Advocacy News Archives

2023

1. A Catholic Response to Gun Violence June 5, 2023
2. Blueprint for the Common Good February 22, 2023

2022

1. Protect Life—Vote NO on Proposal 3 September 19, 2022
2. How Catholics Walk with Moms in Need March 9, 2022

2021

1. With Gratitude for African-American Catholics June 1, 2021
2. Michigan Bishops Revise Statement to Address Moral Dimensions of New Johnson & Johnson Vaccine March 3, 2021
3. Advocacy Report on the 100th Michigan Legislature February 10, 2021
4. A Blueprint for the Common Good: 2021–2022 Advocacy Principles February 1, 2021

2020

1. Michigan Bishops Share Moral Considerations Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines December 18, 2020
2. MCC Summarizes 2020 General Election Results November 30, 2020
3. 2020 Census: Thank You for Responding! October 16, 2020
4. The Issues, The Candidates, and Your Vote 2020 September 1, 2020
5. Ruling Prioritizes Abortion Business Over Women’s Health June 29, 2020
6. USCCB Issues Statement on George Floyd and the Protests in America June 1, 2020
7. 2020 Census—Counting Our Communities February 1, 2020

2019

1. Advocacy on Behalf of Those in Need December 18, 2019
2. Catholic Charities—Uniting Children with Loving Families August 1, 2019
3. Honoring Sr. Mary Maurita Sengelaub, RSM July 10, 2019
4. MCC Joins Petition Drive to Prohibit Dismemberment Abortion June 26, 2019
5. Clean and Affordable Water for All May 1, 2019
6. USCCB Supports Freedom to Serve in Child Placement Services February 1, 2019
7. USCCB Recognizes MLK’s Example for Society in Advance of Holiday January 18, 2019
8. March for Life on January 18 Promotes the Value of the Human Person January 18, 2019
9. National Catholic Schools Week Begins January 27 January 16, 2019
10. A Blueprint for the Common Good: 2019–2020 Advocacy Principles January 7, 2019

2018

1. Michigan Youth Remain Trapped in Outdated Policy; “Raise the Age” Key to Smart Justice December 14, 2018
2. Results of the 2018 Michigan General Election November 8, 2018
3. USCCB and CRS Commend Reauthorization of Emergency AIDS Relief Plan October 15, 2018
4. U.S. Bishops Introduce New Theme and Materials for Respect Life Month October 3, 2018
5. The Issues, The Candidates, and Your Vote 2018 August 17, 2018
6. New Catechism Language Declares Death Penalty “Inadmissible” August 2, 2018
7. USCCB Launches National Pro-Life Prayer Effort July 19, 2018
8. Promoting Religious Freedom Through Interfaith Dialogue June 6, 2018
9. Foster Families Speak Out Against ACLU Case March 9, 2018
10. Vaccinations and the Common Good March 6, 2018
11. National Catholic Schools Week Highlights Contributions of Catholic Education January 23, 2018
12. USCCB Applauds New HHS Initiatives on Conscience and Religious Freedom January 19, 2018
13. In Honor of MLK Day, U.S. Bishops Call for Courage and Commitment January 12, 2018
14. “9 Days for Life” Campaign Will Run January 18–26 January 10, 2018

2017

1. Promoting a Respect for Life November 9, 2017
2. Interfaith Religious Freedom Conference Highlights Value of Religious Freedom & Collaborative Efforts November 8, 2017
3. Celebrating Blessed Solanus Casey with Catholics Across Michigan November 3, 2017
4. U.S. Bishops Launch 2017–2018 Respect Life Program October 3, 2017
5. MCC Promotes the Freedom to Serve September 5, 2017
6. The Catholic Church Responds to Hurricane Harvey August 29, 2017
7. MCC Urges Religious Liberty Protections in Letter to Civil Rights Commission August 17, 2017
8. U.S. Bishops Provide Senators With Moral Principles for Health Care Reform June 2, 2017
9. Confronting the Opioid Crisis in Michigan May 12, 2017
10. U.S. Bishops Urge Consideration of Moral Criteria in Congressional Health Care Debate March 9, 2017
11. A Blueprint for the Common Good February 6, 2017
12. U.S. Bishops Strongly Oppose Trump Executive Order on Refugee Admissions January 30, 2017
13. Catholic Schools Week Celebrates Catholic Education in the U.S. January 29, 2017
14. Detroit News Column Highlights Growing Support for School Choice January 26, 2017
15. President’s Immigration Executive Orders Draw Catholic Rebuke January 26, 2017
16. USCCB Issues Response to Pope Francis Video During National Migration Week January 13, 2017

