Unity in a polarized world

A new vision for Christian engagement

In a time of deep political divides, it’s easy to feel disillusioned with the state of our nation. Polarization has reached unprecedented levels, with nearly 80% of Americans reporting that they feel isolated from those who don’t share their political views. But what if the Christians could offer a different way forward? At UniteBoston, we believe that, amid political discord, Christians are called to be peacemakers and bridge-builders—agents of unity in a fractured world.

On October 7, UniteBoston, along with ten local Christian organizations, hosted a gathering of 75 Christian leaders from across Boston’s theological, ethnic, and generational spectrums. In this event, we witnessed the Holy Spirit moving powerfully, bringing together people with vastly different backgrounds and convictions to engage in meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding.

This wasn’t a typical event. There were no debates or political arguments. Instead, the evening was grounded in the Biblical’ call to embody the fruits of the Spirit—“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). These aren’t just lofty ideals but actionable values that, we believe, should shape the way Christians engage with one another and everyone they meet. Especially in times of heightened political tension, living out these virtues offers a countercultural witness to the Way of Jesus.

As our gathering began, we invited leaders to share personal stories about their experiences leading in this election year. These conversations quickly revealed the complexities and challenges facing Christian leaders today. Ed Gaskin, Executive Director of Greater Grove Hall Main Streets, remarked on the unique mix of voices in the room, saying it led to fresh perspectives and an unusual depth of conversation. When people shared stories instead of positions through structured dialogue, something remarkable happened: Labels faded, and genuine understanding took root.

For many participants, this event was transformative. Pastor Jeanette Yep from Grace Chapel commented on how the dialogue fostered patience and empathy. The structured time for quiet reflection and listening allowed participants to “digest” what they heard before responding. She shared that “this format allowed us to respectfully listen and express care,” a quality often missing from public discourse. “We were reminded of Jesus’ call to love our neighbors—not merely as a sentiment but as a command to actively seek understanding.”

After these honest exchanges, we invited leaders to join us in a “charge” to keep in step with the Holy Spirit, particularly during this election season. The charge involved committing to uphold the fruits of the Spirit and seek peace in our interactions with others. We were deeply moved when over 65 leaders signed this pledge, a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit working through this gathering.

Since then, we have organized follow-up conversations so attendees can continue growing in relationship and partnership in the days following the election. These dialogues have created a support network for leaders, whether they are rejoicing or lamenting the outcome. This sustained engagement aligns with UniteBoston’s broader mission to witness to the way of Jesus by championing collaborative mission, reconciliation, and justice.

As one direct outcome of this gathering, UniteBoston is developing a curriculum designed to equip Christians to bridge historic divides as everyday peacemakers and ambassadors of reconciliation. Our vision is to support congregations in Boston to see diversity as strengths and  where we can practice loving one another well across our differences. This initiative complements our other efforts, like Boston Flourish, where we partner to host an annual conference that gathers leaders across sectors to address pressing challenges facing our city such as affordable housing, migrant care, and youth trauma.

For us, events like this are more than isolated experiences; they reflect a larger vision for what the Church can be. In a society consumed by polarization, the Church is called to be a countercultural witness to Jesus’ prayer for unity and reconciliation. This doesn’t mean ignoring our differences but engaging them with humility and compassion. If we claim to follow Jesus, who welcomed sinners, outcasts, and those on society’s margins, then we too must welcome and seek understanding with those who may differ from us in profound ways.

This vision is especially urgent today. Christian nationalism has, in some circles, promoted a brand of politics that neglects systemic injustices and often conflates the gospel with partisan agendas. But, as we see it, the gospel calls us to transcend political boundaries and work for the common good. It calls us to build a just society, one where people of every background are treated with God-ordained dignity, respect, and opportunity, so all might flourish.

Our gathering on October 7 and the ongoing work at UniteBoston offers a model for this approach. We believe that, in a world desperate for hope and reconciliation, the Church has a unique opportunity to be a force for healing. This isn’t a naïve idealism; it’s a radical, Spirit-led conviction that Christ’s love can overcome even the most entrenched divides. As we see in Scripture, Jesus modeled a different kind of kingdom—one that valued peace, justice, and sacrificial love over worldly power.

In the days following the election, we’ve heard from many participants who are feeling both the weight of division and the call to press into unity. Rev. Corey Sanderson of Second Church in Newton noted, “Our shared values don’t mean we have to think or vote alike, but they do call us to respect and serve alike.” His reflection captures the heart of our mission: we don’t have to agree on everything, but we are called to love and serve together.

We believe that, as Christians, we must engage in politics—but with a spirit rooted in humility and guided by the gospel. Our allegiance is ultimately to the kingdom of God, not to any earthly agenda. The curriculum we’re developing, along with the continued conversations inspired by the October gathering, are steps toward a renewed vision for Christian engagement—one that welcomes all to the table as beloved children of God, for the glory of God and the good of the city. 

In a world where political lines often dictate relationships, we invite Christians from across the country to Walk in Step with the Holy Spirit. Join us by commenting on the article to commit to embody the Fruit of the Spirit in your life and relationships. 

We pray that the Church might lead the way in restoring relationships, seeking justice, and embodying Christ’s reconciling work. May we rise to this calling and show a divided world what true unity, grounded in Jesus Christ, looks like. 

For more on UniteBoston’s work and ways to get involved, please visit www.uniteboston.com.

In Christ,
Rev. Devlin Scott, Managing Director, UniteBoston  
Rev. Kelly Fassett, Executive Director, UniteBoston

###

Contact:
Rev. Kelly Fassett
UniteBoston
928-600-3236
[email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of RNS or Religion News Foundation.