Because we can disagree without calling each other heretics…

Because our commonalities are more important than our differences…

And because when Christians come together we are great at ripping off other people’s good ideas…

I’m pleased to announce that next week, May 1-7, we will hold a “Rally to Restore Unity” right here on the blog.

The rally will include a synchroblog, contests, celebrity guest posts, roundtable discussions, and afundraising effort for Charity:Water. The goal is to lightheartedly combat some of the vitriol coming out of the online Christian community by celebrating what we have in common and demonstrating that we can have a sense of humor when it comes to non-essential theological disagreements.

Here’s how you can join in:

1. Participate in the synchroblog.

The topic—Christian Unity—is broad and begging for a creative spin, so have fun with it!

To participate:

Write your piece and post it on your blog sometime during the week of May 1-7

Share your post in the comment section of the designated sychroblog post on Sunday and then on Twitter (#restoreunity) and Facebook

See your post listed among others when I link to them all at the end of the week!

Videos, photos, and illustrations are welcome. You can get banner images and more information here.

2. Make a "sign."

Remember all the funny, ironic signs participants brought to Jon Stewart's "Rally to Restore Sanity"? Let those inspire you to make your own sign or catchphrase and share it on your blog, Twitter, and Facebook page… perhaps even as your profile picture. (You might consider making your sign your synchroblog contribution.) I’ll be scouring the Internet for the best signs and sharing them on the blog!

3. Help provide clean water to those who need it.

Let’s show the world that when Christians put aside their differences and join together, amazing things can happen.

Approximately 1 billion people live without access to clean water, but this is a solvable problem. It costs about $5,000 for Charity:Water to complete a water project, and I think we can raise that together. Consider donating a few dollars to this important cause via the Rally to Restore Unity Charity:Water Page. Then challenge your friends, family, and neighbors to match it!

You can start giving today.

4. Spread the word.

Like the Facebook page. Tweet using #restoreunity. Ask your favorite bloggers to join.

Resources:

Get links, and use the banners on our resources page.

So….are you in?