2016

1. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from MCC December 22, 2016
2. Archbishop Vigneron: We Stand With Immigrants and Refugees December 12, 2016
3. Bishop Walkowiak Opens Senate Session With Prayer November 30, 2016
4. USCCB President Urges All To Come Together for the Common Good After Election November 9, 2016
5. ELECTION 2016: Vote on Tuesday, November 8 November 4, 2016
6. President of U.S. Bishops Conference Urges Respect for Religion October 18, 2016
7. USCCB President Says the Gospel Serves the Common Good, Not Political Agendas October 14, 2016
8. U.S. Bishops to President and Congress: Reject Biased Religious Liberty Report October 12, 2016
9. Moved by Mercy: October Marks Respect Life Month September 29, 2016
10. The Issues, the Candidates and Your Vote: Calling for Dignity in the Public Square September 26, 2016
11. USCCB Urges Amicable Resolution in Little Sisters of the Poor HHS Case September 12, 2016
12. U.S. Bishops Issue Annual Labor Day Statement September 2, 2016
13. New Video Highlights Catholic Teaching On the Poor and Vulnerable August 16, 2016
14. U.S. Bishops Set Sept. 9, Feast of St. Peter Claver, as National Day of Prayer July 21, 2016
15. U.S. Bishops Urge Congress to End Government Abortion Coercion July 8, 2016
16. Fortnight for Freedom Draws Attention to Witnesses of Faith June 21, 2016
17. New FOCUS Highlights Importance of Transportation June 15, 2016
18. Pope Francis Releases Apostolic Exhortation on Love in the Family April 8, 2016
19. U.S. Bishops and Faith Groups Defend Deportation Stays in Amicus Brief March 9, 2016
20. Refugees and Catholic Social Teaching the Topic of March FOCUS February 22, 2016
21. Michigan Legislature Passes Catholic Schools Week Resolutions January 26, 2016
22. MCC Detroit News Column: “Refugees Deserve Our Help” January 4, 2016

2015

1. Michigan Catholic Conference Wishes All A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year December 22, 2015
2. Thanksgiving Provides Time for Gratitude and Service for Others November 23, 2015
3. November FOCUS Spotlights Reforming Juvenile Justice in Michigan November 5, 2015
4. U.S. Catholic Conference Welcomes Criminal Justice Legislation October 7, 2015
5. “Every Life is Worth Living” is the Theme for 2015 Respect Life Month October 6, 2015
6. Papal Visit to the U.S. Highlights Importance of Dialogue and Encounter September 28, 2015
7. Pope Francis Speaks to Joint Session of Congress September 24, 2015
8. Follow Along With Pope Francis’s Visit to the United States September 21, 2015
9. “Faith Enriches Public Life” MCC Papal Visit Column in Detroit Free Press September 17, 2015
10. Patriot Day Remembers Lives Lost on September 11th, 2001 September 11, 2015
11. Labor Day Statement: The Importance of Work for Families September 4, 2015
12. New FOCUS Publication Addresses Violence in Society September 1, 2015
13. September 1 Marked as World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation August 31, 2015
14. Pope Francis’s 2016 World Day of Peace Theme: ‘Overcome Indifference and Win Peace’ August 11, 2015
15. U.S. Bishops’ Conference President Welcomes Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si June 18, 2015
16. VIDEO: Support the Work of Faith-Based Child Placement Agencies June 10, 2015
17. Memorial Day 2015 May 22, 2015
18. USCCB Committee on Migration Issues Report on Immigrant Detention, Calls For a ‘Transformation’ of the System May 13, 2015
19. May Special Election Statewide Ballot Proposal 1 May 1, 2015
20. Faith Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Marriage and Religious Freedom in Open Letter April 23, 2015
21. Pope Francis: “The Death Penalty is a Failure” April 15, 2015
22. Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) Legislation FAQs April 7, 2015
23. Audio: MCC Staff Discusses Legislative Issues with Michigan Radio Network March 12, 2015
24. National Marriage Week Celebrated February 7–14 [Link no longer available —Ed.] February 3, 2015
25. Catholic Schools Week Resolutions Approved by Michigan Legislature January 27, 2015
26. Cardinal O’Malley Comments on Passage of ‘No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act’ January 23, 2015
27. Join the U.S. Catholic Bishops to Pray for End to Abortion January 16, 2015
28. January is Poverty Awareness Month January 12, 2015
29. U.S. Catholic Bishops Celebrate National Migration Week January 8, 2015

