I agree with the manifesto in this regard: Evangelicals should identify first and foremost with the good news of Jesus Christ. For us, Jesus Christ is Lord and not any other person or thing. This we have in common with many other Christian traditions.

I am especially appreciative of the honest admission of our failures and sins. We have not always done or said the right thing and we should be always willing to repent and make amends. Repentance is a key ingredient of any manifesto, particularly if we are people of influence and in positions of power.

Moreover, I agree with the acknowledgement of our places of agreement with our sisters and brothers of different Christian traditions while affirming our particularity. This is no easy task and must be carefully done. The Manifesto hopes to affirm our convictions while creating room for dialogue.

The declaration is also correct on two other fronts Evangelicals should both depoliticize and deprivatize. Our allegiance is not to any political party or ideology but to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As Evangelicals, we should be careful that we are not used as political puppets of any political parties. While we are free to speak out on issues from our faith perspective we are not the political agents of Republicans, Democrats, Independents or any political party either here in the U.S. or abroad. Second, we as Evangelicals should not be relegated to the public margin. We have something to contribute to the "Civil Public Square." Just as Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, secularists, atheists, etc., have the freedom to speak from their worldview or faith perspective, Evangelicals should as well. In addition, it shuns any religious theocracy where eEvangelicals are the only valid voice in the public sphere. It affirms Evangelicals while respecting democracy, how refreshing.

I think what is clear for me is that U.S. Evangelicals are a broad constituency. We are Latinos, African-American, Euro-American, West Indian, Asian-American, Asian, etc., This manifesto is an invitation to restate our primary commitments; to Christ, the Gospel, Biblical justice, the least of these, etc, While, certainly and admittedly, this manifesto does not speak for all and perhaps not even the numerical majority of Evangelicals it is a necessary start to a necessary conversation. Perhaps it will lead to this tipping point I mentioned earlier

I want to also share one thing about this manifesto that is refreshing. It is not a manifesto that seeks to demonize or alienate people of different faiths or worldviews. It is not an attack against any group. Rather it is an invitation to deliberate, dialogue, and yes even civil debate about how Evangelicals should self-identify both in faith and public discourse. It is unapologetically Evangelical, but it is not afraid of engaging different points of view.

This manifesto seems to be a part of an ongoing conversation, I serve on some boards with some of the crafters of the document and I believe there hearts and minds are committed to a genuine dialogue among Evangelicals and with other groups. The manifesto is correct, you can be a Christian Evangelical and not agree in part or in whole with this manifesto. Second, I can see in this manifesto an invitation toward what David Gushee calls an "Evangelical Center." Moreover, Ron Sider's challenge looms in his work, "Scandal of Evangelical Politics." In many ways the Manifesto is an outgrowth of much of their work. While they and we have a ways to go I thank them for continuing the conversation.

My hope is that people would read it in its entirety (19 pages) before commenting on it and then they would engage in dialogue. Also remember it is a word. The manifesto is not the last word but a good word worthy of reading.

Here are some friendly critiques:

The manifesto could be strengthened by more diverse voices. Particularly, the glaring omission of many women. I think only a handful of women signatories and I don't know if any were on the steering committee. This is really a major oversight and needs immediate attention.

There is also a need for an increasing racial-ethnic diversity. More could be said about racial reconciliation and racial justice from a Christian perspective. U.S. Evangelicals still need to work harder on diversity. Some progress has been made.

The voices of pastors and people active in parish ministry needs to be a larger part of the congregation. The manifesto if it is truly to be more representative should include not just national leaders, theologians, and activists, but a larger cadre of pastors (men and women) who have their imprimatur on the document.