Apple has removed an app based on the Manhattan Declaration from its iTunes Store, saying the site “violates its developer guidelines by being offensive to large groups of people.” The Declaration, an ecumenical document promoting traditional marriage, the sanctity of human life, and religious liberty, was developed by prominent Christian clergy and church leaders and has been signed by more than 478,000 people since its introduction in November 2009. More than 7,000 Apple users signed a petition organized by Change.org to remove the app. Change.org’s statement explained the reason why in a statement: “The Manhattan Declaration application exists to collect signatures on a website which espouses hateful and divisive language, the very kind of language I hope the iTunes Store will not want to help disseminate…” Matthew Warner of the National Catholic Register said in his blog, “I can guarantee you that the almost 500,000 people who signed the Manhattan Declaration are “offended” by Apple removing this app…” A petition now exists on the Manhattan Declaration website to reinstate the app on Apple’s iTunes Store.
