A Resolution on Protecting Unborn Human Life
WHEREAS, the Holy Scripture reveals that all human life is created in the image of God, and therefore sacred to our Creator (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 9:6); and

WHEREAS, the Bible affirms that the unborn baby is a person bearing the image of God from the moment of conception (Psalm 139:13–16; Luke 1:44); and

WHEREAS, Scripture further commands the people of God to plead for protection for the innocent and justice for the fatherless (Psalm 72:12–14; Psalm 82:3; James 1:27); and

WHEREAS, our confessional statement, the Baptist Faith and Message, affirms that children “from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord”; and further affirms that Southern Baptists are mandated by Scripture to “speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death”; and

WHEREAS, some prominent congressional leaders and others have promised a reconsideration of the “Freedom of Choice Act” and other abortion rights legislation; and

WHEREAS, some religious leaders in the United States have called for churches to move beyond the abortion discussion so that the sanctity of unborn human life is reduced to one of a litany of other issues;

WHEREAS, the legacy of the abortion culture has grown to include ongoing assaults on human life such as euthanasia, the harvesting of human embryos for the purposes of medical experimentation, and an accelerating move toward human cloning;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we reiterate our conviction that the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision was based on a fundamentally flawed understanding of the United States Constitution, human embryology, and the basic principles of human rights; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we reaffirm our belief that the Roe v. Wade decision was an act of injustice against innocent unborn children as well as against vulnerable women in crisis pregnancy situations, both of which have been victimized by a “sexual revolution” that empowers predatory and irresponsible men and by a lucrative abortion industry that has fought against even the most minimal restrictions on abortion; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we offer our prayers, our love, and our advocacy for women and men who have been abused by abortion and the emotional, spiritual, and physical aftermath of this horrific practice; affirming that the gospel of Jesus Christ grants complete forgiveness for any sin, including that of abortion; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge our Kentucky Baptist churches to remain vigilant in the protection of human life by preaching the whole counsel of God on matters of human sexuality and the sanctity of life, by encouraging and empowering Southern Baptists to adopt unwanted children, by providing spiritual, emotional, and financial support for women in crisis pregnancies, and by calling on our government officials to take action to protect the lives of women and children; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we petition our new president-elect, members of Congress, our governor, and state legislature to work to legally protect the lives of all innocent American citizens, including those of the unborn; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that we will pray and work for the repeal of legalized abortion; for financial, emotional, and spiritual care for single mothers; for pro-adoption legislation; and for the day when the act of abortion will be not only illegal, but also unthinkable.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (BP)--Back in July, when a Field Poll was released showing that California Proposition 8 was trailing 51-42 among likely voters, the Election Day outlook for supporters of traditional marriage wasn't too bright. Two months later, when a mid-September Field Poll showed Prop 8 backers behind 55-38, the outlook turned grim.

So, how did supporters of Proposition 8 manage, in a mere seven weeks, to turn a 17-point polling deficit into a five-point Election Day victory? It had even trailed in the final three pre-election polls.

Experts and supporters of Prop 8 -- the constitutional amendment which overturned a state Supreme Court ruling and banned "gay marriage" -- point to a number of factors, led by three main ones: a solid consistent message about the impact of "gay marriage" on public schools, better-than-expected fundraising and historical cooperation among various religious groups to back the measure and get out the vote.

The 52.5-47.5 percent victory resulted in perhaps the biggest setback yet for the movement to legalize "gay marriage" nationwide -- as opponents of Prop 8 acknowledge -- and one of the most successful campaigns in the history of the pro-family movement. The day after the election, cities across California, including Los Angeles, already were stopping issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Several lawsuits, led by the ACLU and the city of San Francisco, were filed at the California Supreme Court in an attempt to try and prevent Prop 8 from taking effect, but the suits appear to be long shots.

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Churchill Downs Inc. President Bob Evans pledged to pursue expanded gambling next year in Kentucky, citing Maryland voters' approval of slot machines.

A portion of slots revenue would go to boost racing purses.

"With Maryland voters just approving slots there this week, Kentucky is now the only one of the three states that conduct racing's storied Triple Crown without legislation allowing slot machines," Evans said in a conference call with investors and analysts yesterday to review third-quarter earnings.

Maryland's law allows slots at Laurel Park, although not at Pimlico Race Course, where the Preakness Stakes is held. Both of those tracks are owned by Magna Entertainment Corp.

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Much has been written about the historic nature of the election we’re about to experience. On a national level, U.S. voters will elect either the first African-American president or the first female vice president. The election of either candidate will be long remembered as a significant moment in the American experience.

Beyond the elements of skin tone and gender, however, Americans seem to sense this time also marks an important cultural moment in our history. We go into this election as a nation at war and in the midst of severe economic crisis. Emotions are running high and nerves are becoming frayed as partisans for each set of candidates maneuver, spend and calculate.

