Standing Together for Life and Truth This November

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This fall, the citizens of Virginia will be called to make a decision of profound moral significance. In the November election, two proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution will be placed before voters—one concerning the so-called right to reproductive freedom and the other concerning the legal definition of marriage.

These are not merely matters of partisan preference. These proposals concern fundamental truths about the human person: the dignity of innocent human life and the nature of marriage and the family. If incorporated into the Virginia Constitution, they would be extraordinarily difficult to reverse. Sacred Scripture reminds us: “You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb” (Ps 139:13). Every human life is sacred from conception until natural death because it comes from God. Its dignity does not depend upon age, health, ability, or circumstances.

Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed that the first of all human rights is the right to life, because without it no other right can be exercised. A just society must therefore protect the unborn child, who is among the smallest and most vulnerable. Christ tells us: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40).

According to the Diocese of Arlington’s analysis, the proposed reproductive freedom amendment would endanger the lives of unborn children, eliminate important standards intended to protect women’s health and safety, and limit the right of parents to participate in life-changing decisions involving their minor children. When confronted with a difficult pregnancy, the Christian response must always be to welcome, accompany, and provide concrete assistance, protecting both mother and child with equal love and dedication. Voting in favor of this amendment means voting against life. A Christian must never support legislation that contradicts God’s law and the sacred dignity of the human person.

The dignity and integrity of marriage are also at stake. The Church teaches that every person must be treated with respect, compassion, and dignity. Respecting every person, however, does not require us to alter the truth about marriage or to accept everything society declares to be right.

Marriage is not merely a contract created by the State. It is a natural institution established by God, founded upon the stable and complementary union of one man and one woman, and ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children.

Defending the truth about marriage never justifies hatred or contempt. At the same time, respecting every person does not require adopting a legal definition of marriage that contradicts its nature. Such a redefinition would further weaken society’s understanding of marriage and could promote practices such as commercial surrogacy, which reduce pregnancy and children to the objects of contractual agreements.

Catholics may legitimately hold different opinions regarding many public policies that require prudential judgment. The protection of innocent human life and the nature of marriage, however, concern objective goods that require a clear and consistent moral response.

I invite you to pray, study these proposals carefully, and form your conscience in the light of God’s Word and the teachings of the Church. As Catholics, we vote “no” on these proposed amendments. If approved, they would enshrine objective moral errors in the Virginia Constitution, overturn basic principles of justice, and gravely harm the dignity of the human person and the nature of marriage and the family. These are matters of fundamental truth about the human person.

Our bishop, Most Reverend Michael Burbidge, and the diocesan pro-life office have published guidance regarding these amendments. Additional information is available at arlingtondiocese.org/vote.

Let us participate responsibly, always speaking the truth with charity and never showing contempt for those who think differently. At the same time, let us have the courage necessary to defend human life, marriage, and the family.

May Mary, Mother of Life and Queen of the Apostles, grant us wisdom and strength.

With my prayers and blessing,

Fr. Diaz

Catholics Vote No: A Message from Bishop Michael Burbidge