Two of the most unlikely friends on Capitol Hill will meet today at the Billy Graham Library to sign copies of their new book, Unified: How Our Unlikely Friendship Gives Us Hope for a Divided Country.
Congressman Trey Gowdy and Senator Tim Scott have defied norms in the political arena ever since their first meeting in 2010. After both were elected to represent South Carolina in the United States House of Representatives, the two politicians began working together during Congressional freshman orientation.
It was the intentional efforts of both men to find commonalities that led to a relationship that extends past politics.
“Today, even the national media reporters recognize there is something different about our friendship. They don’t refer to us as colleagues or delegation mates; they refer to us as close friends,” Congressman Gowdy writes in the co-authored book.
“Our connection is emotional and spiritual and real, and it affects every facet of our lives—from sharing our deepest fears and frustrations to calling each other’s mom on her birthday,” he explains.
The book, released in April, tells the story of a unique relationship that grew after years of trust, authenticity and openness. In addition to working together, weekly dinner meetings helped Gowdy and Scott discover their shared Christian faith, introverted personalities, support of the Dallas Cowboys and passion for racial reconciliation.
Through their example, the politicians make a case for relationship as a means of fostering unity across political, racial and religious lines.
“One of the keys to overcoming problems in our society is finding common ground,” Senator Scott suggests in the book. “We don’t have to agree on everything, but wherever we do agree … let’s start there.”
The Billy Graham Library is hosting the authors for a book signing today from 4-5:30 p.m. Copies of the book, Unified: How Our Unlikely Friendship Gives Us Hope for a Divided Country, will be available for purchase in Ruth’s Attic bookstore.
