The Manhattan Declaration

In case you have not heard of this, you should. The Manhattan Declaration is a 4,700 word document written in the fall "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." The press release is here. The declaration was drafted by Robert George, Timothy George, and Chuck Colson and signed by more than 150 Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christian leaders. Several Southern Baptists were among the original signatories, including George, Colson, Danny Akin, David Dockery, Jimmy Draper, Jonathan Falwell, Jack Graham, Richard Land, Jim Law, Ben Mitchell, Al Mohler, Russ Moore, David Platt, Bob Reccord, Robert Sloan, James Emery White, and Hayes Wicker.

The most notable who didn't sign is John MacArthur. As I read his reason and others, it seems the biggest issue for them was uniting with those who do not believe, as we, about the gospel. I understand that totally, but it didn't seem this document is about the gospel, but social issues.

This is the essence of the document:

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:

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