Manhattan Declaration comes at a time of ‘important decisions,’ Robert George explains

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Prof. Robert P. George

Washington D.C., Dec 12, 2009 / 10:47 pm (CNA).- Robert P. George, a Princeton University professor who co-authored the popular Manhattan Declaration, has explained that the document was intended to speak at a time when “important decisions” are being made concerning the sanctity of human life, the nature of marriage and religious freedom.

Speaking in a Dec. 1 interview with Kathryn Jean Lopez of National Review Online, George said the statement’s backers wanted to bear witness to “three foundational principles of justice and the common good.”

These three principles were the sanctity of human life, the dignity of marriage as the union of husband and wife, and religious liberty and freedom of conscience.

George explained that in the view of the signers, important political and cultural decisions are now being made concerning these principles.

“These decisions will either uphold or undermine what is just and good. There is no avoiding the issues or evading the decisions,” he told National Review Online.

Explaining why the Manhattan Declaration was intended only for Christian signatories, George said that Catholicism, Evangelical, Protestantism and Eastern Orthodoxy have failed to speak with a “united voice” despite their “deep agreement” on moral issues.

“The Manhattan Declaration provided leaders of these traditions with an opportunity to rectify that. It is gratifying that they were willing — indeed eager — to seize that opportunity,” he added.

George clarified that the foundational principles defended in the Declaration are not unique to the Christian tradition as a whole.

In the words of Cardinal Justin Rigali, they are principles that can be “known and honored by men and women of goodwill even apart from divine revelation.”

According to George, so many Catholic bishops signed the document because “they understand the profound truths it proclaims and the urgency of proclaiming them” and they understand the importance of “standing shoulder to shoulder with leaders of other Christian traditions in a common witness.”

He added that signatories are happy to join members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), Jews, and people of no particular faith who affirm these principles and want to join in defending them.

Discussing characterizations of people as liberals or conservatives, George noted that several signatories are politically liberal and many of those called conservatives today were liberal activists in the 1960s.

“They are today ‘conservatives’ and no longer ‘liberals’ because mainstream liberalism has embraced a combination of statism and moral libertarianism that they regard — rightly in my view — as deeply misguided,” he commented.

Prof. George said he hoped that President Obama will understand the determination of Manhattan Declaration signatories to defend human life, marriage and religious freedom.

“On these issues, they cannot compromise, and they will not remain silent,” he added.

Asked about the Declaration’s mention of civil disobedience, George said he and his co-signers believe in the rule of law and recognize an obligation to comply with laws.

“That obligation is defeasible, however. Gravely unjust laws, and especially laws that seek to compel people to do things that are unjust, do not bind in conscience,” he stressed, citing the hypothetical example of pro-life gynecologists being compelled by law to perform abortions or risk their careers.

Countering descriptions of the Declaration’s rhetoric as “dangerous,” George said there is “nothing new or surprising” in the statement. On civil disobedience the Declaration “simply affirms what Christianity has always taught.”

As of Friday afternoon, the Manhattan Declaration had over 282,000 signers.

Its website is at http://www.manhattandeclaration.org

Comments: 4

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Dorothy Sinnott
Indpls. Indiana USA 12/14/2009 01:06 PM EST

We need to pray harder.

Published by: Jess
New York 12/14/2009 06:47 AM EST

I agree with Anne from Florida. We can no longer be observers or bystanders. We have to have our voices and opinions heard. In my old age (68), I have become an activist for Christ. We are in a big battle against the forces of evil, represented by government leaders and pro-abortion groups, and we cannot just complain, we have to do something. Most of all, we have to pray, pray, pray, as our Blessed Mother repeatedly asks us to do. God bless America.

Published by: William Milella
Dearborn, MI USA 12/13/2009 10:44 PM EST

pointed clarification

Published by: Anne
Florida 12/13/2009 09:37 PM EST

I signed up for the declaration when it had barely come out. I thought about it, prayed about it, and was willing to sign, even though I didn't know if it could put me in any danger. I'm at the point where I feel that you have to take a stand in life for what you believe in, come what may. I'm disgusted enough to see what is happening to our society, the breakdown of morals, the distruction of families, the murder of babies. People have REALLY fallen for this "me first" mentality, right and wrong don't exist. It's frightning. I dedicate my life to my family, being a good mom, my church, my faith, and helping anybody I can. I certainly have my faults, but I think I know the difference between right and wrong, and it upsets me to no end to see what is happening to us as a society, as a culture. That's why I signed. We can blame some of the bishops,the politicians, but at the end of the day, the buck stops here. It really is up to each of to get involved, to DO something, even when it's not convenient. So, if you are really upset about the situation, it's up to you, like it's up to me, to do something about it. We DO have the power to move mountains, WHEN we set our minds to it. Don't expect just a few to do all the work, while most complain. Sorry if that sounds harsh, it's just that I care.

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