MCC Guide for Having Better Conversations on Divisive Issues

Conflict is a normal part of life. It arises in our workplaces, in our churches and with our families. Having meaningful conversations about tense issues is a necessary characteristic of committed relationships, resilient communities, healthy churches, and strong democracies. Jesus’s call to love our neighbours is reflected in the conversations we engage in with one another.

Jesus’s call to love, however, isn’t a call to avoid or hide from disagreement. In the Sermon on the Mount, and in many of his parables, Jesus publicly engaged with tough and divisive subjects that made those around him uncomfortable.

This guide offers a few tips for having positive conversations around significant issues in hopes that we can create spaces for better disagreement with respect and authenticity.