December 9, 2009

In Manhattan Declaration, Christians unite to speak out on moral issues

By Julie Filby

On Nov. 20 a coalition of more than 125 prominent Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Evangelical Christian leaders released the “Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience.”

The declaration—unveiled at a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.—calls on the wide-ranging Christian community to stand in solidarity to defend the sanctity of human life, marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and the importance of religious liberty.

The 4,700-word document also informs civil authorities that the signers will not, under any circumstances, abandon their Christian consciences.

Among the signatories are Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M, Cap., Denver Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley, Colorado Springs Bishop Michael J. Sheridan and Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson and president and CEO Jim Daly.

“I was glad to be invited to sign the declaration,” Archbishop Chaput told the Denver Catholic Register. “And glad to sign it because I believe in its content.”

In the document, signers declare, “We are Christians who have joined together across historic lines of ecclesial differences to affirm our right—and, more importantly, to embrace our obligation—to speak and act in defense of these truths.”
Gary Schneeberger, vice president of ministry communications for Focus on the Family, attended the news conference releasing the declaration and described it as a historic moment.

“One of the most remarkable aspects of it is it’s a pro-posal,” he said. “It’s what our faith leads us to stand for—versus being defined by what we’re against.”

The document recognizes the duty to comply with laws “whether we happen to like them or not,” and goes on to stipulate that “…we will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide and euthanasia, or any other anti-life act; nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent, or refrain from proclaiming the truth, as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage and the family.”

The declaration was the result of several months of dialogue among leaders of various denominations “admired for their public witness on behalf of justice, human rights and the common good.” Talks culminated in a meeting in Manhattan, N.Y., on Sept. 28 thus the title “Manhattan Declaration.”

It was drafted by Dr. Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University; Dr. Timothy George, professor at Beeson Divinity School at Samford University; and evangelical leader Charles Colson, founder of the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview.

The goal of those who drafted and signed the document is “not just to get a lot of names on a manifesto” but to “build a movement.” They hope thousands, even millions, of Christians will unite to advance their moral and religious convictions in the public square.

“I think one of the goals of the declaration is to galvanize good people—beginning with Chris-tians, but including believers and non-believers alike—to organize, work to change the direction of our politics, culture, law and mass media,” Archbishop Chaput said. “And when necessary, to resist.”

As of Monday, 266,266 individuals had signed the document. According to organizers, this number has increased by as much as 1,000 per hour.

Other prominent Catholic leaders around the nation who have signed the declaration include Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia; Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York; Donald W. Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, D.C.; Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City, Kans.; and George Weigel, distinguished senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and syndicated columnist for the Denver Catholic Register.

Individuals may view or sign the Manhattan Declaration online at www.Manhattan Declaration.org. To receive a copy by mail or add your name by telephone, call 1-877-478-0100.