The Challenge of Polarization: How Do We Sustain Government, Of and By an Ever-More Divided People

NEWS RELEASE

PRINCETON, NJ, Sept. 21, 2022 — In a moment defined by cascading crises, many across the nation and world are wondering aloud about the future of American democracy. In the months ahead Princeton Theological Seminary will confront this uncertainty head-on, convening a series of timely conversations with leaders poised to shape that future.

The kickoff conversation — on the challenge of hyper-polarization and how this phenomenon affects Christian communities, our ability to sustain government of-and-by the people, and the course of everyday life — takes place on Thursday, October 13, from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Atrium of the Wright Library, 1 Library Place. The free event will also be livestreamed; registration is required.

The panelists, moderated by Dr. Heath W. Carter, associate professor of American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary, include three eminent young leaders whose professional lives have been shaped in various ways by the sharp edges of our polarized society:

• Jane Coaston, columnist for The New York Times and host of The Argument
• Peter Meijer, Republican congressman representing Michigan’s 3rd district since 2021
• Symone D. Sanders-Townsend, former chief spokesperson for the Vice President of the United States

About Princeton Theological Seminary

Princeton Theological Seminary, founded in 1812, is the first seminary established by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. Its mission is to educate leaders for the church of Jesus Christ worldwide. Its students and more than 11,000 graduates from all 50 states and many nations around the world serve Christ in churches, schools and universities, healthcare institutions, nonprofit agencies, initiatives for social justice, mission agencies, and the emerging ministries of the church in the 21st century.

About The Future of American Democracy Initiative

This multi-part series will examine current conversations around the topic of democracy and the effect on people’s lives today. The series is funded by the Princeton Theological Seminary Board of Trustees’ “New Faculty Initiatives” grant, a major goal of which is to create new pathways to public engagement. For more information about the initiative, contact Thais Carter, director of strategic initiatives, at democracy.panels@ptsem.edu or 609-688-1945.