The First Amendment is a wonderful thing. The freedoms it gives us are essential for true conversation and debate. We believe deeply in the freedom of speech — we think that people should be able to speak about what they believe. We believe that a diverse dialogue about all issues is important, including issues of faith. However, we are concerned about much of the discourse we have observed this year.

There will always be disagreements on issues of faith, social justice and civil liberties. Contrasting viewpoints are an important part of our own development. Our concern arises when constructive disagreement or debate turns into something different; when people begin to be singled out and made to feel as if they are of lesser worth; when the goal is to tear the other down to rebuild them in a particular image; when ad hominem attacks are used against those with whom one disagrees.

We suggest there may be a better way. We suggest instead of standing at the extremes and yelling personal attacks at one another that we might find a Third Way. We believe that we can find common ground, even if that common ground lies in the fact that we mutually respect the fact that we disagree.

This mutuality has the potential to diffuse polarization and open us to more meaningful dialogue. When there is no commonality to be found, we can disagree with one another’s actions without attacking the worth of one another as human beings. We believe that the time for a higher public discourse has come.

The Third Way Team

Collegiate United Methodist Church/

Wesley Foundation