The Art of Civil Discourse By Dr Gary Peluso-Verdend

How do you handle a situation in which you and a friend have a difference of opinion–especially a political difference of opinion? Are you able make your point without losing your friend? Over the last several years, it seems that making one’s point has perhaps become more important than keeping the friend. Where do we find enough “social glue” to hold a diverse society with unceasing disagreement together? 

We often think civil discourse means being polite or nice, but civil discourse is a actually the practice for having difficult conversations. We turn to civil discourse when disagreement is intense, when ideas and commitments conflict. Being kind, truthful, honest, reflective, and an active listener will lead to conversations and arguments that are not polite or nice but are critically important

In this program, Gary Peluso-Verdend, former president of Phillips Theological Seminary, will walk the group through what civil discourse is, what its role in public life could be, why it is so difficult at the present time, and actions we might take. There will be plenty of time for questions and talking with one another—civilly .

Please join us on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for an in-person seminar at the Edmond Community Center, 28 East Main, Edmond. You are welcome to invite guests to attend. We will follow the guidelines for safe distancing, and we will be able to seat 150 people at the community center. Masks will be needed in the building everywhere outside the meeting room. Of course,, we hope everyone is vaccinated, but if you are uncomfortable  being together, we will simultaneously present the program via Zoom and Facebook Live for those who are not ready to attend in person. Please be sure to check the Facebook invitation and indicate whether or not you are coming so that we can know how many people to expect.