September, 2004 Newsletter

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“The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for     everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply…. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. He wants not only us but everyone saved….” [1 Tim. 2:1-4a]

Having returned from his much publicized keynote address at the Republican National Convention, Governor Schwarzenegger has settled down to sign by the end of the month about one thousand bills sent to him by the State Legislature. How he handles the bills will probably define his political beliefs as a moderate governor he claims to be. He has reportedly said that signing these bills is not as difficult as balancing his checkbook. He said, “…People say you have to sign almost 1,000 bills. That's nothing. I had to deal with more bills when my wife went shopping in New York.”

As humorous as the Governor sounds in policy-making, some of these bills plus the bills already passed by the Federal Congress are quite serious for churches. Some of these bills have a significant impact on us. The other day, the church insurance company notified us that they will increase our church premium to include the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 should we choose to accept the coverage. Until 9/11, we’ve never had to face such an issue.

One of the bills, SB 1234, that most of us may not know about is waiting for the Governor’s signature. Bill SB1234 was passed by the California State Assembly a couple of months ago. This Bill will criminalize speaking against homosexuality. The churches have faced many critical issues before but perhaps none is more serious than this Bill. Should the Governor sign this Bill it will have a profound muzzling effect upon churches and Christians. Unless he vetoes this Bill, some of us will be facing a heavy fine or a prison sentence should we speak out against homosexuality.

We would do well to obey God rather than a man-made law should the issue become a conflict. God warns us, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor… homosexual offenders… will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 6:9-10) Are we not clear about God’s warnings in the Bible? If we are a loving people, we will take the warnings seriously and lovingly warn others to heed God’s Will. We do not take lightly the consequence of violating God’s principles, do we?

Gov. Schwarzenegger has to make some hard decisions as he signs oodles of bills on energy, jobs, cars, and policies that confront the interests of business against those of consumer, labor and environmental groups. I'm not sure if the Governor is aware of the seriousness of signing SB1234. We would do well to make our opinions known to the Governor by writing to him and calling his office. God has called us out of the World with His Mission to make a difference for Him. We can make a difference when we vote wisely for that which reflects Biblical values. And we can make a difference by praying for our leaders.

— Pastor Jim Sakurai

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