08/03/2026
Dear Catholic Faithful of Idaho,
In November of this year, a ballot initiative known as Prop 1 will come before the voters of Idaho. If passed, this initiative will entirely dismantle Idaho’s current protections for unborn children and weaken important safeguards for women, minors and parents. This ballot initiative presents a serious moral and cultural challenge for our communities.
As your Bishop, I must speak clearly: Prop 1 is radically pro-abortion and would legalize late-term abortions into the third trimester. If passed, Prop 1 would remove nearly all protections for pre-born babies and put vulnerable women at risk. This initiative is bad for parental rights allowing abortions and other medical procedures for minors without parental consent. It would also rid Idaho law of the physician-only requirement to perform an abortion. Overall, Prop 1, if passed, would be devastating for the protection of human life and undermining parental rights. Prop 1 is too extreme for Idaho, and we must vote NO this fall on this ballot initiative.
I encourage you to approach this matter with prayerful seriousness and a properly formed conscience. As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops affirms in Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: “The threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed.”
By coming together as a family in prayer, raising awareness, and taking meaningful action, we can make a powerful difference in responding to this anti-life, anti-family initiative by advocating for the protection of the most vulnerable members of our society. In the months ahead, I ask our Catholic community to stand firmly upon three pillars: Prayer, Awareness, and Action.
Prayer
First and foremost, we entrust this matter to the Lord. Prayer has the power to convert hearts, clarify minds, and guide our efforts according to God’s Will.
From now through November 2026:
• The Diocese will be encouraging parishes to offer special pro-life themed Masses throughout 2026 for the protection of life and clear insight on the truth of Prop 1 for all in our Diocese.
• Individuals consider prayer and fasting, especially on Fridays.
• Pastors include pro-life prayer intentions each month and communicate awareness raising information in bulletins and parish communications provided by the Diocese.
Awareness
It is essential that Catholics understand the legal and moral implications of this proposal. The Diocese of Boise will provide teaching resources to assist the faithful.
I encourage you to read these materials carefully, reflect upon them prayerfully, and charitably share accurate information so that all may make informed decisions guided by truth and reason.
Action
Our faith compels us not only to pray, but to act with courage and clarity. Sacred Scripture reminds us, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). In these months leading up to the election, especially now through October, I urge you to be actively engaged in defending the dignity of human life and the rights of parents. It is important for you to become active in defeating this initiative.
At the same time, our pro-life witness must always be accompanied by compassion and concrete support. Throughout Idaho, more than 25 pregnancy resource centers provide practical assistance to mothers and children. Please visit: www.dioceseofboise.org/respect-life
The Church has always upheld the dignity of both mother and child. We are called to be a light in the world, witnessing to a culture of life and love rooted in Christ. Let us move forward together with confidence in God’s Providence.
I strongly encourage you to vote NO this November. Our response must not be rooted in anger or fear, but in steadfast faith, charity, and an unwavering commitment to the truth about human life.
As St. Francis de Sales reminds us: “We shall steer safely through every storm so long as our heart is right, our intentions fervent, our courage steadfast and our trust fixed on God.”
Thank you for your prayerful attention and faithful witness.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Peter F. Christensen, M.A., D.D.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise
