Diocesan Social Action Office

Civilize It

On Sunday, November 3rd, 2019, one year ahead of the 2020 national elections, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops launched a year-long campaign inviting Catholics to model civility and love for neighbors throughout this election year.

Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate

As Catholics, we have a long tradition of engagement in the political process as a means of putting our faith into action. We are called to bring the best of ourselves and our faith to the public square—and yet today, many shy away from such involvement because our national and local conversations are filled with vitriol and harsh language, often directed at people themselves.

When personal attacks replace honest debate, no one wins. This kind of attack, no matter the reason, only serves to further divide our communities. As Catholics, we must model a better way.

Civilize It: Beyond the Debate is about making room in your heart for those with whom you disagree. We are called to recognize that each one of us is a beloved child of God and to respond in love to that reality. Civilize It is a non-partisan call to focus on the dignity of all people, even when we disagree, and to put faith in action by bearing witness to a better way forward. (USCCB Civilize It Website)

We invite you to join the Civilize It campaign by taking the pledge below as a way to promote civility, love our neighbors, and build community. 

Take the pledge as an individual, family or community. Anyone and everyone can commit together to honoring human dignity through civil conversation.

Take the Pledge

Online Resources

• We Are Salt and Light: Promote civil dialogue with your parish or ministry with We Are Salt and Light's Civilize It resources.