Please join us on Thursday, March 4, 2021, 7:00-9:00 pm for a dialogue hosted by Greenhouse Studios in partnership with the Encounters Series, in which facilitated, small-group conversations among all participants will follow a screening of the animated short, “By Our Love.” This event is open to the entire UConn community, and is capped to 50 participants (anyone on the waiting list will be notified via email if a spot opens up).

The event will begin with a screening of the “By Our Love,” a thought-provoking animated short set to Earl MacDonald’s brooding, instrumental jazz arrangement of the Christian hymn, “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love.” The music’s dark undertones raise questions about the state of contemporary Christianity and its connection to politics. This project explores political tribalism as it relates to the Christian faith with the intent of spurring discussion regarding the incongruities between faith practices and politics.

The animation serves as a springboard for thoughtful contemplation, discussion, dialogue, and commentary. Facilitated, small-group discussions will follow through Zoom breakout rooms. This dialogic conversation model, crafted by UConn's Democracy and Dialogues Initiative, is one that could be employed with congregations, faith communities, and community gatherings. Readings are provided beforehand to better encourage informed and informal dialogue within conversations that could otherwise be polarizing, and ultimately unproductive. Sharing this presentation with your group is a possibility we would be happy to explore with you.  Should you enjoy the video and conversational format, we can discuss bringing the presentation to your group.