News Release: Election Comments of MCC Chairman of the Board Adam Cardinal Maida

(LANSING)—Michigan Catholic Conference Chairman of the Board His Eminence Adam Cardinal Maida, Archbishop of Detroit, this morning 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.

Said Cardinal Maida:

“This Tuesday is election day and in our Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; therefore, our participation in the political process is a moral duty. I strongly urge you to exercise your right as a citizen. So, please make sure you vote!

As you do so, in conjunction with the other bishops of the state, I ask that you keep the following matters in mind:

First and foremost, as believers we should vote for candidates who are respectful of the common good, especially the dignity of life, from the first moment of conception until natural death.

Secondly, this year in Michigan, Proposal 2 seeks to end the practice of affirmative action. As bishops, we see the continuation of affirmative action, especially for women and persons from minority groups, as a positive policy in our contemporary culture. We recommend a “no” vote on Proposal 2.

Proposal 5 concerns funding for public education, which is a noble cause. Through a careful reading of the proposal, however, it becomes clear that the proposal has many dangerous flaws: it would jeopardize the availability of funds for other necessary programs for adoption, foster care and health care for the poor.

Let us pray for the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we make necessary choices which will impact our own lives and those of generations to come.”

Cardinal Maida serves as a co-chair of One United Michigan, the ballot question committee opposed to Proposal 2, with Sr. Monica Kostielney, R.S.M., MCC President and CEO, serving on the group’s steering committee. The Conference earlier this year instituted a parish education campaign related to the proposal, which, in part, included distributing some 200,000 copies of its FOCUS essay, titled “Unjust for Michigan,” across the state. The Conference has also played an active role in the Stop the K16 Coalition, the official ballot question committee opposed to Proposal 5. Approximately 100,000 copies of a FOCUS essay, titled “Proposal 5: Unreasonable, Unfunded and Unnecessary,” have also been distributed to parishes.

Cardinal Maida’s election comments were made this morning following the 10 a.m. liturgy at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit.

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

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