Christian leaders, both Catholics and Evangelicals, said in no uncertain terms today that they will not be silenced when it comes to issues of grave moral concern including abortion, same-sex marriage and stem-cell research.

The leaders will be releasing a manifesto today called the Manhattan Declaration, as reported in the New York Times. It states:

 “We will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide and euthanasia, or any other antilife act; nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent.”

 Christian ethics are under attack. You may think the First Amendment protects these rights or that conscience clause language (which President Obama has already started the procedure to rescind) makes sure doctors and other medical professionals are not discriminated against or lose their jobs for refusing to do abortions or other life-ending procedures.

 They don’t, which is why it’s come to this.

 The Catholic Church and Christian leaders are not imposing their views on anyone but if forced to comply with laws that are contrary to moral absolutes, be assured will not yield.

 Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council said this today:

Without question there will be critics yelling ‘separation of church and state.’ This is silly: we are imposing our denominational views on no one. We are bringing our faith to bear on public policy because we see the efforts of the Left as a frontal assault on human dignity, the American family, and the future of our children. For this reason, we will not retreat an inch and will make the case for life, marriage, and religious liberty in the public square.

 What an encouragement for all Catholics and Christians today who are struggling in their fight to uphold traditional morals and values in a world that has seemingly ignored all sense of right and wrong.

 It is our hope that the U.S. Congress reads and considers this manifesto seriously since the healthcare reform bills are in direct opposition to the sanctity of life in many regards.

 View the entire 4700 word manifesto here: http://demossnews.com/ManhattanDeclaration