Michigan Catholic Conference chooses new president

Detroit, Mich., Sep 9, 2010 / 22:50 pm

The Michigan Catholic Conference announced on Sept. 8 that they have chosen a new president who will succeed current leader Sr. Monica Kostielney as she steps down after 38 years of service.

New MCC president Paul A. Long previously served as the conference's vice president for Public Policy.

“For more than two decades Paul Long has presented to state government the Conference’s advocacy agenda with integrity and the utmost level of professionalism. His years of service and commitment to the Church make him an exemplary candidate to lead the Conference into the next decade,” said Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron who is chairman of the MCC Board of Directors.

“Sister Monica Kostielney for nearly forty years has been a tireless advocate for the poor and the unborn,” he added, “a passionate and commanding voice on matters concerning education and economic justice, Sister Monica has directed the Conference with humility and grace.”

According to the MCC, Long was raised in St. Clair Shores Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University’s James Madison College in 1988. After working for both the House of Representatives and state Senate while attending school, Long took on a position at the MCC as public affairs associate. Long was then appointed as vice president for Public Policy in November 1994,  serving as the chief liaison between the state government and the Catholic Church in Michigan.

In his duties as vice president for Public Policy, Long assisted with numerous pieces of legislation  including a ban on assisted suicide, the creation of a state earned income tax credit, and moving the ban on human cloning through the the state’s Legislature.

“I am humbled today,” Long said on Wednesday, “and eagerly look forward to steering the Conference forward in its mission to develop sound public policy and administer benefit services with a dedication to integrity and excellence.”