Christian Leaders' Views on Prop. 139

ANNOUNCER: Arizona, alongside nine other states, will vote on abortion measures this election. Phoenix church leaders share their thoughts on the issue and the Christian worldview. For The Christian Standard, here’s Mickey Jackson.

REPORTER: With Roe V. Wade overturned, the issue of abortion rights and regulations has returned to state ballots. The Arizona Abortion Access Act, Proposition 139, has Arizona voters checking yes or no on one of the most controversial issues this election.

[Loud back and forth yelling]

Proposition 139 asks voters if the Arizona Constitution should be amended to include the fundamental right to abortion until fetal viability.

Some consider the topic a moral issue guided by religious beliefs, others a secular private medical decision.

Given the controversy, two Christian church leaders from different denominations share their views on the proposition, the influence religious views should have on voting and the role of church leaders in guiding voting.

Sean Myers is an elder at Pella Communities Church, a non-denominational church in Phoenix.

Myers believes religious views should immensely influence Christians' responses to Proposition 139. Believing that public opinion has room for error, Myers states that God should be Christians’ ultimate authority on issues of morality.

Audio Insert: Sean Myers

IN WORDS: I think scripture…

…gives us the best standard. Scripture gives us the best…

OUT WORDS: …standard for acute flourishing.

DURATION: 9 seconds

REPORTER: God, whom Myers states is the ultimate authority for morality, has thou shall not murder as one of his 10 commandments. Myers states numerous examples in God’s word, the Bible, describing life in the womb as living. For example, in Genesis 4:1, Cain is described at birth and conception the same way, making Cain who he is as a living person before and after birth.

Views on whether life begins inside the womb or outside is a major topic for abortion. Using the example of Cain and God’s commandment against murder, Myers states that God is clearly against abortion as it would be the murder of a living being.

Given God’s stance on abortion, Myers argues that the church should speak out about issues related to biblical beliefs and church values—life in the womb being one of those values.

Audio Insert: Sean Myers

IN WORDS: I think there’s a sense…

…that we should navigate what justice is. And so, we should speak to areas of justice…

OUT WORDS: …i.e., a member of innocent life.

DURATION: 6 seconds

REPORTER: Robert Sainz is the lead pastor of the City Church Phoenix, a small church of the Assemblies of God.

Like Myers, Sainz believes that God is against abortion regarding the sixth commandment.

Audio Insert: Robert Sainz

IN WORDS: Well, you know, if we go…

… by the scripture, you know, it’s very simple.

OUT WORDS: Thou shall not kill.

REPORTER: As such, Sainz argues that it is the responsibility of church leaders to preach God’s truth to churchgoers.

Audio Insert: Robert Sainz

IN WORDS: Jesus said the…

…truth will set them free. It’s not always welcome, but it is.…

OUT WORDS: … the biblical way.

DURATION: 9 seconds

REPORTER: Like Myers, Sainz believes that the Bible is the ultimate authority for morality, making its teaching against murder a truth that ought to be shared with his congregation and society.

Acknowledging God’s opinion on abortion and life at conception, both leaders encourage Arizona Christian voters to follow God’s views on morality and vote no against Proposition 139 this election.

For information about the election and Proposition 139, visit az.gov for election details and dates.

This is Mickey Jackson reporting for The Christian Standard.

###