Dear Good People of St. Philip,

Over 20 years ago, as an undergraduate at the University of Virginia, I participated for the first time in the National March for Life on the Mall in Washington, D.C. It was an exciting time — my fellow students and I were young, idealistic, and standing up for something we believed in. We also participated that year in a conference put on by an organization called Students for Life, where we learned a great deal about how abortion affects many people in unseen ways, especially mothers and fathers. Since those experiences, I have always been convinced of the importance of continuing to speak on behalf of the unborn. I bring up this challenging topic not so much because I enjoy stirring up controversy early in my pastorate here at St. Philip's, but because we are at a crucial moment in our Commonwealth of Virginia.

As some of you may be aware, there is a proposed amendment to our state Constitution that will be voted on this November 3rd. This amendment would allow greater access to abortion, threaten parental rights, and enshrine a practice already legal in our state more deeply into our legal system. Both Bishops of Virginia — Bishop Burbidge of Arlington and Bishop Knestout of Richmond — are encouraging Catholics to make their voices heard and to show Virginia that there are better options for women and families than the taking of an unwanted life. They have launched the Catholics Vote No campaign in hopes of raising awareness of this important vote. You can learn more and participate by visiting CatholicsVoteNo.com or the Diocese of Arlington website.

Some of the concerns that the Bishops are raising, along with other concerned faithful, include the question of why such an amendment is needed in a state that already allows legal abortions. Some have also noted that we should not let such a controversial issue divide us into factions and political camps. So often we hear that if you lean right or are conservative, you are pro-life, and if you lean left, you vote pro-choice — but why does it need to be that way? In voting no to this amendment, we are not supporting any candidate or hurting any woman or mother. There is ample information showing that the psychological effects of abortion on women — and men too — can be devastating. I encourage you to look into the Silent No More Awareness Campaign or speak with those who serve women through Project Rachel Retreats.

There are also many parents who are rightly concerned about losing their right to help their children make important decisions, as access to abortion appears to be made easier by this proposed amendment. As one mother of a recent college graduate shared with me: "Father, after helping my daughter make so many tough decisions about her education and future, I can't imagine not being consulted about something like this — an unexpected pregnancy." I truly hope many of you see the need to be concerned here.

So, what can we do? First, let us pray and fast. The evil one loves to distract us with activism, making us believe we can change the world on our own — and then discouraging us when things don't turn out as we hoped. Whatever the outcome of November 3rd, we are a pro-life people, always hoping, praying, and working for a society more open to life in all its stages. Second, if you are not yet registered to vote, please do so. It is very easy to overlook the importance of non-presidential-year elections. Finally, pass the word — to fellow Catholics and pro-life voters who may miss this important issue if no one mentions it to them.

Yours Truly,

Father Jeb