Lansing Update / Posted May 22, 2026
MCC is offering support to legislation to improve access to and preserve affordable housing, which responds to the need for more housing in Michigan, and is aligned with the Catholic principle of promoting a preferential option for the poor.
The Word from Lansing / Posted May 19, 2026
Michigan families of both public and nonpublic students could soon apply for and receive funding to pay for out-of-pocket education expenses under a federal education tax credit program. The state of Michigan must formally opt into the program for families and students to benefit.
News Release / Posted May 12, 2026
Michigan should officially opt into the new federal policy, which would make substantial financial support available to public and nonpublic school families facing out-of-pocket education expenses, without impacting the state School Aid Fund.
Lansing Update / Posted May 1, 2026
The House and Senate both approved budget proposals for next year that fund many MCC priorities, with the House education budget in particular funding all MCC requests for supporting nonpublic schools, from school safety to teacher recruitment programs and more.
The Word from Lansing / Posted April 17, 2026
Protecting children from harm while nurturing their growth is a goal both parents and policymakers often share, a goal aligned with the Church’s concern for families and children. This is why Michigan Catholic Conference has recently offered support to legislation limiting children’s access to artificial intelligence companion chatbots and addictive social media feeds.
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.
