My colleague over at the Portland Progressive Examiner page has a good article on politics and religion. It is too bad that he has it backwards. The Manhattan Declaration is not an attempt to force any specific denominations beliefs on society; it is a step in the process to ensure that Christians have a place at the table. Christians enjoy the same rights as all Americans; the right to participate in the political process. With that participation comes, the values and principles that we as individuals possess.
Specifically, the Manhattan Declaration addresses the sanctity of life, traditional marriage and religious liberty. These are issues that have been under attack from left for the last three decades. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, Catholic Bishops and other religious leaders are well within their rights as American citizens to advocate for their position; and failure to do so is to fail to provide the leadership and example that every organization expects of its leaders.
There have been several examples in recent years where the government has attempted to impose restrictions against religious freedoms and deeply held beliefs. In 2006, Catholic Charities of Boston announced that it would to abandon its mission to provide adoption placements, rather than comply with state law requiring that gays be allowed to adopt children. There are currently efforts in Washington DC that will force Catholic Charities to make a similar decision by attempting to force allowing adoptions by gay couples and the enforcement of spousal benefits.
The attempt to portray the signers of the declaration as the “American Taliban” and “Christo-Fascists” who are every bit as dangerous as the 9-11 terrorists is over-reaching. The terrorists were attacking America in an attempt to attack our freedoms and way of life. The Manhattan Declaration is doing just the opposite; defending tradition values, freedom and our way of life.
Attempts by the left to force their beliefs on everyone else will result in unwanted and unexpected impacts to the most vulnerable in our society. The government has a decision to make. Faith-based organizations play a large role in providing the safety net for many in this country. Is it worth the risks to these individuals to pursue a leftist, politically correct agenda?
Download the Manhattan Declaration