2014

1. Action Alert! Contact Your Senator Today in Support of Religious Liberty [Link no longer available —Ed.] December 9, 2014
2. Action Alert! Help Us Support Religious Liberty [Link no longer available —Ed.] December 2, 2014
3. Happy Thanksgiving from the Michigan Catholic Conference November 26, 2014
4. November General Election Results November 5, 2014
5. Respect Life Month: October 2014 September 24, 2014
6. Revised HHS Mandate Regulations Met With “Disappointment,” Says USCCB President August 25, 2014
7. Unemployment Among Young People Focus of 2014 USCCB Labor Day Statement August 21, 2014
8. Detroit Free Press: MCC Op/Ed “Immigrant Children Deserve Security and Compassion” July 22, 2014
9. Fortnight For Freedom 2014 June 25, 2014
10. The Issues, The Candidates & Your Vote 2014 June 11, 2014
11. Election Year Guidelines for Catholic Parishes and Institutions June 11, 2014
12. Crime and Criminal Punishment: Juvenile Life Without Parole May 5, 2014
13. Canonizations Will Celebrate Two Models of Holiness, Says USCCB President April 24, 2014
14. Send an Electronic Postcard to Congress Supporting Immigration Reform April 4, 2014
15. New Health Plan for Low-Income Residents Now in Effect April 1, 2014
16. Archbishop Vigneron Leads Michigan House of Representatives in Prayer March 12, 2014
17. U.S. Bishops Express Thanks on First Anniversary of Pope Francis March 11, 2014
18. MCC Comments on Michigan Marriage Amendment Trial February 25, 2014
19. National Marriage Week an Opportunity to Celebrate Natural Marriage February 7, 2014
20. Human Trafficking: Modern Day Slavery in Our Midst January 31, 2014
21. Catholic Schools Week Celebrated January 26 – February 1 January 22, 2014
22. Conversation About Roe vs. Wade Anniversary with MCC President and CEO [Link no longer available —Ed.] January 22, 2014
23. 41st Annual March for Life Set for January 21–22 in Washington, D.C. January 20, 2014

