Catholic Bishops of Alberta issue pastoral letter on Alberta referendum

Catholic bishops in Alberta issued a pastoral letter on October 1, 2026, to help the faithful prepare for the upcoming provincial referendum on October 19. The bishops invited Catholics to approach the vote with prayer, an informed conscience, and concern for their neighbors.

The bishops stated that while the Church remains independent of political parties, it must address moral questions in public life. They noted that laypeople have a responsibility to apply Christian wisdom and judgment to civic matters, citing the document Gaudium et Spes.

In the letter, the bishops emphasized that human dignity is inherent because every person is created in the image of God. They described human life as sacred from conception to natural death, regardless of a person's income, ability, or citizenship. The bishops asked voters to consider how the referendum proposals might affect children, the sick, people living in poverty, and those who are isolated.