This has been a period of very strong emotions. At times, that has translated to strong language and even actions. It seems worthwhile to share the Francis Pledge of Civil Discourse and possibly, the Serenity prayer. In these times, your continued practice of Centering Prayer is so important.
Remember our chapter maintains a Facebook page. We are including these prayers there as we include many items of interest, and it's an opportunity to engage in sharing and dialogue. Friend us at Contemplative Outreach of Puget Sound North on Facebook! Feel free to share the posts, and encourage your friends to 'friend' our page also!
The Francis Pledge: Commitment to Civility in Discourse
Facilitate a forum for difficult discourse and acknowledge that dialogue can lead to new insight and mutual understanding
Respect the dignity of all people, especially the dignity of those who hold an opposing view
Audit myself and utilize terms or a vocabulary of faith to unite or reconcile rather than divide conflicting positions
Neutralize inflamed conversations by presuming that those with whom we differ are acting in good faith
Collaborate with others and recognize that all human engagement is an opportunity to promote peace
Identify common ground such as similar values or concerns and utilize this as a foundation to build upon
Support efforts to clean up provocative language by calling policy makers to their sense of personal integrity
The Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And Wisdom to know the difference.
Reinhold Neibuhr (1892-1971), American Theologian
Peace, Light and All Good-remember our upcoming Advent retreat on Saturday, December 10th. Full information was in our last newsletter-we'll send an update within the next week if you need an update.
