The Respectful Conversations Project will hold a public discussion about the proposed Minnesota marriage amendment from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at People's Congregational Church of Bayport.

The event is meant to stress civility regardless of attendees' personal positions, according to the church, and to help people learn how to discuss important issues by trying to understand those who disagree rather than disliking them.

The Respectful Conversations Project is a program of the Minnesota Council of Churches, with support from the Bush Foundation, designed to strengthen civic life in Minnesota.

Conversations are not intended to persuade anyone on how to vote, the organization said.

Registration for the Bayport event is required and can be arranged online at www.mnchurches.org, by calling People's Congregational at 651-239-0549, or by calling the state council at 612-230-3344. The church is at 309 N. 3rd St., Bayport.