A divided country. Fights at the dinner table. Political vitriol. What does it mean to love our neighbors in the midst of such a climate? The U.S. bishops have responded to that question with Civilize It, a campaign that invites Catholics to model civility, love for neighbor, and respectful dialogue in the 2020 campaign season. The year-long campaign began Nov. 3, 2019.
Take the pledge
Also read:
Election-related Civilize It Advertising Launches in Michigan (Sept. 16, 2020, Michigan Catholic Conference)
Diocese Hosts Civilize It Webinars for Young Adults Oct. 21 and 25
Young adults are invited to join an online conversation about participating in politics, exercising our conscience, and engaging in dialogue in the public square – and at home – before and after this year’s election. Mark Mann, director for family, youth, and young adult ministries for the Diocese will lead the gatherings on Wednesday, Oct. 21 and on Sunday, Oct. 25, starting at 7 p.m.
Registration:
Space is limited; pre-registration is requested.
To register, please complete the short form at forms.gle/eNiP2DFKthUh1waD8 .
Questions? Contact Mark Mann at mmann@grdiocese.org.
As Catholics, we have a long tradition of engagement in the political process as a means of putting our faith into action. We are called to bring the best of ourselves and our faith to the public square—and yet today, many shy away from such involvement because our national and local conversations are filled with vitriol and harsh language, often directed at people themselves.
When personal attacks replace honest debate, no one wins. This kind of attack, no matter the reason, only serves to further divide our communities. As Catholics, we must model a better way. Join the Civilize It campaign by taking the pledge below as a way to promote civility, love our neighbors, and build community.
Civilize It is about making room in your heart for those with whom you disagree. We are called to recognize that each one of us is a beloved child of God and to respond in love to that reality. Civilize It is a non-partisan call to focus on the dignity of all people, even when we disagree, and to put faith in action by bearing witness to a better way forward.
Commit to dignity beyond the debate. Visit: CivilizeIt.org to learn more and take the pledge to #CivilizeIt with civility, clarity, and compassion this election year.
Join Catholic leaders in taking the Civilize It pledge:
More ways you can promote civility:
Share this pledge with your family and friends.
Share this reflection with your faith community.
Pray for civility with your community.
Additional resources
Faithful Citizenship: Voting with faith and a conscience at election time
