More than 150 Virginia pastors have signed an open letter urging voters to reject two proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution that would address abortion and marriage.

The pastors' letter focuses on Question 1 and Question 2, which will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot. Virginia's Department of Elections says the two amendments concern reproductive health care, including abortion, and the legal treatment of marriages between two adults regardless of sex, gender, or race.

Question 1 would establish constitutional protections for decisions involving reproductive health care, including abortion, prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, miscarriage management and fertility care. The proposed amendment would permit restrictions on abortion during the third trimester in specified circumstances, including when a patient's health is at risk or a pregnancy is not viable.

The pastors' letter takes a religiously based position against the measure, stating that human life is sacred and that unborn children should be protected. The coalition argues that abortion should not be established as a constitutional right and calls on Virginia voters to reject the amendment.

The letter also addresses Question 2, which would amend the state Constitution's language concerning marriage. The proposal would remove the existing constitutional prohibition on same-sex marriage and establish that two adults may marry regardless of sex, gender, or race, with legally valid marriages receiving equal treatment under state law.

The pastors argue that marriage is defined in Scripture as the union of one man and one woman. They also express opposition to contemporary concepts of gender, arguing that sex is an objective biological reality established by God.

The coalition says its opposition is rooted in its interpretation of Christian teaching rather than hostility toward people who disagree. The pastors specifically state that they do not condone hateful or harassing behavior toward opponents of their position.

The letter also frames the amendments as questions of public policy and the common good, arguing that Virginia voters have a responsibility to consider what the changes would mean for the state's constitutional framework.

According to one pastor involved in coordinating the effort, at least 90 churches are represented by the signatories, with the coalition reaching more than 50,000 parishioners across Virginia.

The pastors' effort comes alongside opposition from Catholic leaders in the state. Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington has led a separate "Catholics Vote No" campaign against the amendments, while Burbidge and Richmond Bishop Barry Knestout previously issued a joint statement on the proposals.

Virginia voters will decide both constitutional amendments on Nov. 3. Under state election rules, if approved by voters, the amendments would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.