Tuesday, April 20, 2004

Catholics Set to Congregate in Lansing for Legislative Day
Michigan Catholic Conference to Host Some 300 Adults and Students

LANSING - Catholics from across the state will journey to Lansing Wednesday, April 21 as the Michigan Catholic Conference and the dioceses of Michigan conduct Catholic Legislative Day and new Student Catholic Legislative Day at St. Mary Cathedral. Michigan Catholic Conference staff and invited guests will speak to the importance of faithful citizenship and will address legislative issues deemed critical by the Church in Michigan.

"Catholics are impelled by Church teaching to play an active role in the democratic process through a manner in which all candidates are measured not by their political affiliation but how well the individual protects the most vulnerable and advances the common good," said Paul A. Long, Michigan Catholic Conference Vice-President for Public Policy. "Catholic Legislative Day and Student Legislative Day is an excellent opportunity for Catholics to reaffirm their role as faithful citizens and become more knowledgeable with the issues for which the Church advocates."

Some 300 participants of legislative day will be briefed by staff and guests on issues which the Michigan Catholic Conference this year has been actively involved, including: state Rep. John Gleason (D-Flushing) on the importance of religious freedom and conscience clause legislation, the Legal Birth Definition Act and recently-completed "People's Override" petition drive and a bill which allows faith-based child-placing agencies to provide services in accordance with their mission.

Voting records and background information will also be provided on a measure seeking to reinstate capital punishment in our state and legislation amending the state constitution to define marriage between one man and one woman. Following issues briefings participants will disperse to meet with legislators before reassembling at the State Capitol to be recognized by the House of Representatives.

Based on last year's overwhelming student attendance the Michigan Catholic Conference and the dioceses will also conduct Student Catholic Legislative Day in conjunction with Catholic Legislative Day. Student Catholic Legislative Day will be conducted in a similar fashion separately from Catholic Legislative Day and will be oriented toward high school-age students.

The day, titled "Faithful Citizenship in Action," commences at 9:30 a.m. and will be conducted at St. Mary Cathedral, located at 219 Seymour St., and the neighboring diocesan building.

The Michigan Catholic Conference is the public policy voice for the Catholic Church in this state.

Contact:
Dave Maluchnik
dmaluchnik@micatholicconference.org
517.372.9310