Center for Christianity and Public Life

More than ever, it is crucial that Christians tell our own story of public contribution, instead of letting today's divisive political landscape tell the story on our behalf. Over the next few weeks we'll share more about how the Center for Christianity and Public Life is telling this story and contributing to the formation of civic leaders for the public good – through our free resources, community building, and national influence in the public square. If you share our commitment to faithful contribution for the good of our neighbors, we hope you'll consider partnering with us this #GivingTuesday. Visit ccpubliclife.org/donate to make a financial gift today!

We are excited to release a new resource for you: the Journal of Ideas from our 2024 Public Life Fellows! The Public Life Fellowship is one of CCPL’s core Christian Civic Formation programs, a nine-month intensive serving an intergenerational class of established Christian civic leaders. Together, the Fellows explore the intersection of faith and public life through community-based learning and mentorship. The Journal of Ideas is a collection of original essays from our thirteen Fellows in the 2024 cohort, focused on important themes such as leadership, unity in diversity, cultivating a redeemed imagination for public life, and more. Read this resource for free today: https://lnkd.in/eEUKTw-M

If you're looking for something new to read this fall, check out this new book that features an essay from our President & CEO, Michael Wear! The Necessity of Character, a supplemental volume to the Hedgehog Review in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Cultural Studies' Moral Ecology Trust. IACS, founded by James Davison Hunter, brings together a series of original essays by educators, scholars, leaders, policymakers, and political commentators convinced of the necessity of character in our cultural and political moment. Visit https://lnkd.in/enckyAim to order your copy today!

No matter how you hoped the election would turn out and what emotions you may be feeling in the aftermath of Election Day, the call to spiritual formation and civic leadership remains the same through it all – and Christianity has much wisdom and guidance to offer us. Sign up for our newsletter to receive CCPL's President and CEO Michael Wear's reflection on the presidential election results today. ccpubliclife.org/connect

At the Center for Christianity and Public Life, we believe that healthy Christian civic engagement is necessary for the flourishing of our nation. In light of this, we are hosting a Post-Election Day call to pray for our nation regardless of the outcome of the election. Sign up to join us! https://lnkd.in/e3U6f7c3

Election Day has finally come. We’re going to need leaders today, and we will need leaders in the days that follow. We’re going to need peacemakers, truth-tellers, and public good-seekers. Here are some practices to prepare you to lead in this way over the coming days: 1. Do Not Be Anxious: We know that the winner of the presidential election may not be clear on election night. If the race is as close as polling suggests, projections will be difficult. It may take days before a winner can be determined as ballots are carefully counted. 2. Do Not Be Manipulated: There will likely be attempts at deception on Election Night, as the bored and the malevolent (including foreign governments) seek to use uncertainty to stoke conflict and confusion. Be wary of sensational claims, or self-interested declarations. 3. Do Not Act Hastily: With tensions high and political conflict at center stage, we can be tempted to say things we should not say, and do things we should not do. Do not throw away your integrity in the heat of the moment. Be gracious toward others, and discerning as you speak and act.

Join us tomorrow for our Election Day prayer call as we gather over Zoom in partnership with Faith & Law. Together we'll pray in pursuit of spiritual unity and lift up the election, political candidates, and voters in prayer. Join us tomorrow at 10am EST! https://lnkd.in/e7V5h9V4

At For the Good of the Public this year, one of the important discussions we engaged in was on the topic of securing our democracy – what it means to keep elections free and fair and protect the democratic process in all aspects of American government. CCPL Board Member Chris Crawford moderated this discussion, which features Tammy Patrick, Cerin Lindgrensavage, and Ted Johnson. Watch the panel on Youtube: https://lnkd.in/eXxh5zKA

We are glad to share this special, timely conversation from last month's annual summit. CCPL Founding Board Member, Dr. Nicole Martin, moderated a rousing conversation with Lisa Trevi?o Cummins, Chris Butler, and David Kwon on pastoral leadership and politics. Visit https://lnkd.in/eJh3YGsg to watch the panel!

We are delighted to announce Chris Butler as our first-ever Director of Christian Civic Formation! Chris comes to the Center for Christianity and Public Life following years of service as both a pastor and as a civic leader. In this role, Chris will bring his experience, knowledge, and wisdom to bear as he leads our Christian Civic Formation work. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome!