The Christian Century

Faithful Democracy, an interfaith group, has issued some guidelines for civil political discourse. Chief among them is showing respect for others and judging the success of political conversation not by who wins a debate but by how much new insight is generated. The group recommends storytelling as the way to share political views. Above all, "keep your head" and avoid a shouting match. When someone refuses to listen to you or interrupts with arguments, say: "You just shared your opinion and I listened without interrupting, could you please listen to mine?" (faithfuldemocracy.org).