the Michigan Catholic Conference. Read more...

Michigan Catholic Conference Statement on Partial-Birth Abortion Ruling

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 10:03:00 -0400

Michigan Catholic Conference President and Chief Executive Officer Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M. made the following statement regarding the decision to rule Michigan's partial-birth abortion ban unconstitutional. Read more...

FOCUS (8/05): Technology as a Tool for the Common Good

Wed, 10 Aug 2005 14:04:40 -0400

In an effort to bring a strong Catholic grassroots voice to the State Capitol, the Michigan Catholic Conference has developed the web-based Catholic Legislative Advocacy Network. View document...

MCC Calls for Preferential Treatment of the State's Poor and Vulnerable

Mon, 20 Jun 2005 10:00:00 -0500

At a news conference conducted at the State Capitol today, the Michigan Catholic Conference stood with several health care and human service organizations to speak on behalf of those most vulnerable citizens who will be directly affected by some $600 million in proposed state budget cuts, particularly in the area of Medicaid. Read more...

MCC Urges Support for Adult Stem Cell Research

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 10:00:00 -0500

“To most Americans, 58-0 would appear to be the result of a lopsided football contest. In actuality, the tally is an ongoing count of debilitating diseases that are being treated by adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells, respectively.” Visit website...

Embryonic Stem Cell Bills Bad Public Policy for Michigan

Thu, 26 May 2005 10:00:00 -0500

Michigan Catholic Conference announced its vehement opposition to proposed legislation that seeks to boost the state's struggling economy by appropriating public tax dollars for human cloning and destructive embryo research. The Conference is urging Michigan legislators to direct their attention toward ethical adult stem cell research, which does not kill human embryos and is currently treating some 58 debilitating conditions, including Parkinson's disease, brain cancer, heart damage and juvenile diabetes. Read more...

Letter to Congress Opposing Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Mon, 23 May 2005 11:36:33 -0400

“As you are aware Congress may soon vote on recently introduced legislation that will allow for large-scale destruction of embryonic cells for research purposes. H.R. 810 is a dangerous measure that will permanently jeopardize human life, effectively imposing the will of the strong over the weak. I urge you to oppose this bill, and any congressional effort that allows for federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.” View document...

A Hand Up For Michigan Workers: Creating A State Earned Income Tax Credit

Wed, 04 May 2005 11:37:21 -0400

The Michigan Catholic Conference has advocated a Michigan EITC for several years. We are pleased that Patrick L. Anderson has written this report, providing policymaker and opinion leaders with the necessary data and analysis on a State of Michigan EITC. We hope this report serves as a valuable resource as this important issue continues to be deliberated. Given its findings, we are more convinced than ever that a Michigan EITC would be good public policy for the people of Michigan. View document...