COMMENTARY: As Catholics, we must look beyond our disagreements to search for common ground.
America is experiencing a period of profound polarization. Researchers have documented a growing ideological divide over the past several decades, while surveys show that many Americans feel exhausted by the constant conflict that surrounds public life. Social media has amplified this trend.
Many of us increasingly receive our information from sources that reinforce what we already believe rather than challenge us to understand those who think differently.
Yet polarization is not merely a political phenomenon. It is deeply human, so it has also found its way into the Catholic Church. There is, alas, a broad divide between “conservative” and “progressive” Catholics. While it cannot tear the Church apart, given the Church’s divine founding and purpose, this division nonetheless wounds the Body of Christ.
Three years ago, my wife Steph and I decided to try and find a path to healing.
Under the umbrella of the Napa Institute, we began hosting what we call “salon dinners” — intimate gatherings in a residential setting where people come together to discuss substantive issues and build meaningful relationships. From the start, we invited Catholics representing a broad range of
