The other day we noted how the Religious Right was beginning to grow alarmed at the possibility that Republicans were going to focus solely on economic issues as they set out their electoral strategy and governing agenda, ignoring things like abortion and marriage because, as Haley Barbour says, talking about social issues just means the GOP is “using up valuable time and resources that can be used to talk to people about what they care about.”

Well, the fear appears to be quite real, prompting the architects of the Manhattan Declaration to send out an email warning that “some high-profile conservative leaders have in recent weeks weakened their support of traditional marriage” and urging activists to contact Republican leaders and demand that they refuse to “backtrack on the Republican Party’s commitment to life, liberty, and traditional marriage”:

We have just learned that the Republican congressional leadership–feeling supremely confident that they can win back Congress campaigning only on economic issues–seems poised to promote a mid-term election agenda that does not even mention the party’s historical commitment to life, marriage, and religious liberty.

The Manhattan declaration is a non-partisan movement of Christians from all denominations and political persuasions. Our fidelity to Scripture, however, compels us to speak on public issues which affect our most fundamental moral commitments–as well as the common good of our nation.

We long for the day when both of our great political parties embrace a culture of life, a defense of the traditional family, and a commitment to religious liberty. For the one party which has in recent years officially supported these issues to now retreat would be a dreadful and highly symbolic act.

So we urge you in the strongest terms possible to talk to or e-mail your congressmen and senators, Democrat and Republican alike, urging them to support the Manhattan Declaration.

We also ask you to e-mail the offices of Republican House leader John Boehner and Republican Whip Eric Cantor urging them not to backtrack on the Republican Party’s commitment to life, liberty, and traditional marriage. Or you can call Rep. Boehner’s office at (202) 225-4000, or Rep. Cantor’s office at (202) 225-0197.

Some high-profile conservative leaders have in recent weeks weakened their support of traditional marriage. We know the supporters of so-called gay “marriage” are well-financed and aggressive. But this struggle within the Republican Party tells us we’ve got to do a better job of making our case.

Use the arguments so well articulated in the Manhattan Declaration. And remember, your job is not just to sign a statement or even get others to do so, important as that is; it is for you to become an advocate.

This alarming news has been verified to be true. But if you act right now, we believe there is a good chance that the Republican Party will stand by its principled positions.

God bless you, and continue to follow the Manhattan Declaration website for reports on this issue and other resources.

Respectfully,

Chuck Colson

Dr. Robert George

Dr. Timothy George