The Manhattan Declaration

[Vic]

In another ecumenical venture, along the lines of Evangelicals and Catholics Together, http://www.seekgod.ca/ect.htm

November 2009 saw the release of yet another document, this time called the Manhattan Declaration

The drafting committee:

Robert George
Professor, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University

Timothy George
Professor, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University; senior editor of Christianity Today, and one of the original architects of The Manhattan Declaration

Chuck Colson
Founder, the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview (Lansdowne, VA)

Quote:http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/

The Manhattan Declaration
A Call of Christian Conscience
Christians, when they have lived up to the highest ideals of their faith, have defended the weak and vulnerable and worked tirelessly to protect and strengthen vital institutions of civil society, beginning with the family.

We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them. These truths are:

the sanctity of human life
the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
the rights of conscience and religious liberty.

Inasmuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the well-being of society, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Because they are increasingly under assault from powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them. We make this commitment not as partisans of any political group but as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

The complete Declaration: http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/the-declaration

Press Release:

Quote:http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/md-m...s-releases

National Religious Leaders Release Historic Declaration on Christian Conscience

Washington, D.C., Press Conference Unveils 4,700-Word Statement Signed by Some 150 Orthodox, Catholic & Evangelical Leaders
WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 20, 2009—Today a group of prominent Christian clergy, ministry leaders and scholars released the Manhattan Declaration, which addresses the sanctity of life, traditional marriage and religious liberty. The 4,700-word declaration issues a clarion call to Christians to adhere to their convictions and informs civil authorities that the signers will not—under any circumstance—abandon their Christian consciences. Drafted by Dr. Robert George, Dr. Timothy George and Chuck Colson and signed by more than 150 Orthodox, Catholic and evangelical Christian leaders, the Manhattan Declaration was made public at a noon ET press conference held in the Lisagor Room at the National Press Club.

Among the signers of the Manhattan Declaration at the press conference:

Joel Belz, Founder, World Magazine
Chuck Colson, Founder, The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview
Jim Daly, President and CEO, Focus on the Family
Marjorie Dannenfelser, President, Susan B. Anthony List
Fr. Chad Hatfield, Chancellor, CEO and Archpriest, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary
Robert George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University
Timothy George, Professor, Beeson Divinity School at Samford University
Harry Jackson Jr., Bishop, Hope Christian Church
Fr. Francis Martin, Professor of Sacred Scripture, Sacred Heart Major Seminary
Fr. Martyn Minns, Missionary Bishop, Convocation of Anglicans of North America
Rev. Neftali "Charles" Olmeda, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference
Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council
Fred Potter, Executive Director and CEO, Christian Legal Society
Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, Diocese of Philadelphia
Alan Sears, President, CEO, and General Counsel, Alliance Defense Fund
Ron Sider, Professor, Palmer Theological Seminary and Director of the seminary’s Sider Center on Ministry & Public Policy
Fr. Robert Sirico, Founder, Acton Institute
George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center and Founding President of the James Madison Foundation
Donald William Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, Diocese of Washington, D.C.

Excerpts from the declaration include:

“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. We pledge to each other, and to our fellow believers, that no power on earth, be it cultural or political, will intimidate us into silence or acquiescence.”

“We recognize the duty to comply with laws whether we happen to like them or not, unless the laws are gravely unjust or require those subject to them to do something unjust or otherwise immoral.”

“…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 marriage or the equivalent, or refrain from proclaiming the truth, as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage and the family.”

More Signers > http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/sign...ignatories

So what do you think about this?

[YYZ Skinhead]

I looked down the list of names and it's yet another CNP-fest, combined with a lot of religious leaders of whom I've never heard. People who can't keep their religion and politics separate. Jesus (God) said "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's" and "My Kingdom is not of this world". I've never read anything in the Gospels that said Jesus was active in politics.

[Mary]

I recognise and realise the dangers of "ecumenical ventures" but having read this document, I can only admire them for making a stand against what we as Christians know is wrong. I did not see in this document anything that calls us as Christians to compromise our belief that Jesus is the Son of God, or to deny or confuse the Trinity, or to follow multiple paths to God. The document clearly expresses the sanctity of life and of marriage, and also clarifies that marriage as instituted by God is more than a 'love match' and more than an economic arrangement. The document expresses value for all life at any stage and Christian responsibility to maintain and protect life. Should the anti-slavery Christians have stayed out of that battle because it was "politics"? The point is that these issues are not separate political issues, but ones that actually affect, or will soon affect our daily lives. This is what they say at the end:
"We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar’s. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God’s."
I think they have a point.

