(Daily Signal)—More than 125 Virginia pastors have signed an open letter urging voters to reject two proposed constitutional amendments on abortion and marriage. The letter adds a broad coalition of Protestant voices to the growing faith-based opposition ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
“We believe these two amendments must be rejected for the Commonwealth of Virginia because they will harm our state as they are opposed to human flourishing and contrary to the Word of God,” the pastors write.
The signers are from congregations across the commonwealth, from Arlington and Alexandria to Lynchburg, Roanoke, Virginia Beach, and Tazewell. They include Jesse Johnson of Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, Ryan Helfenbein of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Brian Autry of Grove Avenue Baptist Church in Henrico, Benjamin Purves of Occoquan Bible Church in Woodbridge, and Courtney McBath of Calvary Alliance of Churches in Norfolk.
Virginia Pastors Unite
A pastor who helped coordinate the letter told the Daily Signal that about 90 churches are currently represented, reaching an estimated 50,000 parishioners across Virginia.
Early voting began Sept. 18. The ballot measures reached voters after winning approval in two consecutive sessions of the Democrat-controlled General Assembly, as Virginia requires for constitutional amendments.
The pastors’ letter follows a high-profile “Catholics Vote No” campaign by Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington. He had priests in 70 parishes across Northern Virginia read a letter at Mass opposing the amendments. That effort built on a joint statement he issued in August with Richmond Bishop Barry Knestout.
‘Let Your Baby Live’
Ballot Question 1 would amend Virginia’s constitution to expand abortion access throughout pregnancy and eliminate the need for parental consent. The pastors expressed strong opposition to the amendment and its fatal consequences for the unborn.
“Abortion is the killing of a pre-born child in the womb,” they write. “It is moral distortion to present this violation of the sixth commandment as a moral good or as a fundamental right, and it is deceptive framing to present abortion’s destruction of life as healthcare.”
The letter speaks directly to women facing an unexpected pregnancy: “To the mother considering abortion, we implore you, let your baby live.”
It also rejects the idea of abortion as a parental right. “There is never a parental right to take the life of a child,” the pastors write.
‘What God Has Defined’
Question 2 would strike the constitution’s 2006 definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman and replace it with language guaranteeing two adults the right to marry regardless of sex.
The pastors argue that marriage “has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman into a single, exclusive union.” They cite Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:6: “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
“It is likewise true to say what God has defined, let not man seek to redefine,” the letter says.
The pastors also warn that the amendment carries other implications.
“Denying reality only brings a ripple effect of harm to society that is acutely felt by individuals, families, schools, and sports teams,” they write.
‘We Disagree With You for Your Good’
Like the letter from Burbidge to Catholics, the Protestant pastors speak directly to Virginians and implore them to vote against the amendments.
“If you support these amendments, know that we disagree with you for your good, and for the good of Virginia,” they write. “Love will communicate truth and speak for the good of others, and it does not go silent when the need is great.”
The pastors also “repudiate hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual.” They close by inviting readers to pick up a Bible, read the Gospel of John, and visit one of the signers’ churches on a Sunday.
The pastor who spoke to the Daily Signal said additional signatures are still being added. Any Virginia pastor who affirms the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation may sign the letter. Organizers review names before posting them, and they encourage pastors to share the letter with their congregations.
Read the full letter at VirginiaPastors.org.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
