Dear Calvary Church Family:

As you are most likely aware, Election Day is coming soon, on Tuesday, November 8. For those of us in Michigan, that includes casting our vote on Proposal 3. We (The Elders) have received questions from several people in the CBC family about this proposal. If you are not familiar with it, Proposal 3 is a ballot initiative that would expand abortion “rights” and, depending on actual implentation resulting from the proposal’s passage, open the door for other practices. While we believe that our right to vote is one that is valuable, we also recognize the potential danger in over-politicizing God’s Church. At CBC, we are not committed to or in the habit of endorsing a particular party, candidate, or ballot initiative. Instead, our allegiance is to God’s Word, His Will, and His Way for our individual and collective lives.

As Calvary’s Confession of Faith, preaching and teaching, and ministry partnerships (e.g., Care Net, Hope Clinic) clearly articulate and indicate, we unequivocally believe in and celebrate the sanctity of life, from conception to death. We absolutely believe that God created the first and every individual human being in His image and likeness (Psalm 139:13-14, Genesis 1:27) and loves each one and everyone intimately (John 3:16).

As followers of Jesus, we are called to care for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40), and to seek justice for those who have no voice (Proverbs 31:8-9, Psalm 82:3-4). It is our belief that this calling compels us to stand up for and protect the lives of the marginalized and vulnerable, including those not yet born. In addition to its damaging effects on women, abortion is the termination of an innocent life, a violation of Scriptural truth,and we stand in opposition to it.

As servant-leaders in our church family, we continue to pray that each of us would embrace Biblical truth and God’s mission for our lives. If you have been affected in any way by abortion, please know that we love you, and so does Jesus. We will walk with you in genuine relationship and heartfelt compassion. Because God Loves, Calvary Loves! If we can be of any further assistance, or if you have questions about having a relationship with God, please don’t hesitate to contact us(elderboard@cbcjoy.org).

Helping People Follow Jesus Together,

Calvary Baptist Church Elders