The polarization occurring in our societies has many of us deeply concerned. Violence pervades our rhetoric and our actions, particularly troubling during election years. We are empowered to act non-violently to effect change by bringing our concern to prayer, educating others, raising consciousness and growing in our awareness of the richness of diversity.
We are fortunate to be offered a program through the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) to help address these concerns.
Transforming Grace: The Work of Transformative Justice invites us to take responsibility for the personal and collective responses. While this initiative is focused on the U.S. election, there are a record number of elections happening around the world in 2024. These materials relate across cultures and geography.
The materials below are designed to be used in groups but can be used in any configuration: by individuals, a local community, a Conversation Circle, or a group of sisters and associates. Each guide will be designed for a 60–75-minute session.
Program materials will be listed below as they are made available.
LCWR has been discerning how create peace and openness in the country as the national election process unfolds. With confidence in the power of prayer and contemplation, they are hosting a virtual prayer space:
Week of November 4-6 (Days surrounding National Election)
Transforming Practice
Week of October 20 – Practice peace-making
Week of October 13 – Vote with wisdom
Week of October 6 – Build trust and respect
Week of September 29- How to have conversations with people who disagree with you
Week of September 22- Tools of transformation
Week of September 15 – Have faith
Week of September 8 – Contemplative presence
Week of September 1 – Stirred by music
Pentecost- Transforming Care
Week of July 28- Be an instrument for healing division
Week of July 21- Engage with people of differing perspectives
Week of July 14 – Believe that something else is possible
Week of June 30 – Listen to learn
Week of June 23 – Ask a sincere question
Week of June 16 – Create common ground
Week of June 9 – Take a breath
Week of June 2 – Constructive conversations
Week of May 26 – Reversing partisan divide
Week of May 19 – Freedom of speech
Week of May 12 – Seeking the truth
Lent – Transforming Presence
Week of March 31 – Do not be afraid
Week of March 24 – Overcome division
Week of March 17 – Call to dialogue and reconciliation
Week of March 10 – Find the light
Week of March 3 – Be present to your experience
Week of February 25 – Fast from words that divide
Take Action
Here are resources with ways you can take action against:
- white Christian nationalism
- misinformation and disinformation
White Christian nationalism is an organized movement in the United States which intends to deprive large segments of the US population of their right to vote. Learn more about the dangers of this growing political force.
Pray: Join in one of LCWR’s 24 hours of contemplative prayer.
Participate: Watch a recording of the webinar “Combatting Election Disinformation in 2024“ to learn more about how to spot and respond to disinformation.
Read and discuss: New York Times’ bestselling book Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future by Robert P. Jones, Ph.D., president and founder of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and an award-winning writer and scholar.
Watch and consider: God & Country (in theaters on Friday, February 16). The film is based on Katherine Stewart’s book The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Christian Nationalism. View a discussion with the producers of the film here.
Learn: Visit the All Things Election 2024 page to see our resources for education and action.