Clergy Group Guidance

Suggested agenda and best practices

Suggested agenda for clergy conversations:

1. A prayer invitation.

2. An introductory ice-breaker question related to the text (suggested on the text document).

3. Discussion of the text (discussion questions suggested on the text document).

4. An invitation to connect the text to scriptures from various faiths.

5. Open conversation focusing on the values to appreciate in the text.

6. Thoughts on how congregations would talk about the texts and engage in small group activities to build community (suggestions on the text document).

7. Details for the next clergy conversation.

8. Closing prayer invitation.

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Suggested practices to guide clergy conversations:

• Meeting in person, in a House of Worship, relying on the holiness of a faith-dedicated building to cradle these discussions.

• Praying and being true to your differences. America protects our freedom to believe, and we honor America through our varied traditions. Consider song if part of your tradition.

• Breaking bread.

• Reading aloud a shared “Covenant for Conversation.” A sample is provided below.

• Structuring the conversation with an acknowledgement of listening. In Hebrew, the word Shamati means “I hear you” and reminds us of Deuteronomy 6:4, the Shema. Thus, by listening to each other, we can feel God’s presence between us.

• Focusing on America’s big story, our narratives, and our identity as Americans. Avoid today’s policy positions.

• Minimizing conversation about the history/historical context. Instead, approach the conversation soulfully, asking what about this text speaks to the core values that provide meaning for your life.

• Holding personal narratives up in the light created by the American narrative. We all experience this country differently. Respectfully listening to each other’s stories is a civic way to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”