The WNC With Malice Toward None - Live the Golden Rule initiative seeks to lead, model and encourage conversations that enhance mutual respect and civil discourse among our neighbors.   Norman Rockwell's famous painting expresses the very essence of the Golden Rule in action.

In the words of Terry Tempest Williams:  "The human heart is the first home 

of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions. Can we be equitable? 

Can we be generous? Can we listen with our whole beings, not just our minds, and offer our attention rather than our opinions? And do we have enough resolve in our hearts to act courageously, relentlessly, without giving up

—ever—trusting our fellow citizens to join with us in our determined pursuit of a living democracy?"
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70 participants representing WNC faith communities, organizations and individual co-signers of the Malice Toward None – Live the Golden Rule initiative came together in a virtual multi-faith, non-partisan Vigil for Civility via Zoom on the Sunday afternoon preceding Election 2020.  

Program Details: 

Virtual Vigil
November 1, 2020

Welcome
       Rev. Karla Miller, First Congregational UCC

Personal reflections on Golden Rule
       The Honorable Mayor Barbara Volk
       Rev. Mark Stanley, Trinity Presbyterian Church
       Venerable Pannavati, Heartwood Refuge & Retreat Center

 Individual silent contemplation:
       How may the Golden Rule serve as a guide for
       civil discourse among neighbors?

 Continued silent contemplation accompanied by music
       Performed by pianist Mark Acker and violinist Linda Laderach

 Remarks

        Charley and Pam Rogers

 Break-out room fellowship