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WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY - MAY 15, 2024
UPCOMING PRIMARIES: Kentucky and Oregon take place on May 21. For election and voting information, visit My Voter Hub and click on your state.
In this week's Intersect, read about:
Colorado Voters Will Decide: Should One Man, One Woman Marriage Definition Be Repealed from Constitution?
“This fall, Colorado voters will be asked to decide if the definition of natural marriage – between one man and one woman – should be removed from the Colorado Constitution. The definition of marriage was added to the state constitution in 2006 when 55% of the voting electorate approved Amendment 46.” read more at the Daily Citizen
THINK.
- Even though civil unions for same-sex marriage became legal in the state in 2013 — and same-sex marriages became legal nationwide in 2015 with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling — the Colorado Constitution retains language that states, “Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.” The marriage line in the state Constitution is inoperative and unenforceable since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, but supporters say Colorado voters can now “create a brighter future for LGBTQ+ Coloradans by taking this outdated law out of our Constitution.” Their reasoning is that marriage should be “inclusive of all.”
- As laid out in the headline story, in Colorado, there are two ways a constitutional amendment can be brought to the people for a vote at the ballot box. One method is citizen-led initiatives, which require signature gathering and verification. The other way (used in this case) is as a legislatively referred measure, which requires a two-thirds vote in the state House and state Senate. On April 19, with only 19 days left in the legislative session, LGBTQ activist lawmakers introduced SCR24-003 to bring this issue to the voters. They passed it out of the state Senate in just ten days, and it took only six days to approve it in the House.
- When it comes to the definition of marriage, Christians must stand firm. God created marriage. No human being has the right or authority to redefine it. No matter what governments and societies sanction, homosexual unions will never truly have equality with heterosexual marriages. His Word unequivocally declares that marriage is between one man and one woman. As followers of Christ, we acknowledge the reality of living in a secular society, one that often strays from godly principles. Nevertheless, we uphold the timeless truth of God's Word above the ever-shifting norms of culture. Coloradoans can do that through their November 5 vote.
PRAY.
Lord, we acknowledge with reverence that marriage mirrors Your covenant with Your people. Contrary to the beliefs of many in our society, help us to recognize that marriage is not some arbitrary idea, able to be structured in any way that we see fit. May we uphold that it is instituted by You for our benefit and for Your glory.
ACT.
What happens when you stand for biblical marriage in the public square? Sometimes you get excoriated. One such person is Jack Phillips. He’s the cake artist at the center of one of 2018’s most-talked-about U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Although Jack won an important victory at the Supreme Court, the State of Colorado continues to target him. We talked with Jack–his story will move you and inspire you to stand for Christ despite the cost. Watch here.
New Bill Would Issue Additional Requirement to Vote
“Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, House Republicans introduced legislation Wednesday requiring individuals to provide proof of U.S. citizenship in order to vote in American elections. It is currently illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections but there is no requirement preventing states from registering non-citizens of illegal aliens to vote.” read more at Townhall
THINK.
- Introduced by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX), the SAVE ACT would amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections.
- For the most part, noncitizen voting is rare in federal elections. The Brennan Center studied 42 jurisdictions in 2016 and found 30 incidents of suspected noncitizen voting out of 23.5 million votes. The Heritage Foundation’s voter fraud tracker shows 24 convictions for noncitizen voting between 2003 and 2022.
- Here’s the concern: every state issues driver’s licenses to noncitizens, and 19 states issue them to illegal aliens. This could make it easy for aliens — legal and illegal — to vote in federal elections, even though they’re prohibited from doing so. Considering that there are now nearly 22 million noncitizens in the U.S., including about 6 million who have entered illegally since the last presidential election, even a rare occurrence can tip the balance of an election.
- At My Faith Votes, we affirm the sacred duty and privilege of making our voice heard through voting, recognizing it as a stewardship of God-given rights. The election process is how freedom is preserved. All American citizens should vote in U.S. elections in order for our Constitutional Republic to flourish. It is also critical that every vote from American citizens is properly counted, that voter rolls are clean, that identification is properly checked. Ensuring that elections are conducted fairly is part of our responsibility to honor God with our actions and influence in the world.
PRAY.
Pray faithfully for our election system to remain lawful, fair, and free in America. Pray that God will move against any force that would seek to create chaos and unrest in our elections, from the local to the state to the federal level. Download this prayer guide to help you pray for Election Integrity.
ACT.
You can play a significant role in ensuring the integrity of the election process at your local polling location. Sign up to be a Poll Worker or an Election Judge in your area. Our goal is for 1,000 My Faith Votes followers to become a poll worker this November!
Boy Scouts of America Drops ‘Boy’ from Name
“The Boy Scouts are causing controversy with their decision to rebrand, all in the name of ‘inclusivity.’ On Wednesday, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) announced that the organization will officially change its name to ‘Scouting America.’” read more at The Washington Stand
THINK.
