Faith
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
I seems to me that a calming, even-handed suggestion has been made by the pastors, priests, rabbis and other clergy of the East Jefferson Interfaith Clergy Association in the New Orleans area, which they have titled a "Faith Statement On Civility In Public Discourse."
As people of faith, we are deeply troubled by the lack of civility that we witness daily in public discourse. Since we regard all human beings as God's children, created in God's likeness, we regard an offense against our neighbor as an offense to God. Violence begets violence, in speech and in action.
As leaders in our faith communities, in light of the intensifying debates on such issues as healthcare, immigration, economic and foreign policy, we pledge ourselves to civil discourse and invite all to commit to this pledge:
1. We will disagree without being disagreeable.
2. We will affirm the right of the other to differ, as we affirm ours.
3. We will debate the issues, not debase the individual who differs from us.
4. We will avoid listening to, encouraging, or endorsing those in public and in private life who demand the dignity of others by name-calling and labeling.
5. We will not acknowledge or forward electronic messages or videos designed to demonize or humiliate persons or groups.
6. We will be examples of civility to those who come into contact with us.
We call upon all people, especially our elected leaders, to embrace this pledge by word and deed.
William R. Kaster
Retired United Methodist Pastor
North Webster, via e-mail[[In-content Ad]]
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I seems to me that a calming, even-handed suggestion has been made by the pastors, priests, rabbis and other clergy of the East Jefferson Interfaith Clergy Association in the New Orleans area, which they have titled a "Faith Statement On Civility In Public Discourse."
As people of faith, we are deeply troubled by the lack of civility that we witness daily in public discourse. Since we regard all human beings as God's children, created in God's likeness, we regard an offense against our neighbor as an offense to God. Violence begets violence, in speech and in action.
As leaders in our faith communities, in light of the intensifying debates on such issues as healthcare, immigration, economic and foreign policy, we pledge ourselves to civil discourse and invite all to commit to this pledge:
1. We will disagree without being disagreeable.
2. We will affirm the right of the other to differ, as we affirm ours.
3. We will debate the issues, not debase the individual who differs from us.
4. We will avoid listening to, encouraging, or endorsing those in public and in private life who demand the dignity of others by name-calling and labeling.
5. We will not acknowledge or forward electronic messages or videos designed to demonize or humiliate persons or groups.
6. We will be examples of civility to those who come into contact with us.
We call upon all people, especially our elected leaders, to embrace this pledge by word and deed.
William R. Kaster
Retired United Methodist Pastor
North Webster, via e-mail[[In-content Ad]]
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