I ask those who wish to comment or take part in dialogue on this website and blog to adhere to the following covenant:

1. I will treat all other participants in the discussion as I would want to be treated. (Matthew 22:39)
2. I will strive to maintain an atmosphere that supports trust by focusing on what is positive in discussions and in discussion participants. (Philippians 4:8)
3. I will strive to understand first what I and others have in common before focusing on our differences and areas of disagreement. (1 Corinthians 1:10)
4. I will express myself with civility, courtesy, and respect for others, especially toward those with whom I disagree, even if I feel disrespected by them. (Romans 12:17-21)
5. I will express my disagreements with others’ ideas without insulting, mocking, or slandering them personally. (Matthew 5:22)
6. I will not exaggerate others’ beliefs nor make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes. I will always extend the benefit of the doubt. (Ephesians 4:29)
7. I will hold others accountable by reporting to the moderator (Ken Howard) any comments that violate these principles, based not on what ideas are expressed but on how they’re expressed. (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15)
8. I understand that comments reported as abusive are reviewed by the moderator (Ken Howard) and are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked from making further comments. (Proverbs 18:7)

NOTE:
I wish to express appreciation to Sojourners for the idea of a “Comment Covenant” and for many of the specific covenant statements and their Biblical references.