2013

1. Green Bay Priest Appointed Bishop of Marquette December 17, 2013
2. MCC Urges Catholics to Support Abortion Insurance Opt-Out Initiative December 4, 2013
3. MCC Testifies on Behalf of Human Trafficking Legislation in Senate Committee November 13, 2013
4. Catholic Education: Developing Hearts and Minds of Faith October 30, 2013
5. Michigan Bishops’ 2011 Statement on Immigration Reform October 30, 2013
6. Federal Judge Schedules 2014 Hearing to Decide Michigan's Marriage Amendment [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 18, 2013
7. U.S. Bishops Applaud Introduction of Federal "Marriage and Religious Freedom Act" September 24, 2013
8. USCCB Releases Statement for 50th Anniversary of March for Jobs August 14, 2013
9. Grassroots Advocates Urged to Contact State Senate in Support of Medicaid Reform [Link no longer available —Ed.] July 29, 2013
10. HHS Final Rule Still Requires Action in Congress, Courts Says Cardinal Dolan July 9, 2013
11. Conscience Rights, A Foundation for Democracy June 17, 2013
12. 2013 Fortnight for Freedom: June 21–July 4, 2013 May 28, 2013
13. Memorial Day 2013: Prayer of the Archdiocese for the Military Services May 24, 2013
14. Following Committee Passage, USCCB Urges U.S. Senate to Act Quickly on Immigration Reform May 24, 2013
15. Human Trafficking Awareness Day May 2 at the Capitol [Link no longer available —Ed.] April 25, 2013
16. Grand Rapids Diocese Announces Father David Walkowiak Will Succeed Bishop Hurley April 18, 2013
17. U.S. Bishops' Conference Welcomes Immigration Proposal, Urges Work Toward Basic Rights and Dignity April 17, 2013
18. USCCB Religious Liberty Chair Backs HHS Mandate Opponents April 8, 2013
19. Why Traditional Marriage is Good for Society March 25, 2013
20. Following Papal Resignation, Sede Vacante Period Begins [Link no longer available —Ed.] February 28, 2013
21. U.S. Bishops Call for End to Life Sentences Without Parole for Children January 31, 2013
22. Catholic Schools Week 2013: "Catholic Schools Raise the Standard" [Link no longer available —Ed.] January 24, 2013
23. Raising Awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families January 17, 2013
24. Justice for Immigrants Launches Postcard Campaign January 11, 2013
25. 40 Years After Roe v. Wade, Pro-Life Movement Strengthens Its Resolve January 11, 2013
26. Michigan Legislature to Begin 2013–2014 Session [Link no longer available —Ed.] January 9, 2013
27. January is Poverty Awareness Month January 9, 2013

2012

1. MCC Election Message on Faithful Citizenship [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 31, 2012
2. MCC President/CEO Joins Governor Snyder Urging a No Vote on Proposal 5 October 9, 2012
3. 2012 Statewide Ballot Proposals October 1, 2012
4. Respect Life Month 2012: Cardinal DiNardo Calls for Catholics to Defend All Human Life September 27, 2012
5. Forming Consciences for Religious Liberty September 10, 2012
6. USCCB Rolls Out New Poverty USA Website August 16, 2012
7. Bishop Cepeda: Immigration Debate Shouldn't Split Catholics August 13, 2012
8. Action Alert! Support Respect for Rights of Conscience Act [Link no longer available —Ed.] August 6, 2012
9. The Issues, the Candidates and Your Vote 2012 August 1, 2012
10. U.S. Bishops Renew Pledge to Congress and Administration to Repair Affordable Care Act June 28, 2012
11. U.S. Bishops Greet Supreme Court Decision on Immigration with Hope, Caution June 25, 2012
12. “Extending the Love of Our Father” June 25, 2012
13. U.S. Bishops Issue Call to Action in New Religious Liberty Statement April 12, 2012
14. Thousands Protest HHS Mandate in Detroit, Nationwide March 27, 2012
15. U.S. Bishops Launch Nationwide Call to Prayer for Religious Liberty [Link no longer available —Ed.] March 21, 2012
16. United for Religious Freedom: A Statement of the Administrative Committee Of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops March 15, 2012
17. Following Obama HHS Announcement, U.S. Bishops Renew Call for Legislative Action February 13, 2012
18. Bishops Studying Initial White House Movement on Religious Liberty February 10, 2012
19. Free Press Op/Ed: HHS Insurance Mandate Must be Defeated [Link no longer available —Ed.] February 9, 2012
20. Six Things Everyone Should Know About the HHS Mandate February 7, 2012
21. White House Misrepresents Its Own Contraceptive Mandate February 6, 2012
22. Promoting Religious Liberty Through Advocacy February 3, 2012
23. State Senate Recognizes “Catholic Schools Week” January 27, 2012
24. U.S. Bishops Vow to Fight HHS Edict January 20, 2012
25. U.S. Bishops Welcome Pope's Reaffirmation of Religious Liberty During Ad Limina Visit January 19, 2012
26. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: MCC Testifies in Support of Shared Time/Dual Enrollment Legislation January 18, 2012
27. Religious Leaders Join Together in Support of Marriage, Religious Liberty January 12, 2012
28. U.S. Bishops Hail Court Decision Upholding Religious Liberty January 11, 2012

