What you should know about the 2022 state ballot initiatives

During the recent midterm election, voters across the country voted on more than 100 ballot initiatives, several of which affect a number of social issues. Here are some of the main decisions on issues of special concern to ERLC.

How is your church responding to a post-Roe world?

The Dobbs decision marks a true turning point in the pro-life movement — a moment that Christians, pro-life advocates and many others have worked toward tirelessly for 50 years. As we respond to the ruling in this case, we want to be faithful to pray.

This free Dobbs prayer guide contains a list of 48 specific prayer requests to guide you, your family, and your church in your prayers over the coming weeks and months.

This Week in Washington, D.C.

As we still await results that will determine who has control of Congress for the next two years following Tuesday’s midterm elections, we do have a number of results from state ballot initiatives.

This year voters across the country voted on more than 100 ballot initiatives, several of which pertain to issues of special concern to the ERLC. Across the country, voters soundly rejected pro-life measures. In Arkansas, voters failed to pass a measure expanding religious liberty protection in the state.

Other states voted on issues around marijuana legalization, gambling, and indentured servitude. You can read more about what happened in these important votes here.

Featured Podcasts

This week on the ERLC Podcast, Brent and Lindsay talk about the results of the midterms and how Christians can think about them. They also discuss the temptation toward discouragement, the path forward, and the hope believers have.

From The Public Square

Republicans' abortion silence backfires in midterms
Axios

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America slammed Republican candidates who distanced themselves from abortion bans and failed to clearly communicate their stance on the issue, calling it "political malpractice."

9th Circuit: Requiring Beauty Pageant to Include Transgender Female Violates Free Speech Rights
Religion Clause

In Green v. Miss United States of America, LLC, (9th Cir., Nov. 2, 2022), the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals held that it violates the free speech rights of the Miss USA Pageant to require it under Oregon's Public Accommodations Act to include a transgender female in the Pageant.

Tennessee AG: Abortion Ban Does Not Bar Disposal of Excess Embryos Created During IVF Process
Religion Clause

Tennessee's Attorney General last month clarified that the abortion ban in Tennessee's Human Life Protection Act does not apply to the disposal of embryos which have not been transferred to a woman's uterus. Thus the law would not bar disposal of excess embryos created during the in vitro fertilization procedure.

Websites Accepting Crypto for Child Sex Abuse Content 'Doubling Every Year'
Gizmodo

Cryptocurrency is favored as a method to pay for child sexual abuse material due to its anonymity.

What You Need to Read

Esther Smith with How parents can talk with their teenagers about anxiety

Exploring your own anxiety should not lead to discouragement or self-criticism, though. We all feel anxious at times. Rather, beginning with yourself may be a needed invitation. God has given you an opportunity to slow down and nurture your own anxious heart. As you do so, you will become more equipped to understand and help the anxious teenager in your care.

Brent Leatherwood with A call to cooperate and to vote for life

There is no doubt we live in a challenging and confusing moment, and we should be clear-eyed about the challenges we face. Spirit-led courage, unceasing love, and humble self-control are qualities that stand in complete opposition to the times in which we find ourselves. And they are qualities Christians should exude at all times, whether we are going to another country, planting a church in a new context, or entering a chaotic public square.

Jordan Wootten with The anger of our political moment

Politics is important but it is not ultimate. When we ultimatize politics we pledge allegiance to the wrong kingdom and we lay moral burdens on ourselves and our fellow voters that politics simply isn’t built to bear. What’s more, our undiluted allegiance to party and politics forms and disciples us into an image at odds with Christ and his kingdom. But there is a better way.