TOOLKIT
To defeat the abortion amendment
This toolkit collects all resources available to our parishes and schools to participate in the campaign to defeat the proposed November amendment that would enshrine and expand abortion in Ohio’s Constitution. Our bishops and dioceses began this campaign in February 2023 and new resources are being added through election day. Please note that this toolkit is a companion to our public webpage on this issue (please be sure that, if linking to a webpage, you link to the public webpage, which is designed for the general public). In addition to our strong and consistent opposition to abortion in general, the bishops and dioceses of Ohio have three main talking points about why this amendment is extreme. It:
1. Threatens the health and safety of women
2. Threatens the rights of parents and put minors at risk
3. Would allow painful abortions through all nine months of pregnancy
Where Does It Say That? – Click here to learn more: English | Spanish
Uses the actual text of the proposed amendment to show why it is so extreme.
Some reminders about our approach as Catholic dioceses, parishes, and schools:
USCCB’s Do’s and Don’ts resource for elections
Issues not persons: The Church does not engage in partisan politics, and does not endorse or oppose individual candidates, political parties, or groups of candidates, whether explicitly or implicitly, but seeks to focus attention on the moral and human dimensions of issues. Our goal is always to promote a “culture of life and a civilization of love.”
Catholic Conference of Ohio: Where do the Ohio bishops stand on the issues?
Supporting or opposing ballot measures, including constitutional amendments, is considered “lobbying” activity and not political campaign activity. The Church can take positions on such measures and work to support or oppose them within the limits of permitted lobbying activity for section 501(c)(3) organizations. Beyond the Church’s tax-exempt status, bishops apply the Church’s own moral judgment on how and when to speak out. The bishops tend to remain neutral on procedural matters, like the recent August election, whose moral impact is indirect and cuts across various moral priorities. However, the bishops do and robustly are currently speaking out on direct moral questions such as abortion, the death penalty, poverty, health care, and education.
Download official “Vote No on Issue 1” campaign materials by the Ohio Conference of Catholic Bishops from this Google Drive folder. (These resources are further organized and explained below.)
Partisan political materials and materials that are not consistent with the Catholic Church’s approach to critical moral issues and/or which use inflammatory language should not be distributed on parish property – materials should come from the Diocese of Youngstown and the Ohio or U.S. Conferences of Catholic Bishops.
Learn | Pray | Vote
Resources provided by the Catholic Conference of Ohio and the Diocese of Youngstown:
Most provided in English & Spanish. It is recommended that flyers be placed in bulletins and (if possible) printed out with an area available in church to pick up extra copies.
Suggested text-based bulletin and pulpit announcements follow in the next section
Download “Vote No Issue 1” Logos in Different Formats
Where Does It Say That? – Click here to learn more: English | Spanish
Uses the actual text of the proposed amendment to show why it is so extreme.
Frequently Asked Questions Flyer –
English PDF | English PNG
Spanish PDF | Spanish PNG
Combined English-Spanish PDF
Feature article in October Catholic Echo Magazine and available online at https://catholicecho.org/magazine/
Suggested Bulletin and Pulpit Announcements
We need to be careful about our language. Our message should be measured, heartfelt, and unified; never inflammatory.
This collection of upcoming bulletin/pulpit announcements includes both campaign resources and relevant event announcements from the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life, which are also found in the Communique. Parishes might also consider the Project Rachel bulletin announcement at the bottom of the page.
Folder of Flyers and Prayer Cards.
In addition to materials already populated below or forthcoming, this general bulletin announcement can be used as needed:
Campaign to Oppose the November Abortion Amendment: In today’s bulletin you will find a resource from the Catholic Conference of Ohio, which is the official voice of the Catholic Bishops and Church in Ohio on public policy. It provides some information on the November abortion amendment and why our Catholic bishops are urging us to oppose it.
This campaign is an opportunity to be reminded about how the Catholic Church engages in public matters. The Church does not and will not engage in partisan politics, and does not endorse or oppose individual candidates, political parties, or groups of candidates. We also do not authorize the distribution of partisan political materials on parish property – our materials come from the Diocese of Youngstown and the Ohio or U.S. Conferences of Catholic Bishops.
Instead, the Church seeks to focus attention on the moral and human dimensions of issues, including but not limited to abortion, the death penalty, immigration, poverty and education. The bishops are urging us to oppose the November abortion initiative. We ask you to pray and reflect with the resources we provide. Learn more at www.doy.org/no-in-november/
Bulletin Announcement (English): Amendment + Register to Vote | Spanish Bulletin Announcement
-ALSO-
Mass for Life with Bishop Bonnar on October 1 – Respect Life Sunday
The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, will preside at a Mass for Life on Sunday, October 1, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul Parish, 241 S. Main St., North Canton, to mark the beginning of October Respect Life Month and pray for the defeat of the pro-abortion amendment to the Ohio Constitution. In addition, we will pray for the success of the Second Annual Ohio March for Life in Columbus and the bishop will bless pilgrims planning to attend the March. Also, Bishop Bonnar will offer a special Blessing of Children in the Womb. A reception will follow. All are welcome – no reservations needed. For more information contact 330-744-8451 ext.272 or dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org.
Bulletin Announcement: Respect Life Sunday Focus, Catholic Support for Women with Amendment + Register to Vote
-ALSO-
Mass for Life with Bishop Bonnar on October 1 – Respect Life Sunday
The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, will preside at a Mass for Life on Sunday, October 1, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul Parish, 241 S. Main St., North Canton, to mark the beginning of October Respect Life Month and pray for the defeat of the pro-abortion amendment to the Ohio Constitution. In addition, we will pray for the success of the Second Annual Ohio March for Life in Columbus and the bishop will bless pilgrims planning to attend the March. Also, Bishop Bonnar will offer a special Blessing of Children in the Womb. A reception will follow. All are welcome – no reservations needed. For more information contact 330-744-8451 ext.272 or dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org.
Pulpit Announcement: Register to Vote & Early Voting
Bulletin Announcement: Accompanies Pulpit Pitch to give dates, links, and resources for voting info:
Bulletin/Pulpit: Reminders in last two weeks of campaign
Bulletin/Pulpit: Issue 1 Threatens Families
Weekend Before Election
Bulletin/Pulpit Announcement: Vote NO – Allows Abortion Through Nine Months
I am a faith leader, not a political one, and the main way we as the Church respond to the great needs of our times is in the way we live our mission. As Bishop of Youngstown, I am grateful to our Catholic Charities and parishes throughout our six counties for the concrete ways they accompany women, children, families, and those in need every day.
While I would never, as Bishop, endorse a political candidate, there are times when the Church will weigh in on public matters informed by the Gospel.
I am urging you to vote “No” on the proposed amendment in November that would enshrine and expand abortion in our state’s constitution.
BISHOP DAVID J. BONNAR
Resources for Women and Families Seeking Help
Photos: Catholic Charities Diocese of Youngstown, and iStock License.