CHOOSING YOUR ISSUE

A Model of What to Do when we Disagree

Inevitably you will face dissenters. Some may disagree with you completely on the issue and may not even believe you that a problem exists. Others may agree that there’s a problem but disagree with your recommendations on addressing the problems. Whatever the case, our spiritual traditions offer guidance on how to wade through these murky waters.

Give all a hearing...listen before answering
John 7:51 and Proverbs 18:13
1. Treat each other respectfully so as to build trust, believing that we all desire to be faithful to our God. We will keep our conversations and communications open for candid and forthright exchange, we will not ask questions or make statements in a way which will intimidate or judge others.

2. Learn about various positions surrounding the topic of disagreement.

3. State what you think you heard and ask for clarification before responding, in an effort to be sure everyone is understood.

Speak the truth in Love
Ephesians 4:15
4. Share concerns directly with individuals or groups with whom you have disagreements in a spirit of love and respect in keeping with your faith’s teaching.

5. Focus on ideas and suggestions instead of questioning people’s motives. Name-calling, labeling, and trying to guess people’s party affiliation is not appropriate.

6. Share personal experiences about the subject of disagreement so that others may more fully understand the concerns.

Maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace
Ephesians 4:3
7. Indicate agreement with those of other viewpoints as well as disagreement. Then agree to disagree.

8. Seek to stay in community though the discussions may be vigorous and full of tension.

9. Commit to guidelines of grace, urging persons of various points of view to speak and promise to listen to these positions. Be sensitive to the feelings and concerns of those who do not agree with the majority and respect their rights of conscience.

10. Include disagreements in prayers, seeking God’s grace to listen attentively, to speak clearly, and to remain open to the vision God holds for us all.

Center Priorities (.pdf)

Bulletin Inserts
Child Support (.pdf)
Environment (.pdf)
Housing Trust (.pdf)
Indigent Defense (.pdf)
Payday Lending (.pdf)
Minimum Wage (.pdf)

Advocacy Resources
Advocacy Guide (.doc)
Advocacy Portal (link)
Lending Info. (.ppt)
Richmond Map (.pdf)

For Small Groups
Eco-Stewardship (link)
Prayers for Creation (link)
Poverty Diet (link)

Policy Briefs
EITC (.doc)
TANF Child Support (.doc)
Payday Loans (.doc)
Healing Creation (.doc)
Child Ombudsman (.doc)
Affordable Housing (.doc)
Indigent Defense (.doc)
Minimum Wage (.doc)
Wage & EITC (.doc)
VA Tribes (.link)

Actions
Lending Petition (link)
Title Petition (link)
Wage Petition (link)

Reports
Budget Analysis (.pdf)
Food Stamps (.doc)
Lottery Study (link)

FAQ's (link)

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