Check out the Manhattan Declaration

By Eileen Love

This time of year we are treated to lots of retrospectives highlighting the year’s big events. We remember who made news, which awards were given, what the bestsellers were and which movies drew the biggest crowds. Isn’t it mind-boggling to reflect on all that can happen in a 12 month period? But all events are not equal. Some things - though paraded in front of us constantly - are frivolous and time-wasting. Is it part of being well-informed to be able to recite the details of the latest Hollywood breakup? Seems a lot of “investigative reporting” is of this type.
On the other hand, there have been many discussions this year on things that will have a lasting impact. These issues require our attention. We can’t afford to be ill-informed on decisions that will affect our lives, our freedoms and future generations. Some of the issues being debated these days threaten to undermine the Judeo-Christian ethos that is part of the fabric of America.

As we say in our ENDOW studies, “Whenever people gather to discuss the problems that ail humanity, the voice of the Church should be heard. “ That is why I am grateful for the recently released Manhattan Declaration. This letter is a formal statement by members of Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical churches to speak out in defense of the sanctity of life, the institution of marriage and religious liberty. The hope is that people who agree with these important words will sign off on this document to signal our agreement and lend our voices and names to the declaration.

Denver’s own Archbishop Chaput was not one of those who personally had a hand in drafting the document (the Catholic voice was provided by Professor Robert P. George of Princeton) but he was pleased to sign off on it. In a recent interview with Catholic News Agency, Chaput said, “Now and always, we need to trust in God; and then we also need to act. Right here, right now, in this country, the work of organizing and struggling in the public square for what we believe belongs to us. That means all of us, and each of us.” Access his article at the Catholic News Agency's website here.

In this midst of this time of preparation for Christmas festivity, do yourself a favor and carve out a few minutes to read the Manhattan Declaration at www.manhattandeclaration.org. Amidst all the media coverage of all that’s gone on this year, it would be a shame to overlook this. It really is a bright spot.