In our highly polarized culture, it can be difficult to imagine respectfully discussing a controversial topic like the proposed Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. However, Mark Osler, professor of Law the University of St. Thomas Law School, has just this type of imagination.

In this 14-minute Episcopal Story Project video, Osler presents his ideas on how we can have civil, productive dialogue about the proposed Constitutional Amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Not one to shy away from controversy, Osler has built relationships across the divide of some of the most contentious issues in our society.

Mark Osler serves as the head of the Association of Religiously Affiliated Law Schools, and often lectures on issues relating to sentencing, ethics, and faith and the law. His book, Jesus on Death Row (Abingdon, 2009) challenges the death penalty based on the experience of Christ as a criminal defendant.

This video was taken at an event sponsored by St. Mary's, St. Paul on January 18, 2012.