Signed
When I was growing up, my father advised me to never sign petitions. He felt that they tied you too much to a group and could at some point be used against you. I admit that this advice stuck with me and sometimes I react negatively to petitions. At the very least, I always read them carefully and never sign unless I am 100% behind the cause.
That being said, I just signed the Manhattan Declaration. Even though it was endorsed by many outstanding Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical leaders, I didn’t want to sign it until I read it myself. Now that I have read it (download it here), I can say that it is a powerful document defending our pro-life and pro-marriage beliefs, as well as our liberty to hold to and live out those beliefs. I also note that my own ordinary, Archbishop Wuerl, signed the Declaration.
I recommend that you read the Declaration as well and urge you to consider signing it. Even if my father would recommend against it.
Thank you, I had not heard of the Manhattan Declaration until you posted. Have read, and signed.
After years of ‘being willing to defend to the death their right to say” things that attack the foundations of our faith and morals, my husband and I have realized that even some of those we love dearly will not show us the same courtesy. They take advantage of our forbearance, and yes, silence, on issues of great importance. While we still love those who oppose us, it’s time to withdraw from defending them, and start defending our own.