Today, the Catholic Diocese of Arlington celebrates the third anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. As we thank God for our deliverance from the injustice of Roe v. Wade, we also recommit ourselves through sincere prayer and peaceful action to advocacy for the human right to life in Virginia and our nation.
Although Dobbs overturned the deadly and wrongly decided Roe decision, the tragic effects of Roe remain. Abortion and other violations of human dignity continue to threaten the sanctity of life of millions of our brothers and sisters. We pray and work for the day that American law truly upholds equal justice for all, which includes equal protection of the law for every member of the human family.
Human rights can never be put to a vote. Human rights come from God, our loving creator, and no true human right derives its legitimacy from a majority vote. As has already happened in other states, abortion may soon be put to a vote in the Commonwealth of Virginia and enshrined as a purported right in our state constitution. All Catholics in the Diocese of Arlington and others of goodwill are morally responsible for peaceful advocacy, virtuous political engagement, and fervent prayer that may save our Commonwealth from the social injustice of abortion. If abortion is ever enshrined in Virginia’s constitution, we must humbly ask God for the courage, prudence, and wisdom necessary to overcome such an injustice by his amazing grace. Whatever may take place in the years to come, I believe that we are already clearly part of a new generational campaign for constitutional equal protection that may truly free Virginia and our nation from the tragedy of abortion for all time.
The Church is always at the service of our brothers and sisters in most need. We assist those seeking accompaniment and support through initiatives like Gabriel Project, offering direct assistance to pregnant mothers. As we continue to advocate for the Gospel of Life in our communities, we place all our hope and trust in God. By his grace, may our nation and our world be renewed in justice for the common good of each and every human person.
- June 24, 2025