[sheep wrecked]

(01-25-2010 06:14 PM)Mary Wrote:  I recognise and realise the dangers of "ecumenical ventures" but having read this document, I can only admire them for making a stand against what we as Christians know is wrong. I did not see in this document anything that calls us as Christians to compromise our belief that Jesus is the Son of God, or to deny or confuse the Trinity, or to follow multiple paths to God. The document clearly expresses the sanctity of life and of marriage, and also clarifies that marriage as instituted by God is more than a 'love match' and more than an economic arrangement. The document expresses value for all life at any stage and Christian responsibility to maintain and protect life. Should the anti-slavery Christians have stayed out of that battle because it was "politics"? The point is that these issues are not separate political issues, but ones that actually affect, or will soon affect our daily lives. This is what they say at the end:
"We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar’s. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God’s."
I think they have a point.

The one Scripture that comes to mind is this one:

2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.



This is what is found in the FAQS section of their website:

Quote: 3. By signing the Manhattan Declaration am I somehow endorsing the theology of other faith traditions or compromising my understanding of the Gospel?

There are serious differences between the Catholic, Protestant evangelical and Orthodox traditions on many theological issues and devotional practices. However, none of those differences are alluded to in any way in the Manhattan Declaration, nor do any of the original signers believe they were compromising their respective positions by signing it. The drafting committee was careful to achieve complete harmony of all three traditions—Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant evangelical—on the critical issues addressed in the declaration, and on those issues only. This was accomplished by making sure every assertion in the declaration is rooted in the Holy Scriptures they share in common. In the final analysis, the Manhattan Declaration is simply a declaration of the signers’ common stand on life, marriage, and liberty. To read anything more into it would be contrary to the intention of the drafters and the nearly 150 leaders who signed it originally.

In other words, is it ok to align yourself with religious affiliations that do not believe Jesus is God or a denial of the New Covenant and just get along in spite of foundational differences in theology?

What is proposed is no different than wicca or the goddess movement agreeing with the three main points of this "declaration". The world at large would agree. It does not make it of Christ, just because people are in agreement on principle.

As a believer in Christ, we have a Scriptural mandate to be obedient to God's Truth. Do we need a "declaration" to prove we love God and seek to do His will?

The leaders and organizations which this declaration are a part of is a vast arena of subversive beliefs and tactics. I personally see this as part of the ecumenical movement which is emergent and contemplative aka we all just need to get along and put our differences to rest and get spiritual. What better way for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be put to shame.

The immoral and abusive practices of society will not be changed or affected by this declaration. Society is not guided by Christ. It was never a Gospel mandate to change society at all, but to reach out in Jesus Name to the lost - something all of us in Christ can do without an organization to show us the way

[Mary]

(01-25-2010 09:47 PM)sheep wrecked Wrote:  

(01-25-2010 06:14 PM)Mary Wrote:  I recognise and realise the dangers of "ecumenical ventures" but having read this document, I can only admire them for making a stand against what we as Christians know is wrong. I did not see in this document anything that calls us as Christians to compromise our belief that Jesus is the Son of God, or to deny or confuse the Trinity, or to follow multiple paths to God. The document clearly expresses the sanctity of life and of marriage, and also clarifies that marriage as instituted by God is more than a 'love match' and more than an economic arrangement. The document expresses value for all life at any stage and Christian responsibility to maintain and protect life. Should the anti-slavery Christians have stayed out of that battle because it was "politics"? The point is that these issues are not separate political issues, but ones that actually affect, or will soon affect our daily lives. This is what they say at the end:
"We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar’s. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God’s."
I think they have a point.

The one Scripture that comes to mind is this one:

2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.



This is what is found in the FAQS section of their website:

Quote: 3. By signing the Manhattan Declaration am I somehow endorsing the theology of other faith traditions or compromising my understanding of the Gospel?

There are serious differences between the Catholic, Protestant evangelical and Orthodox traditions on many theological issues and devotional practices. However, none of those differences are alluded to in any way in the Manhattan Declaration, nor do any of the original signers believe they were compromising their respective positions by signing it. The drafting committee was careful to achieve complete harmony of all three traditions—Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant evangelical—on the critical issues addressed in the declaration, and on those issues only. This was accomplished by making sure every assertion in the declaration is rooted in the Holy Scriptures they share in common. In the final analysis, the Manhattan Declaration is simply a declaration of the signers’ common stand on life, marriage, and liberty. To read anything more into it would be contrary to the intention of the drafters and the nearly 150 leaders who signed it originally.

In other words, is it ok to align yourself with religious affiliations that do not believe Jesus is God or a denial of the New Covenant and just get along in spite of foundational differences in theology?

What is proposed is no different than wicca or the goddess movement agreeing with the three main points of this "declaration". The world at large would agree. It does not make it of Christ, just because people are in agreement on principle.

