Sexual Orientation: Conversations that strengthen community in challenging times

What happens when deep differences in theology, politics or identity turn into divisions in communities of faith? What initiates and fuels division? What conversations can build connection and care in the midst of profound differences? This evening we will discuss rebuilding relationships by enhancing conversation with lessons and tips from the Reflective Structured Dialogue approach of the Public Conversations Project. PCP has been working successfully with deeply divided communities of faith at local, national and international levels for the past 20 years.

Bob Stains is Senior Vice President for Training at the Public Conversations Project near Boston, MA. For the past 20 years Bob has created constructive conversations on divisive theological and identity issues in local, national and international arenas. He is a frequent conference and university speaker and provides consultation to academic, civic and religious leaders in the US and abroad. Bob consults to the Harvard Negotiation Project and is a Guest Scholar Practitioner for Kansas State University’s Dialogue, Deliberation and Public Engagement program.

Additional Information:

"How does dialogue help people constructively address conflict"

"How do differences turn into conflict?"

Feature Book:

Fostering Dialogue Across Divides: A Nuts and Bolts Guide from the Public Conversations Project