Confronting Polarization

Beach United Church(www.beachunitedchurch.com)  is a community hub and an active, progressive United Church congregation in the Beach neighbourhood of Toronto.

Beach United Church

Confronting Polarization: Holding Differences Creatively in the Public Forum with Mardi Tindal and Michael Saver.

Beach United presents a discussion with audience Q and A on “Confronting Polarization: Holding Differences Creatively”.	 This discussion will be lead by two seasoned facilitators, Michael Saver and Mardi Tindal. As we approach the June provincial election, the toxic legacy of the U.S. insurrection, the misinformation disseminated by the so-called ‘Freedom Convoy’, and continued anxiety about the COVID – 19 pandemic, have all had an impact on citizens of Ontario. Parliamentary democracy depends on robust discussion of differing ideas, values and perspectives on societal issues in ways that affirm connections, respect differences, and de-escalate patterns of harm.We will explore how to create and hold a safe and brave space for such discussion, a space characterized by courage, trust, integrity and respect. Practices that enhance our ability to listen deeply, to respond more than react, and to hold the tension of differences will be offered. In addition to input from the presenters, there will be a generous time for moderated questions and discussion.Presenters:Mardi Tindal is the former moderator of The United Church of Canada. Retired from her career as an adult educator and facilitator, writer, broadcaster and lay church leader she has facilitated leadership groups in many fields throughout North America. Mardi continues to serve as a facilitator at the Centre for Courage and Renewal. Michael Saver has been an educator and facilitator in Toronto for 35 years. Through his Professional Development and Consulting Firm he works with school boards supporting implementation of anti-racism, anti-oppression and equity programs. Michael is a facilitator at the Centre for Courage and Renewal and leads programs and trains facilitators across Canada and in Australia.Mardi Tindal and Michael Saver will outline some of the challenges we face discussing political issues, public health mandates and recent demonstrations and protests and outline how we can perhaps approach these touchy discussions differently. There will be a generous amount of time for a Q and A with the audience.The event will be moderated by Mary Anne Alton, a journalist, documentary filmmaker and member of Beach United Church.This event is being hosted by Beach United Church in advance of the Multi-Faith Candidates Meeting to be held on May 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Church of the Resurrection at 1100 Woodbine Avenue. People can attend or on Zoom on Thursday May 12 at 7 pm. Ten different faith groups in Beaches East York have come together to host a candidates meeting ahead of the June 2nd Provincial election to give citizens a chance to hear the ideas of the various candidates on important social justice issues. For details and registration information visit the Beach United Church website: beachunitedchurch.com

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Confronting Polarization

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