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UPDATE ON ELECTION RESULTS
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US: Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama won 2008 presidential election to become the 44th president of the United States by a 52-46 percent margin.
- The United States has made a landmark decision in electing the first black President in its history. God has clearly given President-elect Obama many talents. We pray for Mr. Obama that he will be faithful in his service, and that he will use his talents in a way that glorifies God. We pray that God gives him wisdom as he confronts the difficult challenges that await him. We pray that God will keep him safe in his years of service and that the American people will provide the support and respect that he deserves as President.

- We also pray that, in spite of his previous commitments, he would defend the lives of preborn children and that he would recognize his opportunity to take a position on life issues that is consistent with God’s Word.
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US: Democrats increased their majorities in both chambers of Congress, assuring control in Congress and the White House just two years after the Republican Party controlled both. The balance of power in the U.S. Senate: 54 (D) – 44 (R) – 2 (I); in U.S. House: 248 (D) – 187 (R)
- The expanded Democratic majorities in both houses reflect the desire among the American people for change. There is no evidence, however, that the American people have dramatically changed their attitudes about abortion and preborn life. American voters must be clear in their communications with elected officials on these issues and must hold them accountable for any upcoming votes on life-issues legislation.

- The Democratic platform is strongly pro-abortion, but only a small segment of the American people hold to radical abortion views. We pray that legislators who are pro-life are confident enough to speak up for their values and reflect the true positions of their constituents.

- God’s Word tells us to support and respect our government. We are also given the opportunity to express our opinions to our representatives. Following the principles of God’s Word, it is important that you take that opportunity to communicate the values consistent with the teachings of the Bible.
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CALIFORNIA: Proposition 8 ADOPTED (eliminates right of same-sex couples under state constitution to marry, providing that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in the state) – supported by 52 percent.
- Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage, has created an interesting conflict in California. The California Supreme Court ruled in May that same-sex couples have the legal right to marry. Since Proposition 8 has officially amended the State Constitution, the law now states that marriage is not a legal option for same-sex couples. The legal battle will continue and the marital status of 18,000 gay couples is now in question.

- This decision is welcomed since it defines marriage in a way that is consistent with Biblical teachings. Although the gay community is forceful, the efforts to promote gay marriage are not consistent with God’s Word.
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CALIFORNIA: Proposition 4 REJECTED (would have required parental notification before a minor’s abortion) – by 52.4 percent.
- For the third time in the past six years, the voters in California rejected a measure that would have granted parental rights for those who have minor daughters considering an abortion. If the bill had passed, abortionists would have been required to notify the parents at least 48 hours before the abortion would be performed on their minor daughter. The defeat of Proposition 4 has helped the abortion industry, but certainly puts minor girls at risk and continues the effort to fracture the relationships between parents and their children.

- This decision is disappointing because abortions, especially among the youth of California, will continue unchecked, and the Biblical role of parents to raise and support their children is being undermined.
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COLORADO: Amendment 48 REJECTED (would have defined the term “person” to include any human being from the moment of fertilization; could have tested Roe v. Wade) – rejected by 74 percent.
- From a political standpoint, this amendment had little chance to pass, yet it conveyed a strong and positive message in the effort. In spite of strong opposition from abortion advocates, it is harder for people to ignore the evidence and continue to deny the humanity of the preborn. This amendment was worded in a manner consistent with the Biblical teachings about preborn life. Watch for more groups to follow  Colorado’s lead, and for various states to eventually pass similar legislation.
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ARIZONA: Proposition 102 ADOPTED (specified that only marriage between one man and one woman will be recognized in the state) – supported by 56 percent.

FLORIDA: Marriage Protection Amendment ADOPTED (amends state constitution with measure upholding the traditional definition of marriage) – supported by 62 percent.
- Voters’ voices in both Arizona and Florida spoke firmly that the traditional definition of marriage should be upheld. This is good news, especially at a time when many other traditional beliefs about life and family issues have been challenged. The voters from these states should be commended for taking a strong position that reflects the Scriptural teachings of marriage.
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MICHIGAN: Proposal 2 ADOPTED (lifts 30-year ban to allow unrestricted taxpayer-funded embryonic stem cell research that results in destruction of early human life) – adopted by 52 percent.
- Unfortunately Proposal 2 passed, and many Michigan voters are still unaware of the full extent of this amendment. The voters have now allowed research and taxpayer funding for a field that has not been successful in treating any human diseases. Many leading stem cell researchers are moving away from embryonic stem cells research and looking at alternatives that hold greater promise of success. This amendment could strap the voters with large expenditures and virtually no return on those investments.

From a Biblical perspective, this amendment — which legalizes the killing of one-week-old embryos — cannot be condoned. God’s Word is clear that life exists at conception, and our responsibility is to defend those young lives rather than working to justify their destruction.
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SOUTH DAKOTA: Measure 11 REJECTED (would have banned abortions except in cases of mother’s life or health, and in cases of reported rape and incest; could have tested Roe v. Wade) – rejected by 55 percent.
- There was some surprise that this measure was defeated. Even in defeat, there was a great deal of education that took place for the citizens of South Dakota. Even if Measure 11 would have passed, it would have faced legal challenges due to Roe v. Wade.

This measure was consistent in working towards a pro-life attitude and to greatly reduce the number of abortions in this country. Although it was not passed at this time, the pro-life message was communicated and progress will continue to be made in the future.
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WASHINGTON: I-1000 assisted suicide initiative ADOPTED (joins Oregon to legalize physician-assisted suicide in the U.S.) – supported by 59 percent.
There is huge concern over the passage of I-1000. Washington has now become the second state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. For many reasons, this is a terrible decision for the elderly and disabled. The fact that medical organizations lobbied against such efforts should have spoken loudly. It is likely the floodgates have now opened for other states to follow Washington state’s lead.

From a Biblical perspective, this Initiative is in direct violation of God’s Word. We are told that God alone determines the point at which life begins and ends. We are also told that mankind is to preserve and protect human life. This law presumes that mankind has authority over certain end-of-life decisions that God does not grant.