Consensus Building in Our Lives and Churches
By Frances Forde Plude
As we think about how Communication and Theology interface, enriching each other, we reflect here on consensus building in our communication.
I have been inspired by the eminent theologian David Tracy’s emphasis on theology as public communication in his book The Analogical Imagination (p 28). Tracy refers to “an explicit recognition of the theologian’s responsibility for authentically public discourse… it is incumbent upon every theologian.”
In communication, consensus building means those with differing viewpoints work toward a common conclusion all can live with.
The Consensus Conference
An interesting consensus process has been developed in Denmark because rapid change, new technologies, and economic pressures result in many people being uninformed about major issues. A consensus conference is designed to allow certain key issues to be processed. Individuals from across society – specialists and citizens – gather for in-depth presentations and discussions around a topic; how to deal with poverty could be such an issue. The group becomes a representative microcosm of society-at-large; they systematically work through the issue and reach reasonable conclusions as a group. This processed wisdom can then be shared with the public.
Discourse may not be designed to reach consensus. In some cases, after respectful listening, parties agree to disagree, but everyone has a clearer understanding of opposing views because respectful listening has occurred. We have mentioned the example of the Common Ground initiative developed with the support of the late Cardinal Bernardin.
Ecumenism as Consensus Building
Interesting communication developments are occurring in ecumenism as various religions, including the Roman Catholic, are beginning to see the value of diversity within unity in churches. Ecumenists (including the Pope) are speaking of the complementarity of beliefs.
The theologian Margaret O’Gara has been a member of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic International Commission on Unity, and author of The Ecumenical Gift Exchange (Liturgical Press, 1998). In the January 14, 2000 issue of Commonweal, she explained that Lutherans and Catholics have officially reached “a consensus on basic truths of the doctrine of justification.”
O’Gara notes that the joint Declaration “uses an interesting approach to show that affirmations used by one church tradition are not denials of the other church’s teaching… making one point does not necessarily mean denying another.”
In theology, in our political life, and in ecumenism we are becoming better at discourse and consensus building. Praise the Lord!
By Suzanne Nelson
When there are strong differing opinions and consensus is needed, take the time to hold a consensus meeting. Do not use this method if you cannot live with the outcome. Have a skilled facilitator who is neutral on the issue.
I have found the following steps effective in leading a consensus meeting:
Gather those involved and explain the process. Arrange chairs in a circle.
Summarize the history of the issue at hand. Ask for clarifying questions but no additional input at this moment.
Restate clearly what you are trying to come to a consensus about. For example, “Should we adopt Program A or B?”
Ask for clarifying questions. Now begin the formal consensus process with a prayer to the Holy Spirit.
Each person states briefly his/her preference on the issue and gives the reason for it while the others listen carefully in a truly open manner.
Ask again if there are any clarifying questions.
The facilitator then directs the group: “After hearing these opinions, please state once more your preference. Do not add any clarifications unless they are new ones that have not yet been stated.”
Usually the consensus is clear by this time. The facilitator asks those who have minority views if they can live with the choice of the majority for the good of the whole. In most cases this will be the end of the process.
A restatement of the conclusion and a closing prayer follow.