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Critics in evangelical circles say Edgar's action will further erode support for future ecumenical endeavors. "The NCC is saying it wants to reach out in a new dialogue to evangelicals and charismatics," said James Heidinger, president of the conservative Good News movement within the United Methodist Church. "But I find it an interesting contradiction that they have not tried to reach out to evangelical bodies within their own denominations."

Edgar said he expected the effect of the controversy to be negligible, predicting that unity could be built around issues such as reducing poverty and improving education and healthcare for children. But Mannoia said the NCC's withdrawal has "raised serious questions about [its] willingness to engage with integrity on other issues."

Mannoia also urged NCC denominations that supported the marriage declaration to sign on: "I don't want [Edgar's] withdrawal to imply that the rest of us are closing the door to them."

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The homepages of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) and the National Council of Churches (NCC) offer more information on the groups—and the controversy.

Read Edgar's statement, in which he withdraws his previous support of the declaration.

Christianity Today's Weblog summaries of the document, Edgar's problems with it, and his eventual withdrawal contain links to other news outlets' coverage.

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February 5 2001, Vol. 45, No. 2