In our polarized political climate, we know these months leading up to our presidential election will be tense and fraught for many. Here at TH, we seek to be a space where listening can occur, bridges built and a sense of hope fostered.
Below are some events & resources to help. We will continually update these over the fall and feel free to send us recommendations.
UPCOMING Events
Sept 15th, 11:30-1pm: Non partisan Voter Registration. Common Grounds, 480 Rugby Rd, Charlottesville, VA. 22903.
RESOURCES
Soong-Chan Rah, Can US Evangelicals Lay Down Power, not seek more of it? Sojo.net. Sept/Oct 2024.
The Colossian Forum: The ongoing work of The Colossian Forum is designed to promote the health and sustainability of the Church in the face of intensifying polarization and division. We do so by equipping Christians to recognize conflict’s inherent opportunities to actively pursue deeper relationships with neighbors and with God.
Sojourners: Congregations from Polarization to Unity (CPU) new initiative. Sojourners recently welcomed Rev. Dr. Andrea (Andi) Saccoccio to lead their new program, Congregations from Polarization to Unity (CPU), which aims to help congregations overcome the cultural and political polarization that has seeped into and divided our churches. CPU will provide ecumenical resources and experiences to congregants and faith leaders that will help them build bridges of understanding and common action, as they work towards addressing polarization.
The And Campaign. Led by Justin Giboney, an Atlanta-based attorney and former political operative, and Rev. Chris Butler, a Chicago pastor and experienced community organizer, the AND Campaign encourages Christians to develop a political perspective shaped by Scripture and their Christian orthodoxy rather than the messages of either the Republicans or Democrats. In today's politics, they recognize a flaw with the dichotomy often presented and advocate for an "AND" approach rather than either or, with "Compassion (&) Conviction" as their motto. They emphasize the need to neither avoid nor idolize politics but rather to treat it as an aspect of discipleship under the Lordship of Christ.
The After Party. This book, free video course, and associated resources recognize the brokenness of the approach to politics in much of the American church and, in response, seek to guide Christians "towards a better Christian politics" by encouraging the Church to "radically recenter on Jesus." Developed by David and Nancy French, Russell Moore, and Curtis Chang, all of whom bring experience with not only the devastation to relationships brought on by unhealthy political approaches in Christian spaces but also with working to inculcate a more faithful approach, the After Party focuses on grounding Christian political engagement first and foremost in the "how" of Christlike love of neighbor, even enemies, and the fruits of the Spirit rather than prioritizing the "what," i.e. specific policies or candidates using whatever means necessary.
Kaitlyn Scheiss is an author, speaker, and Duke Divinity School doctoral student who works to equip Christians to develop an approach to politics shaped by robust spiritual formation that builds a foundation of confidence and hope in Christ rather than candidates, parties, or even policies. She emphasizes the need for Christ to guide our political engagement by both keeping our eternal perspective of His ultimate victory, which counters the temptation to view any candidate as a savior, and by clarifying the priority of loving our neighbor and seeking flourishing in our communities as the goals of politics. She also, especially in her most recent book, The Ballot and the Bible, empowers Christians to develop a more thoughtful approach to applying the Bible in politics, in contrast to the frequent proof-texting by both sides.
The Holy Post Podcast, hosted by Phil Vischer (the creator of VeggieTales), Skye Jethani, and Kaitlyn Scheiss, covers news, both political and specifically related to the American evangelical church. They intentionally offer an alternative to the culture war approach by prioritizing humility, intellectual openness, and grace towards those with whom they disagree. In addition to their news segment, they do a guest interview each week, often with people who recently published books, to deepen the conversation on Biblical, theological, political, and cultural matters with leaders in their respective fields.
Secular OR INTERFAITH Organizations:
Essential Partners: We give people the means to strengthen relationships, deepen belonging, and renew hope in their communities. Founded in 1989, Essential Partners helps people build relationships across differences to address their communities’ most pressing challenges. Our proven approach helps people live, work, worship, and learn better together. Through richer, healthier, more inclusive dialogue, people strengthen relationships while gaining new insight into themselves and each other as well as the problems they face together.
Braver Angels: Americans on opposite sides of the political spectrum don’t only disagree on issues — they increasingly dislike one another. This growing partisan animosity is the crisis of our time and threatens our nation. Braver Angels exists to address this challenge.
Bridge Alliance’s comprehensive list of Bridge-Building Organizations working to foster unity and understanding among diverse groups, transcending political and social differences.
Dignity Dialogues has another list of bridge-building organizations. DD exists to encourage people of varying ideologies, races, religions, generations, and gender identities to explore the roots of their differences and biases. Learn to engage peacefully in difficult conversations and to mend fences. Whether you are among the politically polarized, the marginalized, or the mainstream, we urge you to join hands and hearts with others who share your humanity, although perhaps not your persuasion.
Interfaith America: Faith is a bridge. Interfaith America inspires, equips, and connects leaders and institutions to unlock the potential of America’s religious diversity.
The One America Movement partners with faith communities across religious, political, and racial divides to confront toxic polarization in our society.