'Pro-life' is far-reaching view

To the editor:

I have observed a multitude of "Vote Pro-Life" signs in the yards of churches. This has prompted me to ask what exactly "Vote Pro-Life" means to the leaders of these churches.

Does it mean vote for the candidate who says he believes life begins at conception and opposes abortion? The same candidate supports stem-cell research as long as it is performed on embryos that are destined to be destroyed. This is a conflicting position.

Do the lives of the innocent children lost in the Iraqi war qualify under the "Vote Pro-Life" sign?

Do those who have lost their lives because they could not get health care qualify under the "Vote Pro-Life" sign?

What about the poor, the homeless, the starving, the unclothed, the disabled? Do these qualify under the "Vote Pro-Life" sign? Or should we only consider the life of the unborn when choosing a candidate?

Recently I saw on a newscast 30 pastors telling their congregations if they vote for Barack Obama they are not Christians because of his pro-choice position. I submit to you if pastors and churches do not consider all of the biblical principles regarding pro-life issues, church integrity is lost. Voting "Pro-Life" is about much more than abortion.

MILLIE YATES, Cape Girardeau