WASHINGTON, DC – His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, has issued the following letter to Catholic voters in Virginia, expressing solidarity with that state’s two Catholic bishops over three proposed state constitutional amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot, urging the faithful to reject an initiative to create a “fundamental right” to abortion and another to redefine the meaning of marriage. The prelates urge support for another, restoring voting rights to former convicts.
Here follows Archbishop Broglio’s statement in full:
To the kind attention of the Faithful of the Archdiocese for the Military Services who vote in Virginia,
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As you know on election day Virginia voters face three ballot initiatives about which my brothers Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington and Barry Knestout of Richmond have eloquently addressed in their pastoral letter. I am completely united with the sentiments they expressed and urge you to vote no on Issue 1 and Issue 2.
With them I recognize that Issue 3 related to allowing convicted felons to vote after their release from prison is a matter of prudential judgment, but given that all of us depend on divine mercy, I share their position of favoring that initiative.
If you vote in Virginia the guidance about opposing both the murder of the child in the womb and the failure to recognize that marriage is only between a man and a woman is clear and should guide your choice at the ballot box.
The letter of the Virginia Bishops can be found at https://vacatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BishopsPreElectionLetter-2026.pdf.
Grateful for your attention to these important matters, I remain
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio
Archbishop for the Military Services