Bishop Kagan and Bishop Folda, the two Catholic bishops in North Dakota, ask Catholics to contact their legislators to support bills increasing parental choice in education. Here is their full message:

MESSAGE FROM THE NORTH DAKOTA BISHOPS

Bishop Folda, has asked that the following message be read at all Masses this weekend [March 29 and 30, 2025].

The Catholic Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children and should have the freedom and resources to choose the educational setting best suited for their child.

Two important bills to increase parental choice in education are now before the North Dakota Legislature, Senate Bill 2400 and House Bill 1540.

These two bills would give many parents greater freedom to make choices that best suit their children’s educational needs, without being hampered by financial constraints. They do not divert money from public schools, do not hurt rural schools, and would be a great help to many families across the state of North Dakota.

We ask every Catholic to contact their legislators and ask them to support both SB 2400 and HB 1540. Even if you do not have a Catholic school in your community, or would not personally benefit from these bills, please show your support. Supporting parents and families in education benefits everyone.

For more information about the bills or how to contact your legislators, go to the North Dakota Catholic Conference website at ndcatholic.org.

Thank you.

Yours in Christ,

Bishop David Kagan
Diocese of Bismarck

Bishop John Folda
Diocese of Fargo