[StBernard] Manhattan Declaration - What You Can Do Next

[Westley Annis]

To all signers of the Manhattan Declaration:

Thank you for signing. We are now over 200,000 strong-and counting, for
which we give thanks to God.

We have received thousands of e-mails asking what's next - a good question.
The goal of those of us who drafted and signed the document is not just to
get a lot of names on a manifesto, gratifying though that is. We are seeking
to build a movement - hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of Catholic,
Evangelical, and Eastern Orthodox Christians who will stand together
alongside other men and women of goodwill in defense of foundational
principles of justice and the common good. These are people who could expose
the lie which so many in our culture have embraced about self being the
center of life; and then winsomely present, in the words of St. Paul, "a
more excellent way."

We are looking for people who will work in every possible arena to advance
the sanctity of life, rebuild and revitalize the marriage culture, and
protect religious liberty.

So what's next for you? Let us offer some specific suggestions. More will
undoubtedly follow in the weeks ahead.



1.	Pray. We can do nothing apart from God. So lay this before the Lord
every chance you have, and ask your friends and prayer chains to do the same
thing.
	
	
2.	Study and learn about these issues. We see the Manhattan Declaration
as a great teaching and reference source. Share it with others. Only after
you have tried to teach it to someone else will you have really learned it.
And go deeper in your own study. There are many organizations that offer
excellent resources in support of these foundational truths. If you can't
find resources, the Worldview Resource Directory
<http://e2ma.net/go/2632761904/2398829/89109689/38383/goto:http://www.colson
center.org/images/content/wilberforce/resources/WorldviewResourceDirectory.p
df>  we've assembled might be helpful.
	
	
3.	Come back to www.manhattandeclaration.org
<http://e2ma.net/go/2632761904/2398829/89109690/38383/goto:http://www.manhat
tandeclaration.org>  if you want help in answering questions others pose to
you. We've posted a FAQ (frequently asked questions) tab on the home page,
but most people signed the statement before this was added. So revisit
www.manhattandeclaration.org
<http://e2ma.net/go/2632761904/2398829/89109691/38383/goto:http://www.manhat
tandeclaration.org>  - and watch for other resources we will be posting.
	
	
4.	Invite all of the friends on your e-mail lists to go to
www.manhattandeclaration.org
<http://e2ma.net/go/2632761904/2398829/89109692/38383/goto:http://www.manhat
tandeclaration.org> , read the Declaration (that's most important) and sign
it. 
	
	
5.	Talk to your pastor or small group leader in church. We have heard
from a number of pastors who are already referring to this document in their
sermons and using it in their teaching. We've also heard from bishops and
other church leaders who are planning ecumenical gatherings in their areas
of responsibility. Some are talking about campaigns to equip the faithful.
Other pastors are asking their congregations to sign the document, and
become informed. Go to your pastor; urge him to do this. You can really help
in this area. Suggest it, and then volunteer to be a part of it. Step
forward as a leader.
	
	
6.	If you belong to a civic group like Kiwanis or Rotary, and you have
regular meetings, that's a great forum in which to share information about
the Manhattan Declaration. Explain to people what you've signed and why
you've signed it. A lot of people are asking about this statement, its
meaning and purpose. Educate them.
	
	
7.	Letters to the Editor can be a very effective way to spread
information about important issues. According to some sources, more people
read the Letters to the Editor columns than the editorials. 
	
	
8.	Watch the issues being debated in the public arena, particularly as
the health reform bill is moving through Congress. As a citizen you have a
duty to let your representatives know what you think about the issues,
particularly on profoundly important moral questions like those being raised
now.
	
	
9.	Get on Facebook or any other chat rooms or blogs that you have
access to. Social networking, as we are learning, can have a powerful
impact.
	
	
10.	Finally, talk to your neighbors. Robert Naisbitt wrote that fads
begin from the top down, movements from the bottom up. We are convinced that
societies are changed over the backyard fence, standing around the barbeque
grill, and sitting in the barber shop or hair salon. Learn to be an advocate
in any environment.

In conclusion, in asking you to sign we were not just asking you to raise
your hand, but to raise your voice. Great changes in society have often come
about when Christian people unite in this way - think of the Wesley
awakening, the Celtic revival, or movements for social justice and civil
rights in our own country. We believe God is looking for good men and women
who will pledge (as you have done in signing the Manhattan Declaration),
never to compromise the gospel, and to become well-informed, effective
advocates true and godly principles.

This is a message of hope for every area of human life and endeavor, and a
call to discipleship for every believer. 

God bless you.

Dr. Robert George
Dr. Timothy George
Chuck Colson