LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — In a world where opposing viewpoints often clash, a local group is encouraging a healthier way to communicate.
The St. Rose/St. Johns Social Justice Committee invited Amy Weichart-Bayliff to speak about decreasing polarization. While many people associate polarization with politics, she noted that division can arise in many areas of society.
Weichart-Bayliff discussed how individuals can reduce polarization by listening effectively to others with differing opinions and responding in a constructive, rather than divisive, manner.
“How do we recognize that others hold different values and beliefs that we do, and we can affirm that belief that they have and the passion that they may hold for something, and still have a conversation about the ways that we may see that differently, and a lot of that comes down to how do we listen to what they have to say. How do we respond in a way that is constructive and healthy and can allow us to have a conversation about those differences while still agreeing to disagree,” says Amy Wiechart-Bayliff.
Committee members hope attendees will learn how to lower the temperature in conversations, improve communication and “see the face of God” in their neighbors.
“I think the churches are a natural place for people to begin to see each other better and to communicate better, and I think that we probably all need to learn some ways to do that better, so we're just trying to listen to each other rather than judging each other so much,” says Glen Strobel, St. Rose/St. Johns Social Justice Committee.
The St. Rose / St. Johns Social Justice Committee hosts one gathering each year to discuss issues affecting the world and the church.
