Can We Talk?

The Church's Witness in the Ethics and Practice of Dialogue

Abstract

In our deeply divided society Christian communities can give a public witness to the need and possibility of civil discourse by engaging openly in dialogues on today’s issues. The ethics of dialogue is set forth in terms of justice, humility, openness, trust, and truthfulness, all aspects of the neighbor love Jesus commanded. Dialogue is a path to the discovery of shared values and seeks mutual enlightenment rather than attempting to win a debate at the expense of other participants. Connections are made with the work of Norma Cook Everist, who is honored in this issue.