UPDATE: Governor Ralph Northam Accepts Resignation of Appointee to the Virginia Council on Women in Wake of Outcry Against Anti-Catholic Statements

August 29, 2019

Today, Governor Ralph Northam accepted the resignation of Gail Gordon Donegan to her recent appointment to the Virginia Council on Women.

On Monday, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, and Bishop Barry Knestout, Catholic Diocese of Richmond, sent a joint letter to the governor calling on him to rescind his appointment given a pattern of anti-Catholic comments she made on social media. 

Tuesday, Catholics from across the commonwealth were encouraged to call or email the governor and express their concern.  Bishop Burbidge thanks and commends those who did so.

Yesterday’s news of Ms. Gordon Donegan’s resignation was a welcome development.