On November 20, 2009, Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron signed The Manhattan Declaration: A Call to Christian Conscience, which he called an "historic document (which) intends to speak to all citizens at a time when many important foundational decisions are being made concerning the sanctity of human life, the nature of marriage, and religious freedom."

 

The Manhattan Declaration is a statement that originated at a meeting of Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and Evangelical religious leaders in Manhattan in late September, 2009. The declaration aims to unite Christians to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to encourage fellow citizens to join us in defending them.

 

As of early January 2010, it has been signed by nearly 320,000 people, including cardinals, archbishops and bishops in the Catholic Church.