Bishops urge prayer as they continue abortion referendum fights in 4 states

Catholic bishops across four states are asking for prayers as they continue to rally the faithful ahead of ballot initiative votes that would reshape abortion policies in their states.

“Tell your readership how important it is to be praying for the dioceses that are facing this, what I would describe as a very diabolical initiative,” Las Vegas Archbishop George Leo Thomas told EWTN News.

On Nov. 3, the public in three states will vote on referendums to establish a “right” to abortion: Nevada , Virginia , and Idaho . In Missouri , people will vote on a pro-life referendum that would repeal the state’s constitutional right to abortion.

Bishops in each state have advocated against abortion for months. In many cases, this includes statements on the referendums, flyers, and prayer cards at parishes, and asking priests to teach congregations about the sanctity of life. In some cases, it extends to calls for fasting and efforts to register voters and get them to the polls.

American bishops do not endorse political candidates. Yet, bishops have advocated for or against specific ballot initiatives when Church teachings, such as the sanctity of life, are implicated.

Nevada…