Furthermore, the amendment would effectively overturn or seriously jeopardize common-sense state laws that have regulated abortion for years. These include basic health and safety requirements for clinics where abortions are performed, requiring a physician to perform abortions, informed consent requirements, laws limiting public funding of abortion, and parental consent requirements before a minor’s abortion. These risks demonstrate the extreme nature of the amendment. 

We urge all Floridians of goodwill to stand against the legalization of late-term abortion and oppose the abortion amendment by voting NO on Amendment 4. In doing so, we will not only protect the weakest, most innocent, and defenseless of human life among us but also countless women throughout the state from the harms of abortion. 

People will often cite separation of church and state when it comes to political issues. The Catholic Church is and remains nonpartisan. So, the Church will never endorse a particular candidate for office. But what we will do is get involved with the issues. So, whether it’s issues that a particular candidate is putting forward as part of their platform, or a political party, we will present those in light of our Gospel teachings. 

The Church plays an important role in the promotion and the attainment of justice and protection of the common good. Therefore, we’re encouraged to participate in public life and to apply our Gospel values to political activities. When it comes to issues, I think that we not only have a right but a responsibility as Christians to get involved in the political sphere and to make sure that our voices are heard.

Human life is sacred. The dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision of society. Direct attacks on innocent persons are never morally acceptable, at any stage or in any condition. In our state, human life is repeatedly being destroyed by abortion. Over 84,000 vulnerable and voiceless children were aborted in Florida in 2023. This matter concerning the respect for human dignity and the fundamental value of human life is of grave importance to both our Church and our state. The threat of abortion remains our pre-eminent public policy priority. Therefore, we support a coordinated campaign to mobilize against the proposed amendment. 

This threat is essentially a spiritual battle between life and death. That is why I am calling for Sunday, September 8, 2024, to be a Day of Prayer to Defeat Amendment 4 in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. On this day, the Church traditionally observes the Birth of Mary, Mother of God. As our mother too, she loves us and seeks to unite us to her Son, Jesus Christ.

All Catholics are urged to pray on this day that women and their preborn babies will be protected from the dangerous proposal known as Amendment 4.

To this end, please join me in offering this prayer to defeat Amendment 4: 

Ever-living God, you give life and desire a future for all your children. Take hold of our nation, state and community and awaken in every heart awe for the gift of life. Send your Spirit to strengthen us with wisdom and fortitude as we defend mothers and children in Florida from laws that disregard their health and safety. 

Mary and Joseph trusted in you and welcomed Jesus into our broken world. God Almighty, we ask their intercession to protect the preborn and their mothers, and to guide all parents in raising their children. May they help us build a civilization of love by upholding the sacredness of life and accompanying pregnant women in need. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Our Lady, Mother of the Family, pray for us! St. Joseph, Protector of the Unborn, pray for us!