To the editor:

There are many calls for resistance to what is happening at the federal levels of our government.

Speaking as a person of faith, I find no moral ambiguity in my response: Letters, calls and demonstrations are imperative, because truth must be spoken to power and power is being abused.

At the same time, I will strongly resist the temptation to “Sort, Other and Silo” my neighbors. (See “I Never Thought About It That Way,” by Monica Guzman.)

Countering narratives lob missiles at each other, primarily through the media, creating a smoke screen of fear and doubt and anger and a lot of misunderstanding. Wary of the “other side” gaining even an inch of ground creates an impasse, a cutting of communication. I sense a lack of humility that permits even a step toward each other to find what I know to be there: deeply shared values. Opportunities for reconciliation are lost.

If you care enough for the long term good of the country and are brave enough to listen to neighbors who might disagree with you, I encourage you to check out Braver Angels (braverangels.org).

Katharine Preston

Essex