Bishop Michael F. Burbidge issued a message to the faithful in the Arlington diocese Oct. 18 on the importance of voting for life in this year’s Virginia election Nov. 7.
“As you are aware, this is a critical election year in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Bishop Burbidge said. “Every seat in the Virginia General Assembly is on the ballot. Early voting is well underway, and Election Day is Nov. 7.
“This is an opportunity for Catholics in our diocese to turn out and vote for the most fundamental issues on the ballot. As the bishops of the United States continually observe, the preeminent civil rights issue of our time is abortion. We know that pro-abortion organizations are actively involved in local elections. Therefore, we must offer a counternarrative by ensuring that pro-life issues are front of mind for Catholic voters. After all, we have the truth.
“The Virginia Catholic Conference has resources that include instructions on finding your new district, a pre-election letter from Bishop Knestout and me, the four principles of Catholic Social Teaching, links to request absentee ballots and polling place information and more.
“Please encourage your friends and neighbors to vote in support of truth, particularly in defense of human life. Ask them to study the issues and the way their candidates have pledged to vote or have voted in the past.
“In speaking with experts, it is clear that early voting is one of the most important components of voter turnout. Saturday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 4, are both early voting opportunities in Virginia. Consider carpooling with friends or bringing the homebound or those uncomfortable driving themselves to vote early.
“I hope that together, in solidarity with Our Blessed Mother under the title ‘Mother of Life,’ we may engage the political world wisely and courageously, growing as faithful citizens loyal to Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
In his email, Bishop Burbidge included a video message published on the diocesan YouTube channel Oct. 5, addressing Respect Life Month and the importance of voting for life.
Find out more
For Bishop Burbidge’s video message, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBZFTPBry_w&t=2s
For a shortened version, go to https://youtu.be/OQNVfgkrSuk
To access election resources from the Virginia Catholic Conference, go to vacatholic.org.