2011

1. Bishops Renew Poverty USA Campaign in Response to Growing Domestic Poverty December 13, 2011
2. Letter of the 33 Hispanic/Latino American Bishops to Immigrants December 13, 2011
3. Catholic Organizations Respond to HHS “Preventive Services” Mandate December 7, 2011
4. Letter from USCCB to U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Importance of Preserving DOMA November 3, 2011
5. ACTION ALERT! U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee May Repeal Defense of Marriage Act [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 28, 2011
6. USCCB President Letter to President Obama: End Campaign Against Marriage, Religious Freedom September 22, 2011
7. Letter from Archbishop Dolan, President of USCCB, to American Bishops on Recent Poverty Report in America September 20, 2011
8. ACTION ALERT! Email HHS to Oppose “Preventative Services” Mandate [Link no longer available —Ed.] September 13, 2011
9. USCCB Urges Rescission of HHS Contraceptive Mandate, Criticizes “Inexplicably Narrow’ Definition of Religious Freedom September 6, 2011
10. Editorial Support for Bishops' Immigration Statement August 16, 2011
11. USCCB: Federal Birth Control Mandate Violates Conscience Rights [Link no longer available —Ed.] August 2, 2011
12. USCCB Media Blog: “Whac-a-Mole Immigration Policy” July 7, 2011
13. To Live Each Day With Dignity: A Statement on Physician Assisted Suicide June 22, 2011
14. Editorial: Anti-Immigrant Bills Would Hurt Workers, Businesses and State [Link no longer available —Ed.] June 22, 2011
15. Michigan Bishops Call for Greater Attention to Poor and Unemployed in State Budget Debate [Link no longer available —Ed.] April 12, 2011
16. Action Alert! Support Needed for D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program [Link no longer available —Ed.] March 24, 2011
17. Action Alert! Tell Congress to Defend Marriage [Link no longer available —Ed.] March 8, 2011
18. A Tribute to His Eminence Adam Cardinal Maida [Link no longer available —Ed.] February 18, 2011
19. MCC Commentary: "Earned Income Tax Credit Good for Michigan" February 1, 2011
20. Archbishop Vigneron Offers Invocation Prior to State of State Address January 20, 2011

