Results of Our National Conversation in The Spirit Regarding The U.S. Presidential Election
Thanks to all who participated in this synodal gathering. Without exception, everyone who joined honored the format of this Conversation in the Spirit. Our thanks to all the facilitators and to those from outside the U.S. who gave of your time and to our co-sponsors: Faithful America, Association of U.S. Catholic priests, Catholics Vote Common Good, and Ignatian Encounter Ministry. And our thanks to the US Catholic Bishops Office of Justice and Peace for sharing your “Civilize It” materials with us.
We are appreciative of Heidi Schlumpf at National Catholic Reporter (NCR) covering the outcome of our Synod so beautifully: Catholics urge emphasis on church’s social teachings — not just abortion — in election | National Catholic Reporter (ncronline.org)
Every Catholic Voice, held on September 7, 2024, was a virtual Conversation in the Spirit attended by Catholics from across the United States to discuss the U.S. Presidential Election using a synodal mode of listening and discernment. Registrants were sent a preparatory guide with the main questions for conversation and reflection materials from the Civilize It Campaign: A Better Kind of Politics from the US Catholic Bishops Office.
The Main Questions that participants invited to reflect upon and respond to were:
How are your faith and values shaping and informing your view
and perspective of the upcoming election?
What are your greatest hopes and concerns for our country
as we approach the election?
Registrants and Participants
● 574 US Catholics registered for the Event
● 242 registrants participated fully
● 42 trained Conversation in the Spirit Facilitators guided the
Conversation process
● Participants were divided into 24 small groups for the 90 minute conversation process
● Participants included:
○ 11 Priests
○ 2 Deacons
○ 26 Religious
○ 201 Laypeople
Conversation in the Spirit Process
● The Conversation Event began with a reading of the main questions and ground rules.
● This was followed by a prayerful meditation on Faithful Citizenship and a prayer from the USCCB Civilize It Campaign.
● Participants engaged in small group Conversations in the Spirit with a trained facilitator and together created consensus-based report.
● The conversation took place in three rounds with a minute of silence between rounds. The
rounds were as follows:
○ Round 1: Participants each had up to 4 uninterrupted minutes to speak on the reflection questions.
○ Round 2: participants each had up to 2 minutes to speak on what resonated as they listened to others.
○ Round 3: participants named the ways they believed the Holy Spirit was calling them and the Church.
● The conversation concluded with a naming of the graces experienced in the small groups and the
synod prayer.
Report Results
23 small groups provided reports on Convergences, Divergence and Calls to Action.
The following are the key findings and recommendations. Click here to read the full unredacted reports.
This Conversation in the Spirit event and its finding are offered respectfully to the Pastors of the US Churches, to Bishops, and shared with all the Christian Faithful in the ongoing spirit of synodality and in accord with Canon 212§3.*
*According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess,
the Christian Faithful have the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors
their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church,
and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful,
without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors,
and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons.
Key Findings
The following are the top themes emerging from the small group reports:
1. Impact of Catholic Education: It significantly shapes faith and values among participants.
2. Leadership Concerns: There is disappointment regarding the Church leadership’s silence on pressing political issues.
3. Call for Unity: A strong desire for unity and the common good in political discourse is evident.
4. Concerns on Christian Nationalism: Participants express worries about the implications of Christian nationalism on societal cohesion.
5. Need for Dialogue: Emphasis on the importance of dialogue, compassion, and social justice to combat fears of polarization and authoritarianism.
6. Hope for the Future: There is a prevalent hope for a more inclusive and compassionate future within the community.
Key Recommendations
The following are recommendations or calls to action emerging from the small group reports
1.Promoting Inclusivity: The Church is urged to welcome diverse voices, particularly those of women and marginalized communities.
2.Encouraging Dialogue: Respectful conversations across differing opinions are essential for unity and understanding.
3.Supporting Social Justice: The Church must actively address various social issues to uphold the common good.
4.Ensuring Accountability: Church leaders should be held responsible for their actions to maintain trust and integrity.
5.Empowering Marginalized Voices: It is crucial to elevate the voices of women and marginalized groups within Church leadership.
6.Civic Engagement: Active participation in civic matters is encouraged to strengthen the Church’s role in society. The reports underscore the significance of a proactive approach in the Church’s mission, emphasizing the need for accountability, prayer, and unwavering support for Pope Francis.
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On behalf of the CCRI steering committee,
Rene Reid
CCRI Director