As a believer in Christ, we have a Scriptural mandate to be obedient to God's Truth. Do we need a "declaration" to prove we love God and seek to do His will?

The leaders and organizations which this declaration are a part of is a vast arena of subversive beliefs and tactics. I personally see this as part of the ecumenical movement which is emergent and contemplative aka we all just need to get along and put our differences to rest and get spiritual. What better way for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be put to shame.

The immoral and abusive practices of society will not be changed or affected by this declaration. Society is not guided by Christ. It was never a Gospel mandate to change society at all, but to reach out in Jesus Name to the lost - something all of us in Christ can do without an organization to show us the way

You're right Sheep and this is why we have to be so careful. It is probable that many of the Christians in this group have been lead to compromise - they were drawn in by a "just cause" ; a "true thing" and this is what most religions have - some or enough truth to attract people. It is a subtle thing usually.

Just because I agree with what is said in this declaration doesn't mean that I will sign the declaration, or join their group. But it does highlight for me that many Christians just don't want to get involved - but like you say we need to reach out in Jesus name, and we don't need to be "organized". In opposition to abortion are we willing to say to the pregnant girl/woman that we would help her take care of the child? Are we willing to say to the struggling person 'call me and I'll walk/talk with you until temptation passes and you feel stronger. Are we willing to write a letter as an individual to government to express our opposition and our biblically supported reasons for it?

[Saltyone]

If I join the NRA is this wrong? Do I compromise Christ because I believe we should have guns. There are many groups that people join that have Catholics, Baptist, and so on. There are many different people that stand in front of abortion clinics to protest this. Is that wrong?

Most of the writers of the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights for this country were Christians. What if they said, we will not be a part of this
group because of Ben frank and Thomas jeff.

I’m not saying that making this declaration was the right thing. Maybe it should have been done in a different way.

We do need to reach out in Jesus name, but we also need to stand up for what is right according to Gods principles. If we don't make a stand who will?

[sheep wrecked]

(01-26-2010 06:55 PM)Saltyone Wrote:  If I join the NRA is this wrong? Do I compromise Christ because I believe we should have guns. There are many groups that people join that have Catholics, Baptist, and so on. There are many different people that stand in front of abortion clinics to protest this. Is that wrong?

Most of the writers of the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights for this country were Christians. What if they said, we will not be a part of this
group because of Ben frank and Thomas jeff.

I’m not saying that making this declaration was the right thing. Maybe it should have been done in a different way.

We do need to reach out in Jesus name, but we also need to stand up for what is right according to Gods principles. If we don't make a stand who will?

Perhaps we should differentiate between a secular organization and one that is supposed to spiritual aka of Christ. The NRA is not teaching Biblical concepts, neither is the Declaration of Independence

I guess I would ask, why should I stand with religious organizations [which the Manhattan Declaration is sponsored by] that deny who Christ is, to reach out to those in need? We are to walk away from those who do not teach the truth of the Word, not join ranks with them - no matter how "good" it appears - do you think?

1Ti 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
1Ti 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
1Ti 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
1Ti 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
1Ti 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.


ps: I think that standing and protesting against abortion clinics is not realistic [they are not going to disappear because people protest them]. I would rather talk to the girls and women by approaching them and speaking with them personally about Christ and the choice they are making.

[Saltyone]

I have not read the Manhattan Declaration, just the few things that are on this forum. If they are calling themselves a Christian organization then I would not endorse them. If they are just making a stand for what is morally right then we can join them.

We cannot stand hand and hand with false religions who deny Christ.

[wiredgirl23]

If we research verious people on that declaration we can find out that some of them are organized in groups that have no godly agenda. Some even took money from an organization that bribs some swayable religious leaders (who have a prize....!) to be slaves to this organization.
These religious leaders can be bought for a price.
Not everyone who says they are christian are really christian. Just because a pickle is in a cookie jar does not make it a cookie.
God calls us as Christian not to be gullable and to proof and test spirits.

1. John 4:1-6

1: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2: Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

3: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

4: Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.

5:They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

6: We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Most Christians these days lack a great deal of discernment. Because the body of Christ struggles with Bible iliteracy.
It says in:

Matthew 7:16-20

16: Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorn, or figs of thistles?
17: Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18: A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19: Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20: Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

That says it all!!! God is telling us here that we should be wise and not believe everything we are being told these days, as Jesus also says in:

Matthew 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 7:22
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Matthew 7:23
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye workers of iniquity.

This is the Lord Jesus in action: a double edged sword! No one can say it anymore clearer than that. Right to the point. He lets people know that all these works that are done by so-called Christians amounting to nothing if it is not done by someone truly born again in Jesus Christ.

