Protecting Religious Liberty and the Freedom to Serve

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.

In accordance with the freedom to exercise religion enshrined in the U.S. constitution, faith-based providers should be free to operate according to their religious beliefs when serving in the public square.

To protect the freedom to serve inherent in the right to religious liberty, MCC supports:

• Freedom for faith-based providers, institutions, and individuals to serve the general public according to their religious tradition and without interference from the government.
• Opposition to government regulations and mandates that violate the long-standing religious practices of faith-based organizations and individuals.
• Policies that proactively promote religious freedom.

Foundational Documents

• Catechism of the Catholic Church (1731–1749)
• Evangelii Gaudium (Pope Francis, 2013)
• Our First, Most Cherished Liberty (U.S. Bishops, 2012)
• Redemptor Hominis, No. 17 (John Paul II, 1979)
• Dignitatis Humanae (Pope Paul VI, 1965)

News Releases

1. For Second Straight Year, MCC Presented with Three Top Awards for Excellence in Public Relations (04/22/19)
2. Freedom to Serve Wins Top Award for Best PR Campaign (09/25/18)
3. Catholic Church in Michigan Welcomes Settlement With Federal Government Over HHS Mandate Litigation (10/18/17)
4. Michigan Catholic Conference Comments on Revised HHS Mandate (10/06/17)
5. Catholic Conference Responds to National Efforts Challenging Michigan’s Adoption Legislation (09/20/17)

Additional Resources

1. The Word from Lansing Column:
   1. Our Plan to Advance the Common Good This Legislative Session (02/03/23)
   2. Taxpayer Funding Should Not Pay for Abortions (06/18/21)
   3. Catholic Action Needed to Promote Life, Protect the Unborn (05/28/21)
   4. So-Called ‘Equality Act’ Threatens Society and Religious Communities (05/21/21)
   5. Support the Dignity of Human Life (07/19/19)
2. Promoting Religious Freedom Through Interfaith Dialogue (Focus Essay, 6/2018)
3. Freedom to Serve (Focus Essay, 9/2017)
4. Conscience Rights, A Foundation for Democracy (Focus Essay, 6/2013)
5. Forming Consciences for Religious Liberty (Focus Essay, 9/2012)
6. Michigan Bishops Comment on HHS Lawsuit (Michigan Bishops, 6/2012)
7. Legal Response to the HHS Mandate (Michigan Bishops, 5/2012)
8. Promoting Religious Liberty Through Advocacy (Focus Essay, 2/2012)

Advocacy

• Lansing Update:
  1. Nonpublic School Funding Included in Signed Education Budget (07/28/23)
  2. New Law Improves Access to Food for the Poor (07/14/23)
  3. MCC Urges Grassroots Action on Bills Restricting Counselor Speech (07/07/23)
  4. Reforms 5 Years in the Making Cross Finish Line with MCC Support & Much More (06/30/23)
  5. MCC Proposes Catholic Response to Gun Violence & More Legislative Updates (06/09/23)
• Video: Protect the Work of Faith-Based Adoption and Foster Care Agencies (2015)
• Bulletin Insert: Religious Liberty Advocacy
• Poll: Voters Overwhelming Support Religious Liberty in the Provision of Services (9/2012)

For more information on religious liberty and the importance of conscience rights, visit www.usccb.org/conscience/.