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I enjoyed the conversation, which was lively, constructive and seemed to contain enthusiasm.

While it is all still fresh in my mind, I'm going to do a brain dump before it fills up with other stuff (or gets forgotten, age does that doesn't it!).

For me the emphasis should be on creating a community environment that positively encourages people to feel relaxed, able to say whatever they like without fear of judgement or betrayal (I'm thinking of confidentiality here, perhaps more pertinent to those within organisations which could view their involvement or what they say in a dim light, but also it may be that people share personal things that could leave them vulnerable). 

The basic proposition seems to me to be that if we can lay aside our beliefs and focus on the values that unite us we may find we can help build a better and more just world.  Clearly fragmentation, division and schism are usually destructive.  Not that we should hide what we thing, authenticity and honesty are such important considerations.  But if we can find a way to be honest about difference, but still find the common ground surely that is a powerful and compelling message to those that we hope to persuade there is a better way.

Something that did strike me is that when it comes to practical outworking, localism is going to be a key consideration - we don't all live close so practical projects, even involvement in a political sense could be difficult.  Perhaps this is where, as the membership grows, smaller more local action teams will be effective?

I tried to say a few things on the call, one of which, the need to build foundations of understanding so that conversations can go deeper without covering the same (rather dull!) old ground.  I was pleased that there seemed to be a resonance from the group about that, although it will be something to bear in mind as new people join. And I think the point made by someone (not got the names quite straight in my head yet) about time to build those foundations was key. 

One of my fears was how my partner was going to react to my involvement. Because he cares for me and knows how much I got damaged/hurt in the church, he worries about me getting involved with Christians again.  However we have spoken briefly about it today and he seems fine. So I will be keeping him in the loop to ensure that he isn't become unduly concerned.

I would say finally that just the engagement, and listening to others I found helpful.  I sensed that there was much in common despite the obvious differences!

As far as a name goes, I think there were some good ideas, but perhaps a little more time will enable some more creative energy to come to bear!