Florida Baptist Convention<\/a>. Rummage expressed gratefulness for Florida Baptists\u2019 in leading the way to defeat the amendment and in supporting pro-life efforts in the state through the years.<\/p>\n\u201cI\u2019m tremendously grateful for Florida Baptists in every regard with respect to Amendment 4. I\u2019m thankful for pastors who have led the way to remind their congregations to vote\u2013and to vote no on Amendment 4. I\u2019m thankful for our State Board of Missions that adopted a resolution that stood strongly against Amendment 4. I\u2019m thankful for Florida Baptists who went out and voted and made a difference for life in our state,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Burgner also affirmed Florida Baptists\u2019 leadership in defeating Amendment 4. \u201cWe are grateful that God has chosen to use Christians to have an influence in our communities and our state. It is our holy calling to advocate for the voiceless.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Rummage and Burgner agree that, although Floridians affirmed life in voting down Amendment 4, the battle is not over.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to continue to be vigilant in standing for life. When Roe v. Wade was overturned, some people made the mistake in thinking that it was the end of the battle, and that\u2019s obviously not the case. We have to continue to stand strongly for life. We have to continue to stand with those who are making a difference for life,\u201d Rummage said.<\/p>\n
Burgner added, \u201cWe still have a lot of work to do in this area to defend life. Churches must continue to stay on the frontlines of the battle for the sanctity of human life. While this is a huge win for the kingdom, until Christ returns, we will certainly continue to be engaged in the battle for life. Satan wants nothing more than to destroy all persons. But we know that our God is sovereign and on His throne, and we know that He cares for those babies more than we do, so we must continue to fight for righteousness.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must continue to pray and work diligently to defend life and do all that we can when given the opportunity to make truth known.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Florida\u2019s vote to reject the significant advance of abortion rights in the state was the first abortion-related ballot initiative to fail. Because 60% of voters were necessary to amend Florida\u2019s constitution regarding abortion rights, the 57% who approved the ballot initiative fell three percentage points short. Florida\u2019s six-week ban on abortion will remain in place.<\/p>\n
After Florida was the first state on Nov. 5 to affirm a pro-life stance, two other states\u2014Nebraska and South Dakota\u2014likewise affirmed pro-life stances just hours later. Another 14 states have passed ballot measures affirming or expanding abortion rights.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy prayer is that Florida will lead the way for other states \u2026 and that other states will take the same direction that Florida has done in standing firmly for life,\u201d Rummage said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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