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The founding charism of the Society of Jesus is to serve as agents of reconciliation; this gift should serve as a summons to each of us. How do we respond?
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<p><a href="http://jesuitscentralsouthern.org/">US Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus </a></p>
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<p>The founding charism of the Society of Jesus is to serve as agents of reconciliation; this gift should serve as a summons to each of us. How do we respond? Especially in a time of so much disunity and violence, in an election year filled with strident voices, how do we create a space of civil discourse that allows for true democratic dialogue?</p>
<p>How do we let the foundational principles of our faith inform the ways we ponder and speak to one another about the grave challenges we face?</p>
<p>Thankfully, there are resources for civil discourse. In the sidebar on the right, you will find a letter from Fr. Provincial Ronald A. Mercier to the members of this province. In addition, there is a list of resources, with guidelines for Catholics and Catholic institutions on how to hold engage respectfully and appropriately.</p>
<p>Finally, we in the USA Central and Southern Province have designed an Ignatian-inspired prayer and dialogue process to help Jesuit communities and those in Jesuit works – including faculty, staff, volunteers (JVC, IVC, ASC), parishioners, students – reflect on how they can be bridge builders AND bearers of good news in this time of political and moral division. It attempts to model the components needed for constructive dialogue with people who have opposing opinions on issues, platforms, and – yes – even candidates.</p>
<p>Although it can be used at any time, the upcoming elections and the divisive climate they have created are an opportunity to reflect on, practice and deepen our ministry of reconciliation in a specific context. The process can be used in different adaptations – in 3-4 separate sessions, as a short retreat or afternoon/evening of reflection, or as material for theology, social studies, or civics classes.</p>
<p>Materials include both facilitators’ and participants’ guides. It is not a guide for having a political discussion on opinions about political candidates or parties, but rather a guide to deepen our response to the call of the Jesuit documents – and the call of Christ himself – to be reconcilers in the world.</p>
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<p><a href="http://jesuitscentralsouthern.org/civildiscourse?DTN=DTN-20160830015321">MORE>></a></p>
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<p> </p>
<p>The founding charism of the Society of Jesus is to serve as agents of reconciliation; this gift should serve as a summons to each of us. How do we respond? Especially in a time of so much disunity and violence, in an election year filled with strident voices, how do we create a space of civil discourse that allows for true democratic dialogue?</p>
<p>How do we let the foundational principles of our faith inform the ways we ponder and speak to one another about the grave challenges we face?</p>
<p>Thankfully, there are resources for civil discourse. In the sidebar on the right, you will find a letter from Fr. Provincial Ronald A. Mercier to the members of this province. In addition, there is a list of resources, with guidelines for Catholics and Catholic institutions on how to hold engage respectfully and appropriately.</p>
<p>Finally, we in the USA Central and Southern Province have designed an Ignatian-inspired prayer and dialogue process to help Jesuit communities and those in Jesuit works – including faculty, staff, volunteers (JVC, IVC, ASC), parishioners, students – reflect on how they can be bridge builders AND bearers of good news in this time of political and moral division. It attempts to model the components needed for constructive dialogue with people who have opposing opinions on issues, platforms, and – yes – even candidates.</p>
<p>Although it can be used at any time, the upcoming elections and the divisive climate they have created are an opportunity to reflect on, practice and deepen our ministry of reconciliation in a specific context. The process can be used in different adaptations – in 3-4 separate sessions, as a short retreat or afternoon/evening of reflection, or as material for theology, social studies, or civics classes.</p>
<p>Materials include both facilitators’ and participants’ guides. It is not a guide for having a political discussion on opinions about political candidates or parties, but rather a guide to deepen our response to the call of the Jesuit documents – and the call of Christ himself – to be reconcilers in the world.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://jesuitscentralsouthern.org/civildiscourse?DTN=DTN-20160830015321">MORE>></a></p>
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