Bishop Urged Virginia Catholics to Reject Amendments
Bishop Michael Burbidge has asked the Diocese of Arlington to oppose two upcoming constitutional amendments.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Catholicism
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Bishop Michael Burbidge has initiated a campaign urging Catholics in the Diocese of Arlington to vote against two constitutional amendments. The opposition centers on concerns regarding abortion access and marriage definitions.
Why it matters
The campaign aims to influence the November 3 vote by mobilizing the Catholic community through prayer, fasting, and parish-level distribution of information. Burbidge stated his opposition is based on specific policy concerns regarding abortion and the definition of marriage.
The Diocese of Arlington encompasses 21 counties and 70 parishes, serving a population of more than 433,000 Catholics. These figures represent the total regional coverage for the church's campaign across Northern Virginia.
The players
Michael Burbidge
He is the Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington and serves as the primary leader of the Catholic community in Northern Virginia.
The details
Bishop Burbidge requested that priests read a formal letter at Mass regarding the amendments, and held a public forum at the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria. The diocese is also encouraging members to engage in fasting and praying the Stations of the Cross throughout October.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: Early voting began in Virginia.
October 2026: Catholics are asked to participate in fasting and prayer.
October 8, 2026: Bishop Michael Burbidge met with priests to discuss the campaign.
November 3, 2026: Election Day in Virginia.
Culture Shift
The push by the Diocese of Arlington marks a direct institutional effort to influence the outcome of proposed changes to the Virginia Constitution. This move aligns with broader trends of religious organizations engaging in active campaigns against specific constitutional amendments.
Residents in the 21 counties covered by the Diocese of Arlington can expect to see increased information distribution and hear formal letters at local parishes regarding these amendments. This campaign may influence the daily decision-making process for Catholic voters heading into the November 3 election.
The takeaway
The campaign reflects a strategic effort to align the political participation of 433,000 parishioners with specific moral stances held by the diocese. Voters are encouraged to review the official ballot language and consider how these proposed amendments impact their local communities.
Further reading
For more information on religious perspectives regarding state policy, visit the Catholicism section.
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