The Manhattan Forum
The Manhattan Declaration and the Manhattan Forum
The recent Manhattan Declaration (November 20th, 2009) summons Catholic, Orthodox and Evangelical Christians to pursue and defend certain
first principles of the common good: the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death; the dignity of
marriage as a union of husband and wife; and public freedom of
conscience and religion—freedom, that is, to advocate and to act in
the public square, from religious or conscientious principle. The importance of this endeavor is highlighted in a brief summation of the document on its website:
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.
The truths espoused by the Manhattan Declaration are thus a matter of interest, not only for politicians and religious leaders, but for all Christians and people of good will.
Taking its name from this landmark document, the Manhattan Forum lecture series aims to introduce residents of the Bay Area to the "state of the question" on the abovementioned principles and related issues that likewise demand careful, critical reflection.
Previous Talks Available Online
The first five lectures in the Manhattan Forum series are now available through our YouTube channel. Upcoming talks will be made available here as they occur.
