We began this paper with the metaphor of the bridge spanning the cultural divide between Evangelicals and progressives. The co-authors of this paper (a team of
progressives and Evangelicals), along with the many others who have issued supportive statements, have already taken the first steps across that bridge. Throughout this process, we have listened to each other, reasoned together, and reached a place of trust and productive dialogue. The result is a set of shared values and concrete policies we stand behind together. Even on the most divisive issues such as the role of religion in the public square, respect for the human dignity of gay and lesbian people, and abortion, we have identified common ground that opens up new
space for progress. With one voice, we are calling for a truce in the culture wars and
the end of using each other to make political points.

We have been reminded along the way that our current work does not occur in a
vacuum. It builds on work already underway between progressives and Evangelicals
on a number of issues, such as poverty and the environment, and it draws strength
from the considerable number of Americans who are both Evangelical and progressive.

In order for this paper to bear more fruit, both progressives and Evangelicals will need to continue the hard work of reasoning together. We do not conclude that these conversations will be easy or that the paper's proposals in themselves will resolve all the real disagreements and tensions on cultural issues. But we believe that the gap need not be as wide and the mistrust need not run as deep.

Finally, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to the dozens of leaders in the Evangelical
and progressive communities who shared their thoughts, hopes, and concerns with us
candidly and confidentially. These conversations alone have helped us forge a deeper and more respectful understanding of our commonalities and differences. We are
hopeful that this work of reasoning together will begin to heal the wounds of divisiveness and lead to a path of progress for the country.

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