Epilogue: The Moderation of Rhetoric

Abstract

This article reflects on the challenges new forms of social media confront activists, media practitioners, religious leaders and social scientists, particularly those engaged with an important genre of expertise: religion. Drawing on personal experiences of blogging and writing for both broadcast and print media about interfaith dialogue, its challenges and opportunities, the article acknowledges the central role language and rhetoric play in the making and marking of social norms, particularly in relation to recent controversies that have descended upon the Church of England such as, for example, on faith schools and the recognition of Sharia law. The article argues that forms of language themselves demand respect – even reverence, one might suggest – if we are to succeed in the making of a public space that enshrines and protects values of moderation: civility, dialogue, reflexivity and tolerance for opposing viewpoints.