Dear Friends in Chirst

In this weekend’s bulletin, I wish to discuss with you further on the upcoming elections by focusing our attention on the principle of federalism, which is a key component to how the government works in our States and Country. For me, this principle of federalism has been a topic of much study since my degree in college was focused on the study of Political Science and Economics. Essentially, the federalism is the principle within government that allows power to be divided between a large, national government with its own designated responsibilities, and a small, local governments with its designated responsibilities.

The principle of federalism was an important topic of discussion for the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. As the War of Independence from England came to a close, the Founding Fathers discussed and debated what kind of a nation they should begin. While they all agreed that power should not be controlled by one man, such as a king, many of them had opposing views as to who should have more power. At that time, the nation was composed of 13 Colonies that all had different laws, different customs, and different cultures. What was the best way to unite all these different Colonies so as to preserve their own way of life, while also providing unity between them?

The solution for the Founding Fathers was to create a government where specific powers were given to the national government, such as raising and maintaining an army or diplomacy with other nations, but other powers were reserved to the States, such as collecting taxes and making laws that apply to daily living. Through the writing of the Constitution, the national government was constructed with power divided into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with a system of checks and balances that ensured that power was not centralized into one branch. Each State, such as Virginia, was given the liberty to draft their own government that was modeled after the national government, but was separate from the national government’s operations, and could make its own laws that are applicable to its own culture and customs. This is what federalism looks like, with power shared between the national and state governments.

What has all of this to do with the upcoming election? In 1973, abortion was brought into the lives of all Americans because of the Roe vs. Wade decision in the Supreme Court that permitted it throughout all 50 States. However, in 2022, this decision was overturned by the Dobbs vs. Jackson decision that permits States to make their own regulations on abortion. Now, Virginia lawmakers are further pushing the abortion agenda by enshrining it into our State Constitution (not the National Constitution, thank goodness!) through Question 1 on the ballot this election. Even though Virginia already allows abortion up to the moment of birth, this amendment would permit non-licensed medical providers to perform abortions, and would allow a minor to get an abortion without their parent’s knowledge. This poses a threat to all unborn children, as well as to mothers, especially minors, who are vulnerable to the influences of the culture of death.

So what can we do? First, make sure that you are well informed about what is at stake. Go to CatholicsVoteNo.com to obtain further information about this dangerous initiative, then share with others the importance of voting with a correct conscience that is aligned with the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels. This ballot initiative is not a political race that favors one party over another, but it is a moral battle that we are fighting with the conviction of the Truth that we receive from our Faith.

May Christ's Peace be with you,

Fr. Briggs