The Common Good
June 2010

Keeping a Civil Tongue

by Rose Marie Berger | June 2010

A denominationally and politically diverse group of more than 100 U.S.

Print
Post a Comment | Write to the Editor

A denominationally and politically diverse group of more than 100 U.S. Christian leaders released a “civility covenant” in March promising to pray for politicians and to publicly model civil dialogue (see page 7). “The church in the United States can offer a message of hope and reconciliation to a nation that is deeply divided by political and cultural differences,” reads the statement. “Too often, however, we have reflected the political divisions of our culture rather than the unity we have in the body of Christ.” The signers represent a broad range of the Christian and political landscape, including Chuck Colson, founder of the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, Bob Edgar, president of Common Cause, Sojourners’ president Jim Wallis, and Morna Murray, president of Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good.

This Christian leaders’ covenant follows last year’s launch of the Civility Project by Mark DeMoss, a politically conservative evangelical Christian who was an adviser on Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign, and Lanny Davis, who served as White House special counsel in Bill Clinton’s administration and worked on Hillary Clinton’s run for the presidency. “Important debates are no longer fought with ideas and words,” said DeMoss on why he started the project, “but with shouting and screaming, even throwing things. I am concerned about the hate and animosity being aimed at men and women with whom we may disagree.”
Post a Comment | Write to the Editor
Sojourners relies on the support of readers like you to sustain our message and ministry.

Resources

Like what you're reading? Get Sojourners E-Mail updates!

Sojourners Comment Community Covenant

I will express myself with civility, courtesy, and respect for every member of the Sojourners online community, especially toward those with whom I disagree, even if I feel disrespected by them. (Romans 12:17-21)

I will express my disagreements with other community members' ideas without insulting, mocking, or slandering them personally. (Matthew 5:22)

I will not exaggerate others' beliefs nor make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes. I will always extend the benefit of the doubt. (Ephesians 4:29)

I will hold others accountable by clicking "report" on comments that violate these principles, based not on what ideas are expressed but on how they're expressed. (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15)

I understand that comments reported as abusive are reviewed by Sojourners staff and are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked from making further comments. (Proverbs 18:7)