Conversation in a Troubled Time The Situation It is not easy, in the best of times, to have a good conversation (See "Art of Conversation"). The task is made more difficult if tension exists because public disagreement surrounds a pastoral decision or a parish event has raised a controversial issue/action. This is, however, the very moment in which members of the Christian community need to be able to speak their truth to one another in love and mutual respect. How else do we discover the working of God's Spirit among us? Steps Toward Conversation Someone needs to call the community together for conversation with one another. This person can be, but does not need to be, in a role of leadership or authority. Each member of the community is responsible for the life of the community. Each of us can invite persons to gather together for reflection and sharing. Persons need to be assured that the conversation to which they are invited is open to difference and respectful of the many viewpoints surrounding the issue/event at hand. Persons may need also to know that principles of confidentiality and privacy will be determined by the group gathering and held sacred by the participants (Resources for Conversation). The goal of conversation in a troubled time is discovering God's work in this conflict and/or disagreement. Such a goal suggests that each participant needs to be open to change and to growth. Such a goal respects the place of papal and episcopal authority in the Christian community, the place of theologians in clarifying Church teaching, and the place of the sensum fideli in receiving and authenticating the same. Paul VI offers practical characteristics for a conversation in troubled times: "It would indeed be a disgrace if our dialogue were marked by arrogance, the use of bared words or offensive bitterness. What gives it its authority is the fact that it affirms the truth, shares with others the gifts of charity, is itself an example of virtue, avoids peremptory language, makes no demands. It is peaceful, has no use for extreme methods, is patient under contradiction and inclines towards generosity." Such a conversation seeks the working of God's Spirit in the Christian community and God's saving revelation for this time and place. Conversation Eric Law offers a technique that might be useful in establishing an open atmosphere for mutual sharing and listening, reflection and discussion. GO BACK