Bishop Burbidge Issues Rare Call to Defend Life and Marriage at the Ballot Box

Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington took an unprecedented step ahead of the November election by directing every priest in his diocese to read a pastoral letter during Mass.

The letter calls on Catholics to oppose two proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution that would expand abortion access and alter the definition of marriage.

This directive marks the first time the bishop has made such a request of all priests under his leadership.

The move underscores the gravity of the issues at stake for the faithful in northern Virginia.

Bishop Burbidge emphasized in the letter that Virginians face serious legal threats to the sacredness of human life and the sanctity of marriage.

Ballot Question 1 would embed a broad right to abortion in the state constitution, potentially allowing the procedure at any stage and by unlicensed providers.

Such a change threatens the health and safety of mothers while permitting abortions of healthy babies up to birth.

The measure would also extend this right to minors without parental involvement in critical decisions.

Ballot Question 2 seeks to remove the constitutional recognition that marriage is between one man and one woman.

This alteration would enshrine a redefinition of marriage contrary to longstanding teachings.

Catholics are urged to recognize these proposals as extreme departures from moral foundations.

The bishop's action highlights the need for voters to protect traditional values rooted in faith and reason.

Early voting begins on September 18 with Election Day set for November 3.

The bishop encouraged the faithful to pledge their votes through dedicated resources and to engage family and friends in informed discussions.

This coordinated effort across more than 70 parishes serving hundreds of thousands of Catholics aims to mobilize opposition to the measures.

The rare pulpit directive reflects deep concern over the potential long-term consequences for society.

Supporters of traditional marriage and the right to life view the amendments as radical overreaches that undermine parental authority and the dignity of human life from conception.

The bishop's letter aligns with core principles that prioritize the protection of the unborn and the preservation of marriage as a sacred union.

By instructing priests to deliver the message uniformly, the diocese ensures consistent guidance for the faithful ahead of the vote.

This approach reinforces the role of religious leaders in forming consciences on matters of profound moral significance.

The response from the Catholic community has centered on prayerful discernment and active participation in the electoral process.

Bishop Burbidge stressed the importance of voting with a properly formed conscience to uphold the common good.

The amendments represent unnecessary expansions beyond existing laws that already permit abortion in Virginia under certain conditions.

Voters are called to reject these changes to safeguard future generations.

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