The state's five Roman Catholic bishops sent a statement to parishes this week, outlining their opposition to two Nov. 3 ballot measures.

The bishops, including Seattle Archbishop Alex Brunett, oppose Referendum 71, which asks voters to approve or reject a bill passed by the Legislature, which expanded benefits for registered same-sex and senior domestic partners. The bishops "opposed SB5688 and oppose Referendum 71, because its legislative sponsors specifically stated that the law is part of a strategy to legalize same-sex marriage," according to the statement.

The bishops also oppose Initiative 1033, which would limit revenue increases for state, city and county governments to the rate of inflation plus population growth. "Its passage could result in significant cuts in funding for education, public safety, health care and services for the homeless and vulnerable," the bishops' statement says.

Seattle Archdiocese spokesman Greg Magnoni said it's up to individual parishes whether to distribute the information.

The statement: http://www.thewscc.org/news-folder/ballot-measures-2009-1

The Mormon church has not taken a position on R-71, said Kim Farah, a spokeswoman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Meanwhile, about 100 clergy and faith organizations have expressed support for R-71, including Bishop Greg Rickel of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, the Washington Association of Churches and a number of Reform Jewish congregations: http://approvereferendum71.org/faith-coalition