2010

1. Senate Vote on DREAM Act “A Setback, Not a Defeat” [Link no longer available —Ed.] December 23, 2010
2. 2010 General Election Results November 3, 2010
3. October as Respect Life Month [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 4, 2010
4. Protecting Michigan's Constitution: No on Proposal 1 September 15, 2010
5. Bishops Welcome Ruling Against Human Embryo Research Funding [Link no longer available —Ed.] August 25, 2010
6. New Vatican-Approved Roman Missal Will Debut Advent 2011 August 20, 2010
7. Statement from USCCB President Cardinal Francis George on California Marriage Ruling [Link no longer available —Ed.] August 5, 2010
8. August 3 Primary Results from the Michigan Department of State August 4, 2010
9. Marriage: Unique for a Reason July 15, 2010
10. The New Normal on Abortion: Americans More "Pro-Life" May 24, 2010
11. U.S. Bishops Note Way Forward With Health Care, Clarify Misconceptions [Link no longer available —Ed.] May 24, 2010
12. U.S. Bishops Urge Congress to Support Bill to Remedy Abortion, Conscience Flaws in Health Care Reform Law [Link no longer available —Ed.] May 24, 2010
13. “Mimicking Arizona as Michigan Burns” [Link no longer available —Ed.] May 17, 2010
14. Campus Website Launches to Teach Students About Catholic Social Teaching April 22, 2010
15. FAQ’s on New Health Care Reform Law and the Catholic Position April 16, 2010
16. USCCB Media Blog: “In All Things, Charity” April 6, 2010
17. Bishops Encourage Vigilance that Health Care Legislation Protects Conscience, does not Fund Abortion [Link no longer available —Ed.] March 29, 2010
18. U.S. Bishops Continue to Urge for Genuine Health Care Reform that Does Not Fund Abortions [Link no longer available —Ed.] March 19, 2010
19. Action Alert! Updated Health Care Reform Information [Link no longer available —Ed.] March 19, 2010
20. U.S. Bishops Call for Bipartisan Action to Advance Health Care Reform That Protects Human Life and Dignity [Link no longer available —Ed.] February 25, 2010
21. “Health Care as a Basic Human Right” February 19, 2010
22. Michigan Legislature Honors Catholic Schools Week February 3, 2010
23. Bishops Urge Congress to Resume Work on Health Care for All January 27, 2010
24. Action Alert! Urge Support for Health Care Reform that Protects the Sanctity of Life [Link no longer available —Ed.] January 8, 2010

2009

1. U.S. Bishops “Deeply Disappointed” by Defeat of Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment [Link no longer available —Ed.] December 10, 2009
2. Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Flores Named Bishop of Brownsville, Texas December 9, 2009
3. Action Alert! Urge Sens. Stabenow and Levin to Support Hatch-Nelson Amendment [Link no longer available —Ed.] December 4, 2009
4. Protect the Earned Income Tax Credit for the Poor, Says MCC December 1, 2009
5. U.S. Bishops’ Conference Calls for Changes to Federal Health Care Reform [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 12, 2009
6. Action Alert! Your Phone Calls Needed to Save Tax Credit for the Working Poor [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 5, 2009
7. Action Alert! Help Prohibit Public Funding of Abortion in Health Care Reform [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 5, 2009
8. Children’s Clothing Allowance an Important Back-to-School Boost October 5, 2009
9. Action Alert! State Programs Assisting the Poor are in Great Danger [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 5, 2009
10. “Church Fights to Keep Tax Credit for the Poor” October 5, 2009
11. USCCB Urges Abortion Neutral Health Care Reform [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 5, 2009
12. USCCB Pro-Life Chairman Criticizes NIH Destructive Stem Cell Research Guidelines [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 5, 2009
13. Discussion of Indigent Defense [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 5, 2009
14. Vatican Enters Social Media Era With Launch of Applications Page October 5, 2009
15. Philadelphia Auxiliary Joseph R. Cistone named 6th bishop of Saginaw October 5, 2009
16. MCC on Juvenile Life Without Parole Legislation October 5, 2009
17. USCCB Official Criticizes Draft NIH Guidelines for Destructive Stem Cell Research [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 5, 2009
18. Saginaw’s Bishop Carlson Appointed Archbishop of St. Louis [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 5, 2009
19. USSCB: Poll Shows Strong Support for Conscience Rights in Health Care [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 5, 2009
20. MCC Op/Ed: “Statewide Public Defense System Needed in Michigan” [Link no longer available —Ed.] October 5, 2009
21. Michigan Campaign for Justice Launches October 5, 2009
22. USCCB FOCA Post Card Campaign October 5, 2009
23. MCC Letter to Congressional Delegation Regarding Federal Stimulus Funds for Non-Public Schools October 5, 2009
24. Defending the Poor May 1, 2009
25. 2009–2010 Advocacy Priorities February 1, 2009