Ministerial association to address civil dialogue at Ripon College panel Nov. 9

“How to Engage in Civil Dialogue with Those With Whom We Disagree Politically” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at Ripon College. The Ripon Area Ministerial Association will host the panel discussion as part of the College’s The Center for Politics and the People. The talk will be in Kresge Little Theatre, East Hall, on the campus. Panelists will discuss how to speak civilly with those with whom we have had strained relationships since last year’s election.

The polarization that began during the 2016 election campaign has continued in American society, and there have been many cases where family members or friends have lost the ability to speak with one another respectfully or have completely severed some close relationships.

Panelists will include: the Rev. Joanna D’Agostino, pastor of First Congregational Church; Rebecca Feyen, moderator of Prairie Lakes Unitarian Universalist Fellowship; Luke Hatfield, campus minister with His House Christian Fellowship; and the Rev. Kevin Mundell, pastor of Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ. Brian Smith, professor of religion and co-director of the Center for Politics and the People at Ripon College, will moderate.

The Center for Politics and the People at Ripon College was created to promote constructive political debate, analyze public policy and foster the engagement of citizens and their government. Every year the Center hosts speakers and panels to foster discussion surrounding current events and policy objectives.