They're not coming out against obamacare. They're coming out against abortion. Sadly, yes, I suppose that is progress since, fortheluvofgawd, it's been legal throughout all their lifetimes.
But I hardly think it's anything to comment them for. It's like commending your mailman for delivering your mail.
And as to your other question, I think the Manhattan Declaration is somewhat 'ecumanical,' is it not?
The Bishops could turn circles in the air and demand Obama be put in chains and some people wouldn’t be happy.
Nuff said