Introduced to South Carolina Baptists in 2006 by First Church in Charleston and the Charleston Association, the annual observance of “Say Something Nice Sunday” is set for June 5.
Its continuing purpose, according to First Church member and deacon Mitch Carnell is to “turn down the abrasive rhetoric in all religious groups.” The observance now recognized by a number of Christian denominations in South Carolina grew out of Carnell’s book, “Say Something Nice: Be a Lifter.”
Carnell said at the event’s inception, “This is a grassroots effort from the pew that sends a clear message to those in high places within the church to restore civility to our communication.”
The annual day devoted to civil speech continues to attract advocates both within and outside the United States.
Daisies, which are symbols of friendship, are given each year to everyone attending church on the first Sunday of June at Charleston First, with encouragement to “give it to a stranger along with an uplifting comment,” said Carnell.