I think that things here on earth will take its course just as God tells us in His word and nothing else. There is an ecumanical movement that is emerging now. But a true born again believer, regenerated by the Holy Spirit in his heart has no place in this movement. People count more to God (to be born again) than that fake cause they are perpetrating.

Love in Christ Jesus
M

[Scotchman]

(01-25-2010 06:14 PM)Mary Wrote:  I recognise and realise the dangers of "ecumenical ventures" but having read this document, I can only admire them for making a stand against what we as Christians know is wrong. I did not see in this document anything that calls us as Christians to compromise our belief that Jesus is the Son of God, or to deny or confuse the Trinity, or to follow multiple paths to God.

This is similar to the Pro-Life Movement. It seems like a good thing to join with those who are like minded and yet, God is NOT just another "Political Action Committee" (PAC). These People are unequally yoked in the name of "Good Deeds".

I have been surprised to see many Christians in the Pro-Life movement become Catholic or some other ecumenical persuasion. since that was its purposed according to the the writings of Pope John Paul and His predecessor. And it is working... Mainstream Churches are submitting to the whims of the Vatican by joining with them.

We are FORBIDDEN to yoke up with unbelievers! And Paul tells us in Galatians that any Christ which is not the Jesus of the NT is a false Christ. This is similar to the other-Jesus of the HebrewRoots/Messianic Jewish Movement.

To sign a document agreeing on some truth, with co-signers which deny other truths... One becomes an Accessory to Heresy!

As for the other point, of not noticing anything wrong, Here are some points.

In the Preamble we haave the following:
http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/the-declaration


"Christian monasteries preserved not only the Bible but also the literature and art of Western culture"

So, Monks which perpetrated so much false doctrine are counted as fellow-christians.

"Christians challenged the divine claims of kings and successfully fought to establish the rule of law and balance of governmental powers, which made modern democracy possible"

Catholic history like the Crusades, is counted as Christian history. I can not tell you how many times I hear people tell me about all the christians which slaughtered, raped, and pillaged. And then I have to explain that they were not Born-again Christians, but Catholic servants of the Vatican or other king. That the Vatican and other kings killed Christians as well!

This is not an emotional outburst but documented history. Not everything which calls itself a sheep, is a sheep!

Then the Declaration

We, as Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical Christians...

We call upon all people of goodwill, believers and non-believers alike

We are Christians who have joined together across historic lines of ecclesial differences...


WOW, So Doctrine no longer divides. All those letters Paul wrote about False-christs and false-teachers no longer apply. We are all just "Christians with ecclesial differences"

I don't think so. One either Follows Jesus above all; or else one does not!

This is an EXTREMELY Ecumenical document calling for us to accept ALL who take the name christian no matter what version of a christ they follow...

We are to join and hold hands for Politics with those very groups which killed Christians when they had the authority and do so still on countries where they can.

Discernment folks. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers (see above)!

2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness

Being Christian is more than belief and more than just naming a name. Even the demons believe (James 2:19). Being a Christian is about following Jesus. Not just any christ which is fabricated.

One can study Church History and the New Testament and yet NOT find True Believers creating PAC's designed to force none-beleivers to behave morally and have biblical values.

Why are people so busy joining with unbelievers to force unbelievers to act like beleivers instead of Preaching the Gospel!

The Gospel is the power unto Salvation (Romans 1:16). NOT Politics and PACs.

Read the Declaration again. It reads like a secular civil-rights document. And just using Scriptural or Ecclesial terms does not make it Sanctified.


In Closing,Take this for example:

As Christians, we take seriously the Biblical admonition to respect and obey those in authority. We believe in law and in the rule of law. We recognize the duty to comply with laws whether we happen to like them or not, unless the laws are gravely unjust or require those subject to them to do something unjust or otherwise immoral. The biblical purpose of law is to preserve order and serve justice and the common good; yet laws that are unjust—and especially laws that purport to compel citizens to do what is unjust—undermine the common good, rather than serve it.

The Bible teaches that you should not follow unBiblical Laws PERSONALLY. But we are no where told to fight the seculars to change them. We are only to Preach the Gospel and see souls converted.

What did the Early Church do about unjust laws in Israel or Rome?

Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men

We don't see them forming PACs.

If our churches spent half the time on the Gospel and Teaching Scripture instead of fighting Secular World systems. Perhaps the world would see change.

Consider this, How has the statistics of Abortions faired since the Pro-life movement started? Have abortions decreased or at least leveled in the past 20 years? Has ANY immorality in society decreased since the church began it own PACs 20 years ago? Have groups like FOTF changed Secular America?