Last Friday, November 20, 2009, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., a statement signed by more than 145 Evangelical, Orthodox, and Catholic leaders was released. Known as the Manhattan Declaration, this seminal document addresses the necessity of defending and advancing the sanctity of life, traditional marriage and religious liberty.

This historic statement is a clarion call to Christians to adhere to their convictions. It is designed to send a strong message that the Church is drawing a line in the sand on these fundamental truths and will not be moved – regardless. Dr. Robert George, Dr. Timothy George and Chuck Colson are the authors and among the prominent leaders that originally signed-on. The goal, now that it has been released to the public, is to have other Christian leaders sign the statement.

If you are a pastor or ministry leader, I encourage you to visit www.manhattandeclaration.org, download and read the statement, and strongly consider signing on — more than 60,000 already have since last Friday alone. We also ask that parishioners bring the declaration to the attention of their pastor, and ask him or her to become a signer.