“A truthful tongue is the mind’s instrument, and false speech is the devil’s own work.” –John Wycliffe (c. 1330–1384) Source: John Wycliffe, Select English Works of John Wyclif, ed. Thomas Arnold, vol. 3 (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1871), 58. Reflection: Where might I be tempted to let convenience, fear, or self‑protection distort the truthfulness of my speech?
A Prayer to Let My Words Be Few, True, and Seasonable, John Wesley, 18th Century
“O God, give me a wise and watchful spirit, that I may speak nothing rashly or unadvisedly. Keep me from all uncharitable conversation; from all idle words; from all deceit and exaggeration. Let my words be few, true, and seasonable; and may I never wound my neighbor with my tongue. Grant that I may speak always with meekness, kindness, and …
A Prayer Speaking Light into Learning, by Hildegard of Bingen, 12th Century
“May my words praise You, O Lord. May they be seasoned with the wisdom of Your Spirit. May they comfort the sorrowful, strengthen the wavering, and bring light to those who seek understanding. Guard my tongue from falsehood and pride, and let my speech be a vessel of Your peace. Through Your grace, may every word I speak reflect the …
Quote of the Week, The Quiet Work of Faithful Speech, Bernard of Clairvaux, 12th Century
“Let your language be restrained, your laughter moderate, your speech thoughtful.” —Bernard of Clairvaux, (1090–1153) Source: Bernard of Clairvaux, On Consideration, trans. George Lewis (London: Oxford University Press, 1908), 71. Reflection: Where in my academic life—teaching, writing, or conversation—do I most need to cultivate “thoughtful speech” rather than reactive or self‑protective words?
Successful Dissertation Defense, Dr. Elaine V. Fung
The CCSN celebrates with one of its members, Elaine V. Fung, upon the successful defense of her dissertation. Welcome to the Academy, Dr. Fung! Elaine V. Fung successfully defended her dissertation titled, Linking in Faith, Gender, Leadership, and Digital Communication: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities Women Presidents’ and Provosts’ LinkedIn. This dissertation research explored the complex …
Registration Open, June 1 Workshop on Publishing, Word-Gardening: From Seed (Idea) to Fruit (Publication), with Rodney Clapp
[Learn more about other summer workshops in Faith and Communication] Word-Gardening: From Seed (Idea) to Fruit (Publication) Lead Presenter/Facilitator: Rodney Clapp, Editor, Cascade Books Date/Time: Monday, June 1, 2026 | 11:30 am – 3:00 pm EDT REGISTER HERE Description: Drawing on nearly fifty years’ work editing newspapers, magazines, and books, Rodney Clapp offers tips and guidance for the span of …
A Prayer to Let Kindness Guard My Tongue, by John Newton, 18th Century
“Set a watch, Lord, upon my mouth, and keep the door of my lips; that I may not speak unadvisedly with my tongue. Let the law of kindness be in my mouth, and the gospel of peace rule in my heart; that out of the abundance of the heart my mouth may speak, and that my speech may be seasoned …
Quote of the Week, The Weight of Small Words, by Hannah More, 18th Century
“If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves.” —Hannah More (1745-1833) Source: Hannah More, Strictures on the Modern System of Female Education (London: T. Cadell, 1799), 1:14. Reflection: What “small moments” in my speech today—quick comments, quiet reactions, passing conversations—are forming the person I am becoming?
A Prayer for Words that Minister Grace, by Thomas Becon, 16th Century
“Grant, O Lord, that my tongue be not given to evil speaking, nor my lips to deceitful words. Keep me, good Lord, that I neither slander nor backbite my neighbour, but that I may ever speak the truth in love, and so order my words that they may edify and not destroy. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of my …
Quote of the Week, The Fruit of Well-Speaking, by Richard Hooker, 16th Century
“The fruit of well‑doing is a quiet conscience, and the fruit of well‑speaking is a good name.” —Richard Hooker (1554-1600) Source: Richard Hooker, Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, in The Works of that Learned and Judicious Divine Mr. Richard Hooker, ed. John Keble, 7th ed., vol. 2 (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1888), 343. Reflection: How might my speech today bear …
