Why We Invited Ronnie Polaneczky to Speak

My church in Villanova is diverse from a political perspective. We aren't of one mind. For the most part, we avoid talking about politics. Instead we focus on questions of morality, we work hard to find ways to contribute to our greater community and try to live our lives as Jesus wanted. In recent months, many of us have felt troubled by a growing sense of divide in our community and we wondered how our church could support solidarity. One of us remembered an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer written by the columnist, Ronnie Polaneczky. Just before the election she'd invited Trump and Clinton supporters to the Inquirer offices. She facilitated a conversation among them and wrote about the ways this group found common ground. They wanted to talk about their beliefs without being assessed and didn't want to feel alienated from people with differing points of view. We watched a TEDxPhilly presentation Ronnie made about listening and were struck by the simple premise that genuine listening takes place when a person is willing to suspend judgment.

We were thrilled when Ronnie accepted our invitation to speak at Christ Church Ithan (536 Conestoga Rd. Villanova) on Thursday, April 6 at 7 p.m. and we hope members of the Radnor community and beyond will join us. Ronnie will share her own thoughts about building community through effective listening and she will lead us in our own conversation about community. Coffee and homemade desserts will be served. Please register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/w...are located at 536 Conestoga Rd. Villanova, PA. 19085 and our website is www.christchurchithan.org.