- This news is the latest in a series of fundamental changes for the Boys Scouts. The organization began allowing boys who identified as gay in 2013 and ended a blanket ban in 2015 on adult leaders who led a homosexual lifestyle. In 2017, they announced that girls would be allowed to join. Now their latest change–the new name, “Scouting America,” --will take effect next year. President and CEO Roger Krone said the change “sends this really strong message to everyone in America that they can come to this program, they can bring their authentic self, they can be who they are, and they will be welcomed here.”
- This news has been framed in a positive light, hailing the Boys Scouts’ “inclusivity.” But they’ve abandoned their original purpose of raising boys to become men. What is special about having a space exclusively for boys, where they are taught by men? Mark Hancock, the CEO of Trail Life USA (which was founded in 2013 as an alternative to the Boy Scouts), explained, “The reality is that males and females are fundamentally different in many ways: physically, emotionally, and in their relationships. Pretending otherwise in the name of progress or permissiveness might be culturally acceptable, but it does both sexes a disservice. Boys and girls deserve unique programs created with their specific needs in mind.”
- A 1917 pamphlet described Boy Scouts as “nothing less than applied Christianity.” The pamphlet states: “We aim for the practice of Christianity in their everyday life and dealings, and not merely the profession of its theology on Sundays. … There is a vast reserve of loyal patriotism and Christian spirit lying dormant in our nation to-day, mainly because it sees no direct opportunity for expressing itself. … In this joyous brotherhood there is vast opportunity open to all. … It gives every man his chance of service for his fellow-men and for God.” Is there also a “vast reserve of loyal patriotism and Christian spirit” lying dormant in our young men today? If so, who will step up to fan that spirit into flame?
PRAY.
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14) Heavenly Father, let these actions characterize more men and boys in our country. Help them stand firm in the Lord Jesus Christ, strengthening each other to selflessly serve their families, churches, and country, for Your glory.
ACT.
If you’re looking for a Christian scouting organization for boys, see if there’s a Trail Life USA troop near you. For girls, find an American Heritage Girls troop.
Biden Faces Bipartisan Pushback Over Threat to Cut off Weapons for Israel
“President Joe Biden has faced criticism from Republicans and some within his own party after he promised to withhold an arms shipment to Israel if the U.S. ally invaded Rafah in Gaza to launch an assault against a Hamas military stronghold. During a Wednesday interview with CNN, the president said that the United States would still provide rocket interceptor for Israel's Iron Dome and other defensive weapons, but other major shipments would cease if Israel proceeds with moving into Rafah.” read more at the Christian Post
THINK.
- Why would the administration withhold weapons? In a recent interview, President Biden said supplying weapons for Israel to attack Hamas in Rafah is “just wrong.” His administration has reportedly offered Israel “sensitive intelligence” to help root out Hamas leaders — prompting critics to claim this shows the White House withheld the crucial data to use as leverage, according to the New York Post. The Biden administration is denying that claim.
- Israel has reportedly promised not to begin any large-scale operation in Rafah until it has evacuated at least 800,000 of the estimated 1 million evacuees living in the southern town near the Egyptian border. The State Department said in a recent report that it has "serious" questions about the measures Israel takes to protect civilians. But without U.S. personnel on the ground, "it is difficult to assess or reach conclusive findings on individual incidents." Meanwhile, the United Nations just reduced the number of casualties for women and children reported by the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health by nearly 50%.
- Is the U.S. being a peacemaker, or hindering peace? “We’re not walking away from Israel’s security. We’re walking away from Israel’s ability to wage war in those areas,” Biden said. But Israel claims their plan to attack Rafah is a defensive measure for their security and ultimate peace. Last week, the U.S. voted against a United Nations General Assembly resolution that said Palestine is qualified to become a full UN member, which would effectively recognize it as an official state. Under the founding U.N. Charter, membership is open to "peace-loving states." The resolution does not give the Palestinians full U.N. membership but recognizes them as qualified to join. It was adopted with 143 countries in favor and nine against - including the U.S. and Israel - while 25 countries abstained. The U.S. will likely veto the Palestinians’ application for membership, as it did last month.
PRAY.
Heavenly Father, we know that in war, peace is achieved through reconciliation, or the destruction of the ones opposed to peace. On a spiritual level, You bring peace through reconciliation or destruction as well. Thank You for offering us peace now when we are reconciled to You by faith in Christ (Romans 5). Lord, we know that soon Jesus will bring peace to the world when He returns and destroys His enemies (Revelation 19). Help us to proclaim Your salvation until then. Let many be reconciled to You!
ACT.
76 years ago, yesterday, the modern state of Israel was born. The United States was the first nation to recognize Israel on May 14, 1948. Read the New York Times headline from May 15, 1948, and remember how the Lord was faithful to fulfill prophecy.
My Faith Votes— is a ministry that motivates, equips, and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth. An estimated 25 million Christians who are registered to vote, fail to vote in presidential elections. My Faith Votes is on a mission to change this statistic by helping Christians act on their faith and vote in every election. When we pray unceasingly for our nation, think biblically about the issues, and vote consistently in every election the impact of Christians taking action from the local to the state and federal level will be unprecedented.
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