A Recommendation on Civil Discourse
ST. ANTHONY PARK LUTHERAN CHURCH
A Recommendation on Civil Discourse
I. Statement of Purpose
As Christians, we are firmly committed to the need, both individually and collectively, to take
positions and voice opinions on sensitive issues facing our church and society. We also acknowledge that
as a congregation, we need to be committed to creating and sustaining an environment where all feel free
to express themselves. Further, congregational discussion must provide a mechanism through which we,
as a Christian community, explore and articulate our common bonds of faith. In doing so, we recognize
the fundamental importance of openly discussing challenging issues, while remaining mindful that our
congregation should always be a safe place to share ideas and differing points of view.
II. Principles.
We agree the following are sources for Christian principles and belief: the Scriptures; the life,
ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and the teachings, traditions and experiences of the
Church. We also believe in the importance of our individual experience and knowledge as well as the
collective wisdom of human experience, explorations and scientific study. Finally, the group recognizes
that all individuals belong to God in equal measure and that we are all sinners, saved only by the grace of
God.
We envision an environment for discourse that is marked by a commitment to mutual
understanding and a genuine care for others. We believe discussion which occurs in this environment will
be open, enlightening, and energizing.
Consistent with this vision, we agreed the following principles can provide a foundation for civil
discourse within our church community.
- Our Christian faith is the trunk of the tree. Our actions--activities, projects, groups, discussions
and positions on issues--are the branches of this tree. As we engage in moral discourse, we must
always keep in mind that our common faith, not our agreement on issues, is the core of our
relationship as a Christian community.
- Discourse, in and of itself, is good and represents one aspect of our connection with each other in
community.
- Lively, open, and honest discourse can occur when participants are sheltered from judgment and
intimidation.
- While diversity is a strength to be celebrated and an asset to be utilized, disagreement and
differing points of view are inseparable aspects of honest discourse.
- Christian love calls us to listen with open hearts and minds. Understanding our limitations and
needs under God, we must recognize that we always have the capacity to learn new things and
gain new insights.
- Discourse should be inclusive. We must ensure that different needs are recognized and that all
styles of communication are encouraged. Not all people speak, write, or publicly discuss issues
with the same approach or style.
- It may be helpful if debate and study can take place without the pressure to take a vote where
there are "winners" and "losers."
- We agree and disagree because we are Christians, not to become Christians. Discourse is a
lifelong process for both the Church and the Christian.
III. Recommendations.
- Embark on an effort through preaching, prayer, worship, teaching, study groups, and other means,
to help us grasp a deeper understanding of the identity and mission of the Church. This effort
should aim at helping us see that our "oneness" is centered in Christ and not in our agreement on
issues.
- Begin and end each meeting with prayer that grounds us in our unity in Christ.
- Develop resources and curriculum materials in all aspects of Christian education to
focus the congregation toward building an environment of love and trust in which
healthy and positive discourse can take place.
- In worship, emphasize positive congregational discourse through sermons, prayers,
music, and special presentations.
- Develop a set of guidelines that will shape discussion and decision-making in our congregation;
these should ensure that ideas and opinions of people in the minority are treated respectfully.
- When appropriate, use an outside neutral moderator.
- Make clear that a person's faith, Christian identity, church membership, and value as a
child of God are not in question.
- Acknowledge that being undecided is a valid and honest position.
- Develop procedural guidelines. Such guidelines should encourage a wide variety of input,
recognize and respect a wide variety of positions, and result in actions that can be honestly said to
represent the will of the congregation.
- Clarify when a group or individual may speak on behalf of the congregation.
- Invite minority reports as part of a formal action.
- Clarify the roles of pastoral leadership, commissions and other congregational groups in the
deliberative process.
- Determine a mechanism to monitor discussion, advise the Cabinet and serve as a resource to the
congregation.
- Encourage and enable voices from all viewpoints of a debate to speak and participate, including
those in the middle or undecided. Create safety and opportunity for those who choose to share
and contribute in ways other than debate or public speaking. At all times, seek to identify and
care for those who are vulnerable to confusion or hurt during the discussion and decision process.
- Consider the use of small study groups to examine issues facing the congregation.
- Provide the opportunity for an opinion and editorial page in the church newspaper,
- Consider other forum formats (e.g. open-ended discussions).
- Encourage standing groups to use their mutually supportive settings as environments
for trusting discussion.
In conclusion, we believe civil discourse is a necessary element of Christian life, and as such is part
of the shared sacred life of Christians in community with one another. To be successful, it must
provide for free and open expression of opinions as well as respectful and attentive listening.
