Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It appears there will be many petitions circulating in these coming months to put a number of items on the ballot this fall. Most of these can rightfully be left to the prudent decision of our Michigan electorate. In fact, the Michigan Catholic Conference is encouraging us to sign the two petitions for Let MI Kids Learn, dealing with scholarships and tax credits for those with children in non-public schools.

However, recently, Planned Parenthood, the ACLU and other organizations have begun seeking signatures for a petition to put a much more serious matter on our state ballot this fall. They seek to enshrine within our State Constitution a right to an abortion for the totality of the term of pregnancy. Please do not sign this petition. This is a radical proposal. They do not like the fact that, should the U.S. Supreme Court strike down Roe v. Wade, each state in the United States would then be governed by whatever laws are on their books regarding abortion. Here in Michigan that law bans abortion.

So, to sign such a petition is actively to cooperate in the promotion of this great evil of abortion, something Pope Francis has labeled as murder. Sisters and brothers, please do not sign any petitions that would legalize abortion. To do so is to place oneself in danger of grave or mortal sin because of this active and direct cooperation with evil.

In addition, please pray for those who seek abortion as the answer to their situation in life. Also, let us all provide for healthy and safe alternatives to assist those who currently see no way out. Let us always opt for life and help others to be able to do the same.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Earl Boyea

Bishop of Lansing