Our Faith Our Vote Civility Pledge
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Download the pledge & share with your congregation!
I believe our communities, our country and our world are stronger and safer and when we treat each other with respect. I believe that my voice is important, and I believe that listening to the voices of others is important for a healthy, vibrant democratic process. I believe that insulting, attacking or demonizing people with whom we disagree is unproductive and unacceptable. As individuals and as community, we can and should do better.
As a person of faith, I pledge to participate responsibly and faithfully in the electoral process. I recognize my responsibility for supporting a free, fair and respectful democratic process, and I pledge to do my part. I commit to honoring my own voice and the voice of others. I commit to educating myself and others about the issues at stake in these elections. I commit to expressing myself responsibly, to seek to learn from different perspectives, to always offer respect to others, and to challenge hurtful, disrespectful behavior when I can.
“Civil discourse involves more than just politeness; it involves disagreement without disrespect, seeking common ground, listening beyond preconceptions, and remaining present in dialogues despite deep disagreements. The practice of civil discourse seems to be lost among us. Where diversity of opinion is present, we have diminished the skills we need to navigate conversations among ourselves that afford the opportunity for us to learn and grow together in community. Civil discourse requires time and intention. Listening to each other with respect should be an exercise of our faith and our commitment to love our neighbors as ourselves. “
Read Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson’s full reflection on “Civility Across Differences” here.