Letter from Bishop Oscar Cantú on California Proposition 1
August 26, 2022
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we continue our journey as a local Church here in our Diocese of San Jose, we are working to increase support for pregnant and parenting women, their children, and families and protect the sanctity of every human life at every stage.
The state legislature passed a bill, which Governor Newsom has signed, which will be placed before voters on November 8th (or sooner, for mail-in ballots and early voting). Proposition 1 is both egregious and dangerous for two simple reasons: the bill’s broad language enshrines a right to late-term abortions (which most Californians agree should be limited) in the state constitution; and it will use taxpayer funds to administer them.
The California Catholic Conference has joined a broad coalition of Californians to defeat Prop 1. Defeating Prop 1 will allow the present California abortion laws to stand, which are already among the most permissive in the country. Most Californians prefer the status quo in California rather than the extreme law that Prop 1 would enshrine.
I, therefore, call on all Catholics throughout the diocese to unite in prayer and action to defeat Prop 1. Please visit www.CAcatholic.org/Prop1 to find answers to common questions and resources to help defeat this misleading, expensive, and unnecessary ballot initiative.
I invite all Catholics in the Diocese of San José to support this effort with prayers, fasting, financial contributions, sharing resources with friends and family, reaching out to your designated Parish Leads, and any other means possible. My brother bishops and I will be journeying with you in this effort as we take the prayerful lead in a novena for the defeat of Prop 1, beginning on September 29 and ending on October 7th. For more information on the novena: https://CAcatholic.org/prop1.
Yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Oscar Cantú
Bishop of San José
P.S. Do you know someone facing an unexpected or difficult pregnancy, in need of prenatal care, or support with young children? Share the Options for Pregnancy helpline: 877-398-7734, staffed by Options United trained call responders, or visit www.optionsforpregnancy.com. This critical support service connects women and families to the 170+ pregnancy centers and other life-affirming resources across the state.