The Garrison-Martineau Project

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

The heart of The Garrison-Martineau Project is a simple idea: 2 believers, 2 nonbelievers and a trained facilitator getting together for a few hours, sharing food and conversation. The first hour is dedicated to allowing each person to tell the story of their own personal theological journey -- what they learned, when they learned it and the experiences that brought them there and have continued to bring light and satisfaction to their lifepath. Although we cannot always understand the conclusions others have reached, we can relate to the human experiences they went through along the way -- who, after all, has never felt sad, happy, excited, angry, fearful, exhilarated or triumphant at some point in their lives? The second hour is dedicated to allowing each person to choose a current issue regarding the role of religion in public life (either not enough or too much...) and explain why that issue is of concern to them. What is the personal connection? Did they have an experience which shaped their view? Did they read an article that somehow resonated with them? We do not expect people to leave with sympathy for the political proposals of the "other side", but we do firmly believe that developing empathy for the human fear, anger and hope behind the proposals is the first step to developing creative solutions in the future which can address all of our human concerns. The last hour is dedicated to -- food!

To sign up for a scheduled dialogue, click here and RSVP.

To sign up to receive notification of upcoming dialogues in your area, signup here .

The Garrison-Martineau Project gets its name from the unlikely friendship between William Lloyd Garrison and Harriet Martineau in the mid-1800's. Garrison was a staunch Christian and a tireless advocate for the equality of African Americans in the United States. Martineau was an avowed atheist and the first female sociologist as well as an activist for a variety of causes in England, including women's rights and better treatment of the poor. In 1848, after Martineau openly embraced atheism, Garrison, a member of Martineau's literary circle wrote her a letter expressing his respect for her character, her skepticism and her search for the truth. Today, The Garrison-Martineau Project aims to create the next generation of Garrisons and Martineaus by enabling ordinary people across the theological spectrum to come together face-to-face and have "the conversation mother warned you about" in a facilitated, productive and friendly manner. No barriers. No audience. Just people talking to one another.

The Garrison-Martineau Project is headquartered in the San Francisco bay area but we continue to help groups around the country in sponsoring dialogue sessions. If you're interested in having one in your area, feel free to take a look at the materials we have and give us a ring if you are interested. We can provide advice, training and help to groups hosting sessions around the country.