Ground Rules for Healthy
Inter-religious Dialogue
1. Speak from Your own tradition- where the tradition is unclear be sure
to identify your own opinions. (If you don't have a particular
tradition, identify the school of thought that guides your views)
2. Listen carefully to each speaker.
3. Ask clarifying questions, avoid making value judgments on unfamiliar
beliefs.
4. Expect to learn something- no one is an expert on every tradition
5. List your sources- does this belief come from scriptures, reason,
personal experience or community traditions
6. Don't come to convert or be converted. Be transformed by
understanding your neighbor better.
7. Use helpful comparisons- Consonance: that sounds like X in my
tradition; Dissonance: that is the opposite of X in my tradition;
Nonsonance: that is not an important issue for my tradition.
8. Remember that the moderators each represent a tradition too, be a
part of our ongoing religious education.
9. Use I statements, we are interested in where you come into the
conversation.
10.
Treat your neighbor with respect, they are sharing personal
information. Keep confidential that which is shared in the circle.