Why was there so much controversy about "A Christian Declaration of Marriage", a document that supported marriage and had a primary purpose of seeking to remedy the undermining of marriage?
Although apparently not the original intent of those involved in the task force which developed "A Christian Declaration on Marriage", it was announced as a first-of-its-kind declaration rejecting same-sex marriages in Christian churches.
Current Status
The task force writing the document looked at the question, "Is the rising divorce rate in America something about which we have common concern and can address together as Christians?"
The Declaration mentions being alarmed at national statistics which show:
- high divorce rates
- cohabitation increasing
- more non-marital births
- less marriages taking place
- fewer couples, especially young couples, interested in pre-marital education
Signers of the Document
The document was signed by:- Bishop Anthony O’Connell, Chairman, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Committee on Marriage and Family Life
- Dr. Richard Land, President, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Southern Baptist Convention
- Bishop Kevin Mannoia, President, National Association of Evangelicals
It was not signed by:
- Dr. Robert Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches
History
On November 14, 2000, their response was released during the fall meeting of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C. which coincided with the General Assembly of the National Council of Churches held in Atlanta.
"A Christian Declaration of Marriage" defined marriage as "a holy union of one man and one woman" and called for "a stronger commitment to this holy union" and "practical ministries and influence for reversing the course of our culture." It was drafted by a task force made up of representatives from Christian religious groups.
