Most Rev. Austin A. Vetter Bishop | Diocese of Helena

The two Catholic Bishops in Montana, Bishop Austin Vetter of the Diocese of Helena and Bishop Jeffrey Fleming of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, have issued a call to defend life in Montana against the proposed Constitutional Initiative 128 (CI-128).

In a statement, the Bishops emphasized the importance of valuing every human life from conception to natural death, stating, "As Catholics, we treasure life as a precious gift from God and recognize our sacred duty to nurture and protect every human life." They highlighted the duty of the Church to speak up when fundamental rights are threatened, urging the community to stand against CI-128.

The Bishops expressed concerns about CI-128, stating that the initiative, promoted as a protection for women's rights, would actually expand the practice of legalized abortion in Montana, potentially violating rights to life and dignity. They called on people to refrain from signing the petition to place the amendment on the ballot and urged Montanans to pray for its defeat.

Through the ministry of the Montana Catholic Conference, the Bishops have a history of advocating for important issues, especially for the vulnerable and voiceless. They emphasized the role of the Church in public affairs, focusing on critical matters impacting the Church, the state, and the people.

In response to the threat posed by CI-128, Catholic parishes in Montana will be praying for life during Mass, including recitations of the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. The Bishops concluded their statement by invoking the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of the Unborn, with the words, "May Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Unborn, pray for us."