Despite what we read in daily headlines, research shows division is not as rampant as it seems. This election cycle through inauguration, Interfaith America and the New Pluralists network aim to tell a different story through an intentional op-ed strategy that will counter the message of inevitable division.
Interfaith America and New Pluralists believe the lead up to and aftermath of the election is a powerful messaging moment to reiterate the potential of American connection without diminishing the reality of deep divides. To help tell this story, we are inviting members of our networks and beyond to share their stories of connecting across difference during divisive times through op-eds published across the country. The result is a tapestry of stories showcasing people working together for the common good and celebrating our vibrant, diverse democracy.
The strength of our state depends on our ability to see ourselves — and others — as more than who we vote for. Arizona needs you and me to be more than our political identities.
If we hope to heal as a nation, we must prioritize this way of engaging—one that begins with listening, respect, and a willingness to learn.
For nearly 250 years, Americans of diverse identities have worked to build a more perfect union based on founding values and ideals rather than race, religion, nationality or creed. Building unity from diversity is also our story as members of the Vote Is Sacred Fellowship, convened by Interfaith America, for leaders of faith and conscience to encourage peaceful democratic engagement and social trust.
Donald Trump resumed the presidency a few weeks ago. Whether I look at his supporters or detractors, I am reminded of watching someone I loved being consumed by weaponizing anger.
Democracy dies when we fail to see the “other” as someone worthy of love and mercy.
It’s important to think for ourselves. That means disagreeing sometimes with our allies.
Unity means acting together even though we may have different ways to solve a problem.
As someone who works in the refugee resettlement sector, I see Americans coming together every day to welcome newcomers.
We know that no matter what, we will work together to benefit the nation’s students — wherever they attend school.
In September, when Helene ripped through Western North Carolina and Asheville, where I live, the wind did not discriminate between conservative or progressive houses — the falling trees battered us all.
In September, when Helene ripped through Western North Carolina and Asheville, where I live, the wind did not discriminate between conservative or progressive houses — the falling trees battered us all.
AmeriCorps brings together people from all walks of life and sends them out to serve others.
The predatory assumption also shapes our perceptions of politics: The “other side” often seems ruthless, callous and happy to inflict harm.
In the United States, threats to Jews tripled in the year after the Hamas attacks, and last year’s reports of anti-Muslim bias were the highest in nearly 30 years of tracking.
While there are 4 R’s to reconsider dialogue and civil discourse, there are also 4 S’s showing the way forward: schools, slogans, stories and structures.
I summarize civil discourse’s limitations, especially in the context of small-group formats, with what I will call the 4 R’s: recruitment, reliability, representativenes, and repetition.
We have to make sure that across this country, people of diverse backgrounds are respecting each other’s identities, building relationships across communities and cooperating with one another.
Riding a high of eye-popping shifts to the right across the electorate, Republicans have a choice. Will we do the expected or will we aim higher and achieve more? Will we put points on the board, or will we change the game for generations to come?
Thanksgiving is often portrayed as a minefield of political debates, with an annual surge of guides offering tips to “survive” political conversations at the dinner table. But how useful are these guides?
Many colleges have expressed genuine concern about their ability to foster open-minded conversations and rebuild a sense of safety to express ideas constructively. However, higher education is not as far away as we think it might be from establishing pluralism and constructive dialogue as the dominant norms on campus.
No matter what side of the coin you’re on politically, indeed we, as Americans, are anticipating change in 2025. This presidential election brought surprising revelations from the way people campaigned, to the way they voted.
As a political scientist, I have serious concerns about whether the norms that make liberal democracy possible can survive the next four years. But I’m also concerned about the assumptions my liberal friends are making about people who, according to the best polling available, are normal Americans, just like the rest of us.
As the holiday season approaches, Americans face a new layer of unease in gathering with family: political divides are sharp, especially after a tumultuous election cycle.
That effort is being made in Minnesota communities ranging from Madison to Pelican Rapids.
That effort is being made in Minnesota communities ranging from Madison to Pelican Rapids.
Faith groups now face a critical question: How can they maintain authentic religious identity while participating meaningfully in an increasingly pluralistic public square?
I am taking this as an invitation to set down the heavy weight of contempt and choose curiosity.
Two years ago, my organization, the Dignity Index, issued a warning to our country: Our national addiction to dehumanizing contempt had reached a point at which the future of the country was at stake
“We don’t care who you voted for, just bring a dish to the potluck.”
I committed journalism’s cardinal sin this year: I put a blue “Harris for President” sign in my yard.
The Heravi Peace Institute is giving students the tools they need to resolve conflict in Utah and beyond.
To move forward together, we must build trust — and even friendships — by bridging divides.
Even if you celebrate a Trump return to power, the sorrow and fear of 66 million other Americans should matter this week to you — at least if we’re serious about pursuing deeper healing and reconciliation as a nation.
Seventy-two percent of Americans agree that in our complex society we have a shared responsibility to engage with people different from us, according to a 2023 study conducted by More in Common US.
We’re facing huge problems in our culture—problems an election alone can’t solve. But by God’s grace, we can do the small, daily work of repair.
It takes strength to see a person’s past. It takes strength to imagine redemptive futures. It takes strength to fight a corrupt system while loving the people ensnared in it, oppressed and oppressor alike.
As Election Day approaches, American Christians must remember to render “to God the things that are God’s.”
As the CEOs of four major civic institutions — Catholic Charities USA, Habitat for Humanity International, Interfaith America, and the YMCA of the USA — we are inspired by the countless community leaders across the country who uphold these core tenets of diverse democracy.
Community relationships make politics less abstract and more complex.
Research demonstrates that Americans overwhelmingly reject political violence, but we significantly overestimate the extent to which people in the other party support the use of violence for political means.
Lessons from the prophet Ezekiel during exile on guiding our people through times of crisis.
As it turns out, most Americans turn to faith for the same reasons I do—for moral formation, for community and to cultivate their relationship with God.
American Christians can illuminate our country’s politics—if we engage with moral imagination, neighborliness, boldness, and humility.
Institutional reforms can only go so far unless the nation also re-imagines its civic culture, the often-overlooked force shaping democracy.
How Christians can love well in a digitized, global, and polarized world.
As president of a college ministry, I see young Christians on secular campuses modeling what it means to be good neighbors.
Instead of white-knuckling our way through life in a pluralistic, rapidly changing society, Christians should learn from Augustine’s openhanded discipleship.
Five pathways toward breaking the cycle of political outrage, depression, and lament without settling for passivity.
Interfaith engagement that doesn’t devolve into a soupy multiculturalism is difficult—and necessary in our diverse democracy.
What are the unseen influences affecting our individual and collective attitudes, behavior and experiences?
What are the unseen influences affecting our individual and collective attitudes, behavior and experiences?
What are the unseen influences affecting our individual and collective attitudes, behavior and experiences?
our stories
Inspiring interfaith stories from our religiously diverse democracy.
Please contact us with any questions about Together, We Stand: Voices for Unity in Divisive Times.
Randy Craig
Director of Marketing & Communications
Interfaith America
