Dear Friends,
In the midst of all the activit
y this season brings, it's fitting that we pause to discuss a historic development within the American church.
y this season brings, it's fitting that we pause to discuss a historic development within the American church. In an amazing coming together of spiritual leaders across the theological spectrum, over 150 Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant clergy, academics and organizational leaders, recently signed a remarkable expression of collective Christian conscience and commitment. It's called the Manhattan Declaration, and it's intended to make clear a significant point: As Christian Americans who believe each person's life is a gift of infinite worth, we have an urgent, ongoing responsibility to continue standing for biblical principles in the public square.
In this special Focus on the Family® radio broadcast the purpose and goal of the declaration was powerfully expressed by Dr. Dobson and Dr. Robby 
George and Chuck Colson, two of the primary drafters of the document. It is important to note that the Manhattan Declaration is not a partisan or political statement. Instead, it addresses and elevates four specific areas of universal consensus. Some have referred to these as "threshold issues," meaning they represent the foundation of our faith and the pivot point from which everything else flows. This is the bedrock. If we can't agree on these areas of doctrine, everything else will be of reduced value. These four areas are:
George and Chuck Colson, two of the primary drafters of the document. It is important to note that the Manhattan Declaration is not a partisan or political statement. Instead, it addresses and elevates four specific areas of universal consensus. Some have referred to these as "threshold issues," meaning they represent the foundation of our faith and the pivot point from which everything else flows. This is the bedrock. If we can't agree on these areas of doctrine, everything else will be of reduced value. These four areas are: | 1. | The sanctity of human life. |
| 2. | The sanctity of marriage. |
| 3. | The protection of religious liberty. |
| 4. | The rejection of unjust laws. |
These principles motivate us because we know they are not ours, but the Lord’s, and that they promise to help and heal a broken world. Here is an excerpt from Focus on the Family President, Jim Daly:
“The document is a fresh and lively presentation, a renewed rallying cry to those who have been engaged in this historic effort of spiritual and cultural conversion. This is not a manifesto for culture war; it is a prescription for cultural change. It is also a thoughtful invitation to those who might be sitting on the periphery, perhaps hesitant to join this effort, maybe because they've never been fully aware of the consequences of inaction.
As a unified body, we are acknowledging that our faith is strong and redemptive, but it's not necessarily a comfortable and easy pursuit. Standing up for our beliefs can often come at great cost. But as Dr. George highlighted, "even the secularist philosopher Socrates once posed a relevant question Christians should easily answer today. 'Is it better to suffer an injustice, than to commit it?' By affixing our signatures to the Manhattan Declaration, we are answering an unequivocal "yes."
Join us in embracing and standing up for these crucial biblical principles. How? You can start by reading the document, in its entirety, by clicking here. The Manhattan Declaration is an excellent example of achieving the balance of Truth and Grace required of us as followers of Jesus. This is a document that exhorts us to champion Christian truths in a Christian manner. It stands for something.
Once you've read the declaration, consider adding your name to the list of signers--and urge your friends and family to do the same.
Yours in Christ,
Nicole Theis
President
Nicole Theis
President
Delaware Family Policy Council
