Protect Human Life

Recognizing that the right to life is the foundation for all other human rights, the MCC will defend against violent attacks on human life, such as abortion, euthanasia, experiments involving the destruction of human embryos or the use of aborted fetal remains, and the death penalty. The MCC promotes a culture of life by supporting alternatives to abortion for mothers who choose life for their children, as well as alternatives to the death penalty, such as incarceration that protects the public. “It is impossible to further the common good without acknowledging and defending the right to life, upon which all the other inalienable rights of individuals are founded and from which they develop.” (Saint John Paul II, Gospel of Life, No. 101)

Welcome and Accompany Immigrants and Refugees

The MCC affirms the God-given human dignity of all immigrants and refugees, including the undocumented and those displaced by war, persecution, and natural disasters. The MCC reminds lawmakers of the right of people to migrate and urges Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform, including adequate provisions and funding for refugee resettlement. “Every stranger who knocks at our door is an opportunity for an encounter with Jesus Christ, who identifies with the welcomed and rejected strangers of every age.” (Pope Francis, 2017 Message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees)

Advance Social and Economic Justice for All

Pope Francis called for all people to hear the cry of the poor and to reform “unjust social structures” that deny basic necessities and opportunities for social and economic advancement. The MCC will support adequate funding for Medicaid and mental health services, protection of social programs that benefit the poor, care for creation and the environment, and stronger consumer protections, including payday lending reform. The MCC also works to heal racial and cultural divisions while fostering vibrant communities that serve the common good. “Certainly, it is the proper function of authority to arbitrate, in the name of the common good, between various particular interests; but it should make accessible to each what is needed to lead a truly human life: food, clothing, health, work, education and culture, suitable information, the right to establish a family, and so on.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1908)

Uphold and Strengthen Marriage and Family

Family is the basic cell of human society and the foundation of civilized life. Today, the institutions of marriage and family are threatened by a culture that no longer values authentic marriage and stable families. The MCC will support legislation and funding for programs that strengthen two-parent families; assist single parents and their children; promote responsible parenthood; support victims of domestic violence; and, provide aid to families experiencing poverty or raising children with health challenges or disabilities. “The importance of the family for the life and well-being of society entails a particular responsibility for society to support and strengthen marriage and the family.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 2210)

Defend Religious Liberty

At the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church affirmed that the freedom to exercise oneʼs religious faith without threat of coercion is grounded in the dignity of the human person and that no person should be forced to act in a manner “contrary to his conscience,” (Dignitas Humanae, par. 3). The MCC will oppose unjust discrimination against people of faith, including the targeting or registering of any particular faith, and will support religious liberty protections in all human rights laws.. “[T]he right to religious freedom has its foundation in the very dignity of the human person as this dignity is known through the revealed word of God and by reason itself.” (Declaration on Religious Freedom, No. 2)

Support Educational Opportunities

Parents are the first educators of their children and have the right to choose the form of schooling that best serves their children’s needs and reflects their moral and religious convictions. When necessary, parents should also have access to assistance that enables them to exercise this right. The MCC will support educational opportunities for all children across all school settings: public, private, or religious. The MCC also advocates for financial assistance that helps families meet their children’s educational needs and opposes policies that discriminate against children who attend private and religious schools. “As those first responsible for the education of their children, parents have the right to choose a school for them which corresponds to their own convictions.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 2229)

Reform Criminal Justice

The Catholic Church calls for a criminal justice system that holds the offender accountable, supports victims, and engages the community in helping offenders successfully reintegrate into society. The MCC will support meaningful reforms, such as allowing greater judicial discretion in criminal sentencing, reasonable possibilities for parole, and policies that ensure individuals have realistic pathways to employment upon release. “We believe that both victims and offender[s] are children of God. Despite their very different claims on society, their lives and dignity should be protected and respected. We seek justice, not vengeance.” (U.S. Bishops, A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice, Nov. 2000)

Promote Civility and Faith in the Democratic Process

Saint John Paul II said that Democracy needs wisdom and virtue if it is to flourish. Pope Francis told Congress that the primary purpose of politics is the common good. The MCC will encourage civility and bipartisan cooperation among elected officials, strong ethical standards for those in public office, respect for the rule of law, and measures that enable citizens to more fully participate in their government. “[R]esponsible authority also means authority exercised with those virtues that make it possible to put power into practice as service (patience, modesty, moderation, charity, efforts to share), an authority exercised by persons who are able to accept the common good, and not prestige or the gaining of personal advantages, as the true goal of their work.” (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, No. 410)