News Releases

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.

A doctor showing an ultrasound image of a pre-born child to an expectant mother

In response to a court ruling that struck down the state regulations requiring a 24-hour waiting period prior to an abortion and informed consent be provided to women, MCC said it is clear that the intent of the 2022 ballot proposal was to grant constitutional protections to an industry that places itself above the health and safety of women and the lives of pre-born children.

Pope Leo XIV waving to the people gathered in St Peter's Square. — Photo by CNS/Lola Gomez

MCC president and CEO Paul A. Long offered comments on the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an Augustinian priest who holds dual American and Peruvian citizenship, and has taken the name of Pope Leo XIV for his papacy.

Sr. Monica clasps the hands of the future St. John Paul II in Rome in 1994 following an introduction by former Detroit archbishop and MCC chairman Cardinal Adam Maida.

Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M., former president and CEO of Michigan Catholic Conference from 1994 to 2010, died on Monday, April 28th at the age of 87. Her career included several gubernatorial appointments, numerous board positions, lifetime achievement awards, and countless friends and colleagues in Michigan and across the country.

MCC President and CEO Paul Long offered prayers for the Holy Father Pope Francis upon the news of his death Easter Monday, and offered reflections on his 12-year pontificate.

Detroit Archbishop-elect Edward J. Weisenburger

MCC extended a welcome to Most Rev. Edward J. Weisenburger after he was named by Pope Francis as the new archbishop of Detroit and expressed gratitude to retiring Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron for his years of faithful and fruitful service in Michigan.

An elderly woman in a wheelchair cholding a baby and smiling

Michigan Catholic Conference announced the release of its public policy advocacy principles for the 2025–2026 legislative session, which guide MCC’s work at the state Capitol and are informed by Catholic social teaching.

A Guatemalan family in the alley of their neighborhood

As immigrant families across the state experience anxiety and fear over mass deportations, the Catholic bishops in Michigan issued a pastoral note offering continued prayerful support for migrant individuals and families and to promote unyielding respect for the human dignity of all migrant people.

Pending bills in both the House and Senate would make Michigan driver’s licenses and state identification cards available to applicants who do not have proof of U.S. citizenship but can prove their identity and Michigan residency. Without a driver’s license, more than 100,000 Michiganders who lack federal documentation cannot legally drive to buy groceries, drop their kids off at school, or get to work.

MCC is responding with profound disappointment and offense taken to a video the Governor appeared in that appears to mock the posture and gestures of Catholics receiving the Holy Eucharist, and is calling for a return to a level of public respect, civility, and appreciation for those who have found peace and fulfillment in life by worshiping God and serving their neighbor.

On the Death of Bishop Carl Mengeling

Court of Claims Ruling Further Clarifies Devious Intent of Proposal 3

Statement from MCC President and CEO on the Election of Pope Leo XIV

MCC Mourns Passing of Sr. Monica Kostielney, R.S.M.

On the Death of Pope Francis

MCC Welcomes Archbishop-elect Weisenburger as Incoming Board Chair

Catholic Conference Releases 2025–26 Public Policy Principles

A Pastoral Note to Migrants from the Catholic Bishops in Michigan

Drive SAFE Package Needed in Lame Duck to Promote Dignity and Humanity

Gov. Whitmer’s Social Media Skit Prompts Catholic Bishops Conference to Urge Greater Respect for Religion in Public Life