Bishiop Judith Craig

Staying in Christian Conversation Talking
About the Dammann Trial

United Methodist News Service
Bishop Judith Craig
March 20, 2004

"A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything - or destroy it." (from James 3, The Message, by Eugene Peterson)

Lots of words will come out of many mouths in the next days and weeks in the wake of a significant moment called a church trial. The stream of words will continue as we move toward and through General Conference - not just words from the delegates but also from those who discuss the delegates and how they will treat issues and decisions.

What will those words accomplish - or destroy? It may be a good time to read the third chapter of James again - in several versions. Those ancient words about the tongue and what it can do are very timely for all of us who will comment, ask questions, agree and disagree with each other. The disagreement is natural. How the words of disagreement are spoken is a matter of choice for each of us.

Civil discourse is about faithfulness. It has to do with remembering that those to whom and about whom we speak are all children of God, hence meriting honor and respect as persons. As we wish to be treated with reverence, let us remember to treat others with reverence. Guidelines to civil discourse are a road map for remaining faithful to God's intention of peaceful human community, where varieties of thoughts are welcomed, and those who offer them are welcome also, always with Christian charity and kindness.

Bishop Judith Craig

Bishop Judith Craig is a retired bishop of The United Methodist Church.