CAIRO — Angry with the liberal policies of the Obama administration, Christian leaders are threatening civil disobedience over pressures to participate in “anti-life acts” or bless same-sex marriages. "Because we honor justice and the common good, we will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide or euthanasia or any other anti-life act," leaders of a broad spectrum of US churches said in a six-page document titled "Manhattan Declaration" cited by the Washington Times Saturday, November 21.
"Nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent, or refrain from proclaiming the truth, as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage and the family."
The signatories, who include Catholic, Anglican, Hispanic Protestant and Orthodox bishops, archbishops and cardinals, threatened to stage civil disobedience if they are forced to take part in these acts.
"Throughout the centuries, Christianity has taught that civil disobedience is not only permitted, but sometimes required," said Archbishop of Washington Donald W. Wuerl, one of the signatories.
"(But) We certainly hope it doesn't come to that."
The threat comes amid high tension the government and many of the signing churches over the government’s liberal policies.
The Archdiocese of Washington has been under fire for refusing to comply with a pending law forcing it to give health benefits or adoption services to same-sex couples.
There are at least 224 million Christians in the United States, according to the website Adherents.com.
Deterioration
The Christian leaders said that they can’t keep silent while seeing their society falling from bad to worse.
"The institution of marriage is at risk of being redefined at its very essence," said Philadelphia Cardinal Justin Rigali.
"Justice demands that we not remain silent in face of these threats."
Princeton University professor Robert P. George, a Roman Catholic, echoes a similar view.
"We see case after case of challenges to religious liberty," he said, citing cases such as compelling pharmacists to carry abortifacient drugs or health care workers to assist in abortions.
"When the limits of conscience are reached and you cannot comply, it's better to suffer a wrong than to do it."
Archbishop Wuerl said faith leaders have a responsibility to protest the society against moral threats.
"(Our task) is to change human hearts. That is how society is changed."
Click to read the whole declaration
Source: IslamOnline
"Nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent, or refrain from proclaiming the truth, as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage and the family."
The signatories, who include Catholic, Anglican, Hispanic Protestant and Orthodox bishops, archbishops and cardinals, threatened to stage civil disobedience if they are forced to take part in these acts.
"Throughout the centuries, Christianity has taught that civil disobedience is not only permitted, but sometimes required," said Archbishop of Washington Donald W. Wuerl, one of the signatories.
"(But) We certainly hope it doesn't come to that."
The threat comes amid high tension the government and many of the signing churches over the government’s liberal policies.
The Archdiocese of Washington has been under fire for refusing to comply with a pending law forcing it to give health benefits or adoption services to same-sex couples.
There are at least 224 million Christians in the United States, according to the website Adherents.com.
Deterioration
The Christian leaders said that they can’t keep silent while seeing their society falling from bad to worse.
"The institution of marriage is at risk of being redefined at its very essence," said Philadelphia Cardinal Justin Rigali.
"Justice demands that we not remain silent in face of these threats."
Princeton University professor Robert P. George, a Roman Catholic, echoes a similar view.
"We see case after case of challenges to religious liberty," he said, citing cases such as compelling pharmacists to carry abortifacient drugs or health care workers to assist in abortions.
"When the limits of conscience are reached and you cannot comply, it's better to suffer a wrong than to do it."
Archbishop Wuerl said faith leaders have a responsibility to protest the society against moral threats.
"(Our task) is to change human hearts. That is how society is changed."
Click to read the whole declaration
Source: IslamOnline
| Home | Daily News | We Are On... |
