Virginia Catholic Bishops Launch Coordinated Push Against 2 Constitutional Amendments

Virginia’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 Sept. 12-13 encouraging Catholics to vote against the measures. The effort will culminate in a holy hour at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington on Sept. 15 that will also be livestreamed.

The ballot measures—Question 1 on abortion and Question 2 on marriage—will be decided by voters after receiving approval in two consecutive sessions of the Democrat-controlled General Assembly, as required for constitutional amendments in Virginia.

‘Catholics Vote No’

The Diocese of Arlington, which is running a “Catholics Vote No” campaign, argues that the first question would allow abortion until birth and eliminate parental consent requirements for minors seeking abortions. The second question redefines marriage to “two adult persons” rather than “one man and one woman.”

“This election is different—not because of candidates, but because of fundamental moral issues,” Burbidge said on his Aug. 26 “Walk Humbly” podcast. “God is the author of life. God is the author of marriage. We must protect these extraordinary gifts from our Creator.”

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The diocesan effort comes after both of Virginia’s Catholic bishops publicly urged Catholics to oppose the amendments in a joint letter released on Aug. 21, using the words “extreme, dangerous, radical, and horrific” to describe one of the proposed amendments.

“In Virginia, every year is an election year. However, the contents on the ballot this fall are anything but ordinary,” Burbidge and Bishop Barry C. Knestout of Richmond wrote.

‘Extreme, Dangerous, Radical, and Horrific’

An estimated 700,000 Catholics live in Virginia, and church leaders are urging them to vote against the amendments. Early voting begins Sept. 18 in Virginia; Election Day is Nov. 3.

In their letter, Burbidge and Knestout outlined their objections to both amendments:

Ballot Question 1 would cement a so-called “fundamental right” to abortion into our state constitution – all the way up to birth and for “every individual,” even children. It would endanger women’s health and safety and even push parents out of life-changing and irreversible decisions for their minor daughters. It would shield “any individual” who assists in an abortion from legal consequences. When debating the language of the proposed constitutional amendment, legislators even rejected a proposal to require that any baby born alive after an attempted abortion would receive the same level of care and treatment as any other infant. Ballot Question 1 is extreme, dangerous, radical, and horrific.

Ballot Question 2 would remove the definition of marriage as the “union between one man and one woman” from our constitution, and would replace it with “any lawful marriage between two adult persons.” We affirm the dignity of every person. We also proclaim the truth that marriage – created by God – is and will always be the union of a man and a woman. God’s design for marriage – woven into the fabric of our being – was established before any nation, religion or law. We are called to honor and preserve it. The marital union – between a man and a woman who give themselves completely to each other – is a unique and irreplaceable bond that is the basis of the family and society.

On the episode of “Walk Humbly,” Burbidge noted the consequences for parents if the abortion amendment is approved.

“Parents are the first teachers of their children. That’s not a political talking point. That’s a God-given responsibility, and the law should protect it,” he said. “How can fathers and mothers teach and protect their children when the law strips them of their rights as parents to protect and care for the family.”

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Burbidge said Catholics have “a sacred duty to form our consciences prayerfully and correctly.”

Virginia’s Amendments

In Virginia, the General Assembly must approve constitutional amendments in two consecutive legislative sessions. In addition to the abortion and marriage amendments, legislators approved another question that will appear on the ballot this year.

The bishops support the third constitutional amendment, which would restore voting rights to felons after completion of their prison terms. In their letter, the bishops described that proposal as a matter of “prudential judgment upon which people of goodwill can disagree.”

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According to VPM, there are several groups registered with the Virginia Department of Elections to advocate for or against the constitutional amendments.

Those include Virginians for Reproductive Freedom, advocating in favor of Question 1 on abortion, and the Virginia Catholic Conference, Virginia Medical Professionals for Women’s Safety, Virginians for Safe Reproductive Policy, and VSHL 2026 Referendum Committee, which are opposed to it.

Virginians for Marriage Equality is supporting Question 2 on marriage, while the Family Foundation is advocating against it.

On the felon voting question, Virginians for the Right to Vote is in favor of its passage.