To Encourage Words as Bridges, not Walls
Whereas, words can be thoughtless, engendering alienation; or compassionate encouraging reconciliation.
Whereas, civil discourse and problem solving has been swamped by intolerant speech, or inflammatory metaphors of "clash, war, crusade, jihad," and parochial narratives of events.
Whereas, since 9/11 a climate of anxiety about world events and relations between religions has promoted a fight or flight mentality - circling the wagons against "them."
Whereas, even Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall" gets misread as if it advocates that "good walls make good neighbors," instead of its real message that "Something there is that doesn't love a wall."
Whereas, bridges are anchored in the identity of each bank, but recognize the common purpose of common good and truth in crossing the separation.
Whereas, we discover, in the crossing, that the same God is worshipped on both sides of the bridge.
Therefore, be it resolved
That Northern Illinois Conference Churches will be conscious of the overt and covert messages in their communities; constantly challenging alienating words, and moreover speaking the healing words.
Be it further resolved
That Northern Illinois Conference churches are encouraged to use the resources of bridge-building dialogue provided by the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns such as Building New Bridges in Hope (on Christian Jewish relations) and Our Muslim Neighbors available on the NIC-CCUIC web site http://www.gbgm-umc.org/interrelig/
Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns
Catiana McKay - chairperson
2006