As we approach this significant moment, it’s only right that we ask ourselves as Christians, “How would God have me respond?” As we look to the Scriptures, we find that God actually has quite a lot to say about our relationship to governmental authority. In 1 Peter 2:13-14, Peter says to “submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him.” In Romans 13:4, Paul (while living under the rule of a pagan government) said, “Government is God’s servant to you for good.” In Mark 12:17, Jesus himself reminds us to “render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”

So how does this play out in a practical way in 2008? Here are some concrete ways to allow your faith and American politics to intersect:

Pray. Pray for your country, for this election and for all of the candidates, even those you do not support. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 urges that “petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority.”

Vote. If you are eligible to vote, do so. Examine the words, past actions, qualifications and experience of the candidates. Look beyond the smiles and personalities to the platforms of their parties and ask God for His guidance as you decide for whom to cast your ballot. Party platforms, voter guides and comparative analysis of the candidates’ issue stances are readily available on the Internet and in various publications.

Engage. Voting should only mark the beginning of Christian civic involvement. In Matthew 5:13-14, Jesus tells us to be salt and light. In the context of Christian citizenship, this means being willing to be counted on issues of importance. Be willing to call or write your government leaders. Attend rallies, support resolutions or sign petitions as appropriate. Government leaders often hear only from people with extreme viewpoints because the vast majority of citizens avoid getting involved.

Participate. One of the greatest needs in America today is for Christians to take their citizenship to the level of actual service. Most elected positions in the United States are not full-time jobs so committing to public office does not necessarily mean a career change. People who are juggling the responsibilities of other jobs, church obligations and busy family lives can fill school boards, city councils and even state legislative positions. Serving is not easy. Most people don’t want the hassle. But if you have the qualifications to serve, maybe you should be praying about whether God is calling you in this direction.
Here’s a final point to remember about the interesting times in which we live: God still is in control. He will be in control on Nov. 4, and He will still be in control on Nov. 5, no matter who is elected. And it is to Him that we owe our ultimate trust and allegiance. In his own farewell speech as a national leader, Joshua reminded the people of Israel of this crucial point. “Choose you this day whom you will serve,” he said, “but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

WASHINGTON (BP)--Stressing concern for the health of American families, the head of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission Sept. 8 appealed to the U.S. Senate to pass key tobacco legislation.

"This year approximately 400,000 Americans will die from tobacco-related diseases," said ERLC Richard Land in a letter to six senators. "Studies show that children are three times more likely than adults to be influenced by tobacco marketing and children in America are becoming addicted to tobacco at the alarming rate of 1,000 per day."

The ERLC and members of Faith United Against Tobacco, a coalition of religious groups that promotes increased government regulation of tobacco products, believe passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act will prevent thousands of Americans from succumbing to illness and death caused by tobacco addiction.

The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a companion bill July 30 to authorize the Food and Drug Administration to regulate the production, marketing and sale of tobacco products, Land said. He hopes the Senate will pass the legislation by a strong majority.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--As a hotly contested presidential election approaches, Americans strongly believe churches should tread lightly when it comes to political activity.

According to a survey released by LifeWay Research, Americans believe churches should not campaign for or endorse political candidates and pastors should only endorse candidates as private citizens outside of a church service.

The telephone survey, conducted in June 2008, considered the views of more than 1,200 adults randomly selected throughout the country.

"There is a longstanding and publicly affirmed view that the pulpit is not the place for politics, particularly endorsements," said Ed Stetzer, director of LifeWay Research. "It would appear this view is still widely held in most sectors of society."

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WASHINGTON (BP)--A bill to protect the lives of unborn children diagnosed with disabilities has passed both chambers of Congress and is awaiting President Bush's signature.

The Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act, sponsored by Sen. Sam Brownback, R.-Kan., and Sen. Ted Kennedy, D.-Mass., would provide support and balanced information to parents who receive a diagnosis of Down syndrome or any other condition prenatally or until a year after birth.

"One of the most difficult and vulnerable moments in the life of an expectant mother is when she learns she is going to have a child with a disability or medical condition," Brownback wrote in an opinion piece carried by National Review Online Sept. 30.

"Access to the best support and information about the condition can make all the difference to a woman and her family. Hopefully, our bill is the start of something new: real help for families, deepened respect for the value of every life -- especially those with disabilities -- and one step closer to the kind of America we all know is possible," Brownback wrote.

The Senate passed the bill Sept. 23, and the House passed it two days later in what Brownback said was "a great victory for expecting parents who learn that their unborn child may be born with a disability."

The bill requires parents who receive a diagnosis of an impairment for their child be provided with the latest information on the condition and be informed of support services available. It also would establish a registry of families willing to adopt special needs children.

