Bishop Burbidge Issues Rare Call to Defend Life and Marriage
Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington has taken an unusual step by instructing all priests in his diocese to read a pastoral letter from the pulpit during weekend Masses.
The letter urges Catholics to vote against two proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the November 3 ballot in Virginia.
This directive comes as early voting begins on September 18 and highlights the bishop's concerns over threats to human life and the definition of marriage.
Bishop Burbidge stated that he had never before asked every priest in the diocese to deliver such a message during Mass.
The Diocese of Arlington encompasses more than 430,000 Catholics across 70 parishes in northern Virginia.
The letter describes the ballot measures as dangerous initiatives that would enshrine expansive abortion access and alter the constitutional understanding of marriage.
The Call to Action on Abortion
Ballot Question 1 would establish a legal right to unregulated abortions performed by unlicensed practitioners at any stage of pregnancy.
The measure threatens the health and safety of mothers while allowing abortions up to birth.
It would also extend this right to minors without parental involvement in critical decisions.
Bishop Burbidge emphasized that while abortion is already legal in Virginia the proposed change goes far beyond reasonable limits and is unnecessary.
Protecting the Sanctity of Marriage
Ballot Question 2 seeks to remove from the state constitution the provision that marriage is between one man and one woman.
The amendment would replace this with language affirming marriage between any two adult persons regardless of sex or gender.
Such a change would enshrine a redefinition that contradicts longstanding teachings on the nature of marriage.
The bishop's letter calls on the faithful to recognize these measures as fundamental threats to core moral principles.
Broader Implications for Voters
The bishop encourages Catholics to pledge to vote through resources like CatholicsVoteNo.com and to make plans for early voting.
He also urges the faithful to discuss the issues with family friends and colleagues in a spirit of truth and love.
This coordinated effort across the diocese aims to inform consciences ahead of the election.
The move underscores the priority placed on safeguarding life and marriage in the public square.
Catholics in the diocese heard the letter read at Masses this past weekend as part of this rare pastoral initiative.
The action reflects a commitment to guiding the faithful on matters of profound moral significance.
Voters will decide the fate of these amendments on November 3.
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