Diocese Hosts Braver Angels' Workshop on Depolarizing Ourselves in Today's Political Climate

Last week, the diocese hosted an introductory workshop by Braver Angels on “Depolarizing Ourselves” – an initiative designed to help faith leaders lessen the effects of polarization encountered in political conversations, and engage in conversations that are centered in mutual respect as children of God. Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement with a mission to bridge the partisan divide for the good of our democratic republic.

Braver Angels addresses polarization not as “the healthy disagreements over issues or philosophy,” but instead “how we regard and talk about large groups of ordinary people on the other side of our own politics as if they were enemies.” The goals of the workshop, according to the Braver Angels facilitators is to teach participants:

• How to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer,” and
• How to interact without demonizing, dismissing, or stereotyping large swaths of the population.

Almost 20 lay and clergy leaders from the Charleston area participated in the workshop, which was organized by Canon Ramelle McCall. “The workshop facilitated open discussions and helped participants acknowledge their political biases, emphasizing the importance of understanding others' political perspectives,” said Canon McCall.

The 1.5-hour session included surveys, small group discussions, and feedback sessions that focused on developing soft skills like listening, nonjudgment, and patience to navigate the political climate. The workshop also demonstrated how participants can become facilitators using Braver Angels’ management skills, engaging in discussions, and maintaining key talking points.

The feedback from the participants was positive. “Overall, participants left feeling well-informed and empowered with the skills to lead discussions on polarizing topics such as politics in any small group setting,” said McCall.

A similar workshop is planned for lay and clergy leaders in the Southern Deanery later next week, and the diocese plans to continue to engage with Braver Angels in the future. Learn more about the organization online at this link.

​View more photos from the event on Facebook at this link.

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