Faith & Church EngagementVirginia 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.
Read →Abortion Policy, Law & PoliticsMore than 200 Virginia pastors have signed a letter urging voters to reject two proposed constitutional amendments: one enshrining abortion rights and another removing the ban on same-sex marriage. The letter, inspired by a Catholic campaign and spreading through word of mouth among clergy, argues that these amendments harm the state and contradict biblical teachings.
Read →Abortion Policy, Law & PoliticsMore than 125 Virginia pastors from around the state have signed an open letter urging voters to reject two proposed constitutional amendments on abortion and marriage in the November 3 election. The pastors oppose Question 1, which would expand abortion access and eliminate parental consent, and Question 2, which would redefine marriage to include same-sex couples, citing biblical teachings and concerns about societal harm.
Read →Abortion Policy, Law & PoliticsBishop 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.
Read →Abortion Policy, Law & PoliticsVirginia voters will decide on a constitutional amendment affecting Article I, Section 11, which concerns due process protections related to when life begins, with the amendment specifying that these protections apply only after a baby is outside the mother. Polls show support for the amendment, but when voters are informed of its implications, including abortion up to birth and other provisions, support decreases significantly, raising concerns about the ballot language and voter understanding.
Read →Abortion Policy, Law & PoliticsVirginia 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.
Read →Faith & Church EngagementVirginia’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...
Read →