Bishop Michael F. Burbidge urges faithful to pray, fast and vote no on abortion, same-sex marriage amendments

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington is calling on the faithful to pray, fast, and vote against two proposed constitutional amendments in Virginia. In a video released Sept. 30 on the diocese's YouTube channel, the bishop urged voters to reject measures that would enshrine abortion access and same-sex marriage in the state constitution.

The first amendment would guarantee abortion access while allowing for restrictions in the third trimester, except in cases where the pregnancy cannot survive or the patient's health is at risk. The second ballot question seeks to remove the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and affirm that adults may marry regardless of race, sex, or gender.

The bishop's message is part of the diocese's "Catholics Vote No" campaign. These measures come ahead of the Nov. 3 election, following the start of early voting on Sept. 18.