Virginia Bishop urges opposition to abortion and marriage amendments

Catholic Bishop Michael Burbidge has directed priests across the Diocese of Arlington to read a pastoral letter during Sunday Mass, urging parishioners to vote against two proposed constitutional amendments in Virginia.

The measures, which voters will decide on November 3, involve Ballot Question 1 regarding abortion access and Ballot Question 2 regarding the definition of marriage. Burbidge described the initiatives as “two dangerous ballot initiatives” that pose threats to the sanctity of marriage and the protection of unborn life.

Regarding the abortion amendment, Burbidge argued that the measure would expand access to “unregulated abortions” performed by unlicensed practitioners at any stage of pregnancy and could remove parental involvement in decisions concerning minors. He characterized the amendment as an extreme expansion of existing laws. Regarding the marriage amendment, he stated it fails to respect the “sacred union of one man and one woman.”

The directive affects 70 parishes serving more than 430,000 Catholics in Northern Virginia. Early voting for the upcoming election is scheduled to begin on Friday, September 18.