“If you think about the issue you are most passionate about, have you ever had the chance to sit down with someone to hear the opposite perspective? The challenge we have is to put real people – stories and experiences, on the other side of the issues we care about. Having a posture of hospitality means approaching these conversations with a humble curiosity to find the deeper values beneath someone else’s position.”

Kelly Fassett, Q Commons

Through hosting neighborhood dinners and inter-church prayer and worship events, hospitality is a large component of UniteBoston’s ministry. Kelly Fassett, UniteBoston’s Executive Director, was one of the key speakers at Q Commons Boston’s “The Power of We” gathering last fall. Using Jesus as a model, who didn’t treat others as an enemy, but built a bridge and reconciled himself to people who were vehemently against him, watch the 9-minute video below to hear Kelly’s advice for building bridges and promoting hospitality in our divided, polarized world.

We also want to highlight the great work of A Faith That Does Justice, who hosted a community forum on “Kindness and Civility: A Call to Common Purpose” last week.

The panelists in the room offered these strategies for civility:

• Practice self-reflection
• Look people in the eye
• Find common ground in shared projects that allow you to develop relationships beyond your disagreements
• Recognize our shared humanity
• Research your opinions and consider the perspectives of people who are different from you
• Embrace collaboration
• Accept that a person is more than just their objectionable idea
• Surround yourself with people who hold you to a common standard

Finally, the Christian Community Development Association published a valuable Lenten blog this week on Hospitality.

May God teach us how to build relationships among diverse siblings in Christ, so that our love for each other will be a witness to the reconciling power of the gospel!