Today's Lectionary TextJohn 13:34-35I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Today's Devotional
When I was a seminary student at Saint Paul School of Theology I took an intensive course called: Theology, Civics and Civility. The course was taught by the Rev. Emanuel Cleaver, who at the time was the Senior Pastor at Saint James United Methodist Church in Kansas City, MO. Today, Cleaver is a member of the House of Representatives representing the state of Missouri.
This course challenged us as students to ponder the intersections between theology, civics and civility. As well as those intersections between the church, the political landscape and secular culture. As part of the course work we as a class had to draft and adopt a list of Rules of Civility. Our conversation as we took on this project as a class was passionate, yet respectful. Our hope was to hammer out a list that would shape not only our own conversations but those of the faith communities we were serving. As we transition from the season of elections to the season of governance I thought it might be helpful to all of us to revisit the list of Rules of Civility this class developed. Rules of Civility Shortly after the turn of the 18th Century, a young colonist by the name of George Washington developed what became known as the 110 Rules of Civility which were based on and borrowed from Jesuit educators. President Washington used these principles throughout his life to guide his disciplined style of leadership. These 110 hand written rules heightened his successful Presidency and contributed to the shape of the Office of President. We the students of the Theology, Civics and Civility course at Saint Paul School of Theology, believe that civility in the tradition of Washington, can spiritually transform society. Toward that end and because of a commitment to human dignity and Creation, we offer our 25 best suggestions as the following Rules of Civility. Let others go first People have names, use them Consider everyone’s point of view; all voices have something to contribute Avoid generalizations and blanket statements Debate should end when the meeting is over — keep conversation in the room Consider your responses before acting — practice prudence Be conscious of one’s surroundings so as not to impose on others Be proactive in hospitality Acts of lying, cheating, stealing, coveting are uncivil Speak the truth in kindness when expounding a grievance Use language that uplifts rather than language that degrades Listen carefully to the words of others before distracting yourself with your own response If you take initiative take responsibility Be willing to laugh at yourself and smile often Let insults go unheeded — Never kick a SKUNK No fingers pointing regardless of what finger you use Endeavor to raise standards rather than lower them Share all you can without resentment Make sure everyone understands the rules and customs that will be followed Play well with others — everyone gets a turn Challenge uncivil behavior Respect God’s creation all life depends on it Recognize your own self worth and the value of others; we are all Children of God Pursue Physical, Emotional and Spiritual health and Wholness EVERY RULE HAS EXCEPTIONS |
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