“This paper has achieved what many thought was impossible,” Laser said. “It has taken the first steps forward on issues at the heart of the cultural wars.”
Dr. Robert P. Jones, co-author of the paper and religion scholar, highlighted a key finding in the paper which helps people understand the diversity of the evangelical community.
The new formula shows evangelicals are roughly one-fifth progressive, one-third moderate, and one-half conservative.
In other words, although half of the evangelical population is more conservative than the general population, the other half have views that can co-exist comfortably with progressive ideas, explained Jones.
The movement’s representatives assured skeptics that neither side had to compromise their beliefs, but that there was plenty of room for consensus even on tough issues like gay rights and abortion.
On gay rights, for example, progressives and evangelicals found they both shared a commitment to human dignity and the Golden Rule.
For evangelicals, support of human dignity is based on the ultimate belief that all humans are created in the image of God, explained the paper. As a result, all humans deserve respect regardless of what they do and believe.
“Protecting the human rights and dignity of all, even for those with whom one disagrees, is not only a consistent thing to do; it is a proud American tradition and a high moral and religious calling,” read the joint paper.
However, the group also agreed no legislation should infringe on the right of religious groups to manage their communities, regulate their religious practices, and to express their beliefs publicly on issues around homosexuality.
Evangelical and liberal supporters of the initiative will spread the idea by inviting the other side on broadcasted shows for dialogue, organize discussions among leaders on some of the divisive issues, among other methods.
“Come Let Us Reason Together answers the plea form the vast majority of Americans who want an end to the rancor and divisiveness. This is a path forward together,” they concluded.
Other supporters of the initiative include: Dr. David P. Gushee, distinguished professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology; the Rev. Brian McLaren, author, speaker and networker among innovative Christian leaders, thinkers, and activists; Dr. Paul de Vries, president of New York Divinity School; Jim Wallis, president and CEO of Sojourners/Call to Renewal; and Tony Campolo, president of The Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education.
