Peaceful engagement in advocacy, educating the faithful and demonstrating the Catholic Church’s support for human life at every stage are some of the ways Bishop Michel F. Burbidge aspires to make abortion ‘unthinkable’ in his new role as chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities.
Bishop Burbidge was elected to the post Nov. 16 by his fellow prelates at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops 2022 Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore. The previous chairman, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, was elected vice president of the bishops’ conference the day before. Bishop Burbidge will serve the remainder of Archbishop Lori’s term, through November 2024.
Reflecting on the vote on his “Walk Humbly Podcast” Nov. 18, he praised the efforts of his predecessor. He called the reversal of Roe v. Wade “probably the most significant pro-life victory in the last century” in giving states the opportunity to protect the unborn.
“It’s a significant time in the life of our country. We know that,” he said. “Politically, legislatively and pastorally, we must do all we can to end the evil of abortion, which ends the life of a precious child and deeply wounds the child’s mother.”
Many Catholics are uninformed about “extreme” state laws that allow abortion during all nine months of pregnancy until birth, he said. “We need people to be aware of this sad reality and to insist on the humane protections of the pre-born.”
Such advocacy efforts depend in part, Bishop Burbidge suggested, on communicating how the church supports women before, during and after crisis pregnancies; provides adoption services; and works to bring healing to women and men involved in abortion.
“We want you to know that there’s every reason to choose life because we will be there to provide you with the counseling you may need or the financial resources or the basic necessities,” he said. “We want to walk with moms in pregnancy and in crisis pregnancy and to assure them that they will never be alone.”
In his new capacity, Bishop Burbidge will celebrate Mass and serve as principal homilist at the National Prayer Vigil for Life Jan. 19 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. The next day, he will participate in the 50th annual March for Life. He encouraged Catholics to attend both events.
“We have to transform hearts,” he said. “And I think a peaceful witness, a peaceful march and prayer are ways to do that.”
In the diocesan Office of Marriage, Family and Respect Life, a cheer erupted when the election was announced “because we have seen up close his deep and heartfelt commitment to protecting human life at every stage,” said Thérèse Bermpohl, executive director.
“We have benefited from his stalwart leadership in our diocese and know that all dioceses now will as well. Bishop Burbidge teaches and leads his people as much through his action as through his uplifting statements and homilies,” she said.
Bermpohl noted that Bishop Burbidge regularly celebrates Masses for the dignity of life and prays in front of abortion facilities. She added that he’s a supporter of both the Gabriel Project ministry that offers prenatal assistance to pregnant women and Project Rachel’s work to heal all those harmed by abortion.
“There are so many ways Bishop Burbidge’s leadership in the diocese advances a culture of life,” said Virginia Catholic Conference Executive Director Jeff Caruso, citing the prelate’s calls for Catholics to advocate for pro-life positions through the VCC website and email alerts. “His emphasis on communicating with elected officials to protect life is very effective and so important. His outreach and invitation to all of us helps us heed Christ’s call to be faithful citizens who defend life to the fullest.”
Bishop Burbidge also serves as episcopal moderator for the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, which helps equip dioceses and parishes with the resources to serve and fully engage people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At the USCCB meeting, he invited his peers to collaborate with NCPD to more effectively respond to the pastoral and spiritual needs of those with disabilities — a step that further underscores the church’s commitment to all human life.
“Pro-life is making sure that every single human person is treated with the dignity and respect that belongs to them as a child of God,” he said.
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