When a political disagreement on Facebook threatened a friendship, Vote is Sacred Fellow Jane Andersen chose a different response: she baked banana bread, showed up at her friend's door, and reminded him that their relationship mattered more than a political exchange.Her story is a reminder that civic pluralism begins with everyday choices. Sharing a meal, having a conversation, and investing in relationships across differences can help strengthen the social fabric that holds communities together.Read how one loaf of banana bread became a lesson in bridgebuilding, civic engagement, and the power of human connection:

America is strongest when people of different identities, beliefs, and backgrounds can come together for the common good.At Interfaith America, we're working to build a culture of pluralism where people feel respected, relationships can grow across differences, and communities can cooperate to solve shared challenges.Respect. Relate. Cooperate.That's how we build a stronger America.Learn more: https://www.interfaithamerica.org/mission-vision/

For too long, Muslim public officials have been asked questions that other candidates rarely face: Are you really loyal to the Constitution? Must you disavow extremists before you can be trusted to serve?In a new op-ed for the Minnesota Star Tribune, Interfaith America's Todd Green and interfaith advocate Zafar Siddiqui examine how these assumptions have shaped public life for Muslim Americans and why recent responses from leaders like Abdul El-Sayed may signal a shift toward a more inclusive understanding of citizenship and public service.The piece argues that civic pluralism depends on judging candidates by their ideas and policies, not by suspicions rooted in their religious identity.Read the full op-ed: https://bit.ly/4yAQ7vO

What if, for one afternoon, we stopped arguing about the election and prayed for our country instead?Praying for America brings people of many faiths together online for a national prayer service. There will be no political speeches and no partisan finger-pointing, only a shared celebration of the values that hold us together, including the right to vote and honoring the will of the people.Sunday, November 1 4pm ET / 1pm PT Free and onlineRegister:

What kind of bridgebuilder are you?The Bridgebuilding Blueprint is a free quiz available through the Team Up Project's Bridgebuilding Hub. In just a few minutes, you can learn more about your bridgebuilding strengths and discover resources designed to help you build stronger connections across differences.Take the quiz and start exploring the Hub today.

A new national study examined how religious, spiritual, and secular identities shape the work of higher education faculty. The findings point to a surprising area of agreement: a desire for work that has meaning and impact beyond the classroom and academic journal.In a new Quick Take, Becky Crandall reflects on the study's implications for faculty, students, and higher education institutions.Read more:

The Team Up Project's Bridgebuilding Hub is a new resource library designed to help communities build connections across differences.Inside you'll find free action guides, playbooks, checklists, and tools covering topics such as youth engagement, community cohesion, immigrant and refugee inclusion, disaster recovery, and more.Explore the Hub and discover resources you can put into practice in your community. https://teamupproject.org/resources/Habitat for Humanity Catholic Charities USA The Y

“People are stepping forward. And they’re saying, ‘I believe so much in the need for a peaceful and properly functioning democracy in this country, and I want to be there. I want to play a role.’”As the 2026 midterms approach, Interfaith America's Vote is Sacred Fellows are working in communities across the country to protect free and fair elections, strengthen civic trust, and encourage participation.In this story, leaders from Franciscan Action Network, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and Hindus for Human Rights share what they're seeing on the ground, the challenges facing voters today, and how people of faith can support democracy in their communities.Read the full story and explore IA's Faith in Elections Playbook.

What lessons are children learning from the adults around them this election season?In a new IA Today article, Emily DiFrisco reflects on raising three children while navigating a polarized political climate. She shares her hope that they will see neighbors treating one another with dignity, faith communities building bridges across differences, and citizens participating in democracy with respect and integrity."Our children are watching. Let's give them an example worth following."Read more: