Catholic bishops in Nevada, Virginia, Idaho and Missouri are urging prayer before voters consider abortion-related referendums on Nov. 3.

Voters in Nevada, Virginia and Idaho will decide measures that would establish a constitutional “right” to abortion. Missouri voters will consider a referendum that would repeal the state’s constitutional right to abortion.

American bishops do not endorse political candidates, but they may advocate for or against ballot initiatives involving Church teaching.

Nevada bishops organize opposition

Las Vegas Archbishop George Leo Thomas and Reno Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg are coordinating opposition to Nevada’s referendum. The measure would establish a fundamental right to abortion in the state constitution.

Nevada requires constitutional amendments to win majority support in two consecutive referendums. The abortion measure received 64% support in the state’s 2024 election. Current Nevada law prohibits abortion after 26 weeks from a woman’s last menstrual period; Thomas said the proposed amendment could potentially permit access through the ninth month of pregnancy.

Nevada bishops distributed materials for parishes and planned a full-page newspaper advertisement. Thomas also directed priests to read his pastoral letter during Masses for Respect Life Sunday on Oct. 4.

In remarks cited in the source material, Thomas urged prayer for dioceses facing what he called “a very diabolical initiative.”

Virginia dioceses promote prayer and voting assistance

Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge and Richmond Bishop Barry Knestout instructed Catholics to vote against Virginia referendums concerning abortion and same-sex marriage. Burbidge also called Catholics to pray and fast before the election.

The Arlington Diocese operates the Catholics Vote No campaign. Virginia dioceses have distributed prayer cards and referendum flyers through the Virginia Catholic Conference.

Some parishes are registering voters and conducting registration drives. The Arlington Diocese is also encouraging parishes to help homebound people, nursing-home residents and college students with absentee ballots.

Amy McInerny cited Matthew 17 in discussing prayer and fasting, saying, “Some demons are only driven out by prayer and fasting.”