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The Manhattan Declaration

Christians, when they have lived up to the highest ideals of their faith, have defended the weak and vulnerable and worked tirelessly to protect and strengthen vital institutions of civil society, beginning with the family.

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.

Inasmuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the well-being of society, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Because they are increasingly under assault from powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them. We make this commitment not as partisans of any political group but as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

These words appear on the Home Page of the Manahattan Declaration.  This declaration was made public on November 20, 2009.  At this moment (0849 on 24 November 2009) there are 76,430 signatures.  I was signature 75,987.  In the time it took me to read the declaration over 500 persons had added their signatures.

I encourage you to do as I did.  Read the declaration.  Pray over it and seek God's guidance.  Read it again.  If God so leads you, sign it, and share it with your congregation.

• Manhattan Declaration Home
• Manhattan Declaration Text
• Manhattan Declaration Text with Original Signers
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• Sign the Manhattan Declaration 

Yours in Christ,

John 

The True Calling of the Clergy

"Is not this as it ought to be?  Since the true calling of the reverend clergy is like their divine Master's; - not to bring the righteous, but sinners to repentance.  Did some of them leave the converted and comfortable congregations, before whom they have ministered year after year; and plunge at once, like St. Paul, into the infected centers and hearts of vice; then, indeed, would they find a strong enemy to cope with; and a victory gained over him, would entitle them to a conqueror's wreath.  Better to save one sinner from an obvious vice that is destroying him, than to indoctrinate ten thousand saints.  And as from every corner, in Catholic towns, the shrines of Holy Mary and the Child Jesus perpetually remind the commonest wayfarer of his heaven; even so should Protestant pulpits be founded in the market-places, and at street corners, where the men of God might be heard by all of His children."  - Herman Melville, Redburn: His First Voyage

What Bishop Lindsey Davis Expects from His Pastors

Bishop Lindsey Davis became the Resident Bishop of Kentucky in September 2008.  Soon after his arrival he met with the clergy of each district.  In this meeting he set forth his expectations for his pastors. 

Bishop Davis comes back to Kentucky where he had been a pastor.  He has served in the episcopal office for twelve years before coming to Kentukcy.

Here are the bishop's expectations as I remember them:

1. Be a spiritual leader in your congregation.
2. Have a godly character.
3. Practice the spiritual disciplines that include prayer, Bible study, worship, communion, and acts of mercy.
4. Uphold and teach the order, dignity, and doctrine of the United Methodist Church.
5. Accept the authority of those appointed above you.
6. Go where sent.
7. Be an evangelist and a witness to the good news of God in Jesus Christ.
8. Work hard and take care of yourself.
9. Take care of your family.
10. Have a sense of humor.
11. Always exercise good judgement.
12. Finish the race well.