AMERICA/USA – Against polarization and division: individuals, families and communities commit to building bridges

AMERICA/USA – Against polarization and division: individuals, families and communities commit to building bridges

Washington (Agenzia Fides) – The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has launched a new initiative aimed at tackling the polarization in society, based on Pope Francis’ call in the encyclical Fratelli Totti for “a better policy, truly in the service of the common good” (No. 154). Through the Prepare It: A Better Kind of Politics initiative, Catholics are asked to respond to this call with charity, clarity and creativity.
Therefore, many American dioceses have come together to support efforts to shed light on faith in the often challenging field of politics, according to the note sent to Fides. On the CivilizeIt.org website, those interested in joining the project can commit and receive various support materials, including an examination of conscience, brief meditations, prayers, and a guide that enables individuals, families, and communities to be bridge-builders for through faith perspectives. Based on chapters five and six of the encyclical “Fratelli Totti” and other reflections on the Holy Father, the materials are intended to help Catholics and all people of good will develop a culture of encounter, inculcating views of truth, justice and solidarity. and striving to take collaborative action for the common good.
The Archbishop of Oklahoma City, Paul S. Catholics have tools to deal with the division and polarization of society, which is sometimes reflected in the church as well. This division among believers limits the Church’s ability to provide an effective witness to human life and dignity in the family, parish, work, and political spheres. In Fratelli Totti’s book, Pope Francis presents a different path, based on gospel values, justice and truth. I hope that this initiative will help us all to try to ‘get closer to everyone’, as the Holy Father calls us, and to meet the challenges of encounter, dialogue, search for truth and creative problem solving, for all Catholics. can cooperate for the greater good.”
The polarization in American society prompted the bishops, among other things, to address the problem in their council session in November 2020 (see Fides 11/19/2020), where among the most controversial issues, there was also racism of various kinds. Forms. Prepare It: A Better Kind of Politics builds on an initiative of the same name, implemented during the 2019-20 election season, that helped Catholics shape love of neighbor through civic engagement. More information about the initiative can be found at the CivilizeIt.org website.
(CE) (Agenzia Fides 09/09/2021)

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