An America yearning for the sacred in civic life
Many Americans feel buffeted by a cycle of tit-for-tat political rhetoric, whipsaw policymaking, and norms breaking. A recent poll found that 82% of voters believe the way people talk about politics contributes to violence. Only one-third say it is possible to lower the temperature on political rhetoric.
Yet, in recent weeks, more voices are calling for civic civility. They are based on a mix of political principles as well as moral and religious values. On Dec. 9, for example, two governors 鈥� a Democrat and a Republican 鈥� clasped hands after modeling respectful political dialogue at the National Cathedral in Washington.
Democrat Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Republican Spencer Cox of Utah both often share how their faith traditions imbue their public service. Speaking to The Washington Post, Mr. Cox noted, 鈥淏ridge-building is the hardest thing I鈥檝e ever done. It takes ... strong faith and strong courage.鈥�
A couple of days later, a bipartisan group of Indiana state senators voted down a bill that would have redrawn an electoral map to skew the state鈥檚 current 7-2 Republican advantage in Congress to 9-0. Several cited an ethical desire to reduce partisanship. 鈥淚 hope that this is the beginning of the country stepping back from the brink,鈥� said one Republican state senator.
Such a stance fits research that shows how the words and actions of elected officials can cue either positive or negative public sentiment. A Cornell University political scientist who has studied the campaign approach of Mr. Cox 鈥� who refuses to demonize opponents 鈥� found that it 鈥渉ad a significant [positive] effect鈥� on public views.
Americans look to political leaders for moral clarity, says Governor Shapiro. Elected officials in a few states appear to recognize this, as they decide whether to push redistricting to lock in House wins in 2026 or whether to abide by political norms.聽Texas kicked off a redistricting race mid-year, redrawing maps to favor Republican candidates. California responded with a referendum to override an independent commission and draw maps that would favor Democrats.
鈥溾�嬧�婥alifornia鈥檚 gerrymandering is not fighting back. It鈥檚 cheating,鈥� Democrat Patricia Sinay of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission said about the Proposition 50 referendum that passed in November.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not all just about getting re-elected,鈥� Kansas state Rep. Brett Fairchild, a Republican, told The New York