The Garrison-Martineau Project

(a.k.a. The Conversation Mother Warned You About!)

July 11, 2003

Dear «Name»,

I am writing to let you know about an exciting new outreach opportunity into the larger community. On «Date» in «Location» from 10am-1pm, 10 Believers and 10 Atheists will gather in small groups of four along with a facilitator where they will have a chance to share their personal stories and their concerns about the world and religion's role in it and create bridges of understanding where only stereotypes currently reside. I would like to encourage you to be one of these 10. For many of the atheists attending, this is the conversation they cannot have with friends and family - a time of healing. For Christians in attendance, it is an opportunity to explore the edges of their faith and demonstrate their commitment to emulating Jesus by treating all people with respect. It is my firm conviction that face-to-face dialogue humanizes people and helps us to stop talking about one another instead of to one another.

Imagine it! Small groups - each with two believers and two unbelievers having a civil conversation - with the help of a trained facilitator. The conversation is very structured and facilitators are trained to help people talk more about their own experiences and concerns than merely arguing the facts. Although we may find it difficult to agree with the conclusions reached by others, we can still relate to the human experiences which brought them there. After all, everyone has felt afraid, exhilarated, sad, excited and lonely at one point or another in their lives.

Although I myself am an atheist, I am working with religious organizations to make this event possible. Pastor Richard Reaves from Santa Clara First Baptist would be happy to give you his perspective on the experience.

I have named this project after William Lloyd Garrison and Harriet Martineau, two remarkable people from the 1800's who, despite being separated by theology, gender and the Atlantic Ocean managed to build respect for one another. Please join me in the creation of the next generation of Garrisons and Martineaus. An RSVP is required.

Chris Lindstrom - Coordinator, The Garrison-Martineau Project
stsam @ garrison-martineau.com
(408) 730 - 1083