For the first time during his tenure, Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington asked every priest in the diocese to read a letter at Mass urging Catholics to oppose two proposed Virginia constitutional amendments.
In his September 14 statement, Burbidge described Ballot Question 1, concerning abortion, as a significant moral issue and called on Catholics to become informed, participate in the election and vote against the amendment.
He also addressed a second proposed amendment concerning marriage and emphasized that the Catholic Church does not endorse candidates or political parties, while maintaining that it speaks on matters of faith and morals in public life.
Virginia voters will decide the two questions in the November 3, 2026, general election, with early voting beginning today.
Read the statement here.