Fourth bishop of Lansing was ‘first and foremost a pastor’
News Release / Posted July 1, 2025
MCC president and CEO Paul A. Long today offered comments regarding the death of Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Lansing, who passed into eternal life July 1, 2025.
Lansing Update / Posted June 27, 2025
As lawmakers continue deliberations on the next state budget, MCC is urging the grassroots to remind their lawmakers to remember the 100,000 students who attend nonpublic schools. Also this week, updates on legislation regarding prayer outside abortion clinics as well as police reform.
Lansing Update / Posted June 13, 2025
The House unveiled and passed a school spending budget that provides $40 million to nonpublic schools to spend on a variety of essential services, including, for the first time, expanding access to free school meals for children. Plus, a convincing victory for religious exercise rights was delivered by the U.S. Supreme Court recently.
Lansing Update / Posted May 23, 2025
A transformational school choice policy supported by MCC and the U.S. bishops was included in a wide-ranging bill that cleared the U.S. House of Representatives. Plus, find out how individuals who pray near abortion clinics could be impacted by new state legislation.
Lansing Update / Posted May 16, 2025
This week, MCC responded to a court ruling that will further deregulate abortion in Michigan, while also lending support to legislation that recognizes the dignity of the preborn. Also, a case is made for why Pope Leo XIV is a Michigan pope.
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.