Studies indicate that in the United States, between 80 and 90 percent of children diagnosed in the womb with Down syndrome are aborted. A similar abortion percentage exists for unborn babies diagnosed with spina bifida, cystic fibrosis and dwarfism, according to a release from Brownback's office.

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FRESNO, Calif. (BP)--The executive board of the California Southern Baptist Convention unanimously endorsed the state's proposed constitutional marriage amendment during its meeting Sept. 11-12 and encouraged Southern Baptists in the state to do the same.

The amendment, known as Proposition 8, will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot and would define marriage as between one man and one woman, thus overturning a May decision by the California Supreme Court legalizing "gay marriage." The board passed a resolution acknowledging the Bible as the "Word of God" and the "standard by which all human conduct and religious opinion should be measured." (See the full text of the resolution at the bottom of this story).

The resolution acknowledges: "The Bible also teaches that marriage was the first institution ordained by God at the beginning of creation when it was established between Adam, a male, and Eve, a female, as the pattern for all time."

The resolution calls on California Southern Baptists to pray about the issue and conduct voter registration drives through Oct. 20, the cutoff date for voter registration. The resolution urges pastors to inform their congregations of issues related to the ballot measure and encourages them to participate in the grassroots effort.

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WASHINGTON (BP)--The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is warning that Iran is set to finalize a law that would make it the first nation to impose the death penalty for people convicted of so-called apostasy.

"The new penal code provision prescribing the death penalty for the so-called crime of apostasy and other crimes is a huge step backwards for human rights," Felice D. Gaer, USCIRF's chairperson, said in a Sept. 17 news release.

"Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has disparaged foreign criticism of the penal code as 'global arrogance,' but no objective observer can present the recent developments in Iranian law as anything but regression."

Under current Iranian law, leaving Islam is considered a capital offense, but punishment is left up to the judge. Earlier this year, the Iranian Parliament proposed a draft penal code that mandates the death penalty for so-called apostasy.

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In a harshly worded opinion, the Kentucky Court of Appeals has barred judges from allowing lesbians to adopt as though they are a stepparent.

Ruling 3-0 in a Jefferson County case, the court said that stepparent adoptions are allowed only when the stepmother or father is married to the biological parent, and marriages between gays are forbidden by both statute and Kentucky's constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

In a 62-page ruling issued Friday about the case, the court said that with a "wink-wink" and a "nod-nod," Family Court Judge Eleanore Garber and lawyers for a lesbian couple ignored those laws.

And as many as three or four family court judges in Jefferson County may have allowed such adoptions, the opinion said.

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Evangelicals have once again become part of the conversation about the 2008 presidential election. The campaigns of both Barack Obama and John McCain have made strategic efforts to understand and reach out to evangelicals. In August, one of the nation’s leading evangelical pastors and authors, Rick Warren, hosted the presidential candidates at his church for a televised interview. Moreover, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was selected in part because of her appeal among social conservatives.

There remains considerable confusion about evangelicals, however, both in the media and among political strategists. A new study from The Barna Group explores what Americans think about evangelical voters, including the perceptions of non-evangelicals as well as the self-perceptions of evangelicals.

What Do Americans Think of Evangelical Voters?

In general, evangelical voters are perceived with a mix of skepticism and respect. Americans are not always sure what to make of evangelicals, but they believe the voting bloc has significant influence. Barna examined eight perceptions of evangelical voters. Four of the statements represented the most widely-held views:

• that evangelicals will have a significant influence effect on the election outcome (59% of American adults said this was either "very" or "somewhat accurate" regarding evangelical voters);
• that evangelicals will cause the political conversation to be more conservative (59%);
• that they will be spend too much time complaining and not enough time solving problems (59%);
• and that they will be misunderstood and unfairly described by news media (56%).

Surprisingly, given the attention that moral issues have received in connection with evangelicals, only half of Americans (52%) felt that evangelical voters would focus primarily on homosexuality and abortion.

Roughly half said that evangelicals will minimize social justice issues (47%) and another 47% felt they believe that evangelicals will vote overwhelmingly Republican. Roughly two out of every five Americans (44%) believed evangelicals will not approach the election with an open mind.

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WASHINGTON (BP)--Scientists continue to deal blows to the campaign for embryonic stem cell research, some by shifting their allegiance to a more ethical form of experimentation and some by discovering new means of creating stem cells that do not harm donors.

Prominent scientists previously committed to embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) apparently have shifted their attention away from that method to the reprogramming of stem cells. Reprogramming involves the conversion of normal human cells into stem cells that are, in effect, embryonic in nature.

Meanwhile, Japanese researchers announced Aug. 22 they had created stem cells with the properties of embryonic ones from the wisdom teeth of a 10-year-old girl.

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• for the women having abortions;
• for our American culture that can tolerate what would be considered an atrocity if these deaths occurred after these children were born;
• four our courts, which seem to have the only real power to bring about change.