Faith & Church Engagement

Virginia is holding a significant election with constitutional amendments on abortion and marriage that have drawn opposition from Catholic bishops and over 200 pastors, who warn the ballot language is deceptive and designed to punish dissenters and boost Democrats. In Ohio, two key races are considered toss-ups, including a Senate special election and the governor's race, with data centers and immigration issues prominent, while in Texas, the Senate race between Ken Paxton and James Talarico is close, with controversies around Talarico's religious affiliations and local concerns about visas, data centers, and mosque construction influencing conservative voters.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington has called on Catholics in his diocese to engage in a month of prayer and fasting in October to oppose two constitutional amendments on the Virginia ballot that would expand abortion rights and redefine marriage. He also directed priests to read a letter urging a 'No' vote on Ballot Questions 1 and 2, describing these measures as 'radically unjust' and warning that supporting them could be a grave moral offense with eternal consequences.

Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington is urging Catholics to fast on Fridays in October and vote against two constitutional amendments on abortion and marriage appearing on the November 3 ballot in Virginia. He has directed priests to read a letter during Masses opposing the amendments, which would expand abortion access and redefine marriage, and has led prayer efforts while acknowledging both support and criticism from parishioners.

Virginia Democrats have proposed a constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights, including personal decisions about prenatal care and abortion access, which will appear on the November ballot. Catholic leaders from the Dioceses of Arlington and Richmond have strongly opposed the amendment, urging their congregations to vote no, citing concerns about the health and safety of mothers, parental rights, and the sanctity of marriage.

Virginia Bishop Michael Burbidge instructed every priest in his diocese to read a letter at Mass urging Catholics to oppose two constitutional amendments on abortion and marriage ahead of the November 3 election. He argued that Ballot Question 1 would expand abortion rights beyond reasonable limits and that Ballot Question 2 would remove the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, enshrining gender ideology in the state constitution.

Virginia’s most populous Catholic diocese is planning a coordinated effort in churches next month, urging parishioners to reject constitutional amendments on abortion and marriage that will appear on the ballot this fall. Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington hosted a webinar for priests and asked them to read a message at Masses on...