Around Town
‘Let’s Talk, New Canaan’ Set for May 16 [Q&A]
|
Concerned that divisive national politics are infiltrating New Canaan, community leaders including local clergy are calling for residents to work toward a clearer, fuller understanding of each other.
On the morning of Saturday, May 16, a new effort in town—a free workshop titled ‘Let’s Talk, New Canaan: A Community Conversation Across Political Differences’—will launch at Lapham Center (participation is limited, register here). We sat down with two representatives from The Congregational Church of New Canaan who helped spearhead the gathering—the Rev. Stephen Chapin Garner, senior minister, and Director of Spiritual Formation Marianna Kilbride—to get some background and details on ‘Let’s Talk, New Canaan’ (more info here). Here’s a transcript of our conversation. ***
New Canaanite: Where did this effort that you are calling ‘Let’s Talk New Canaan’—where did it come from? The Rev. Chapin Garner: I think it was during the last election cycle in town, we heard from our own church members, community members, that the level of discourse was a little bit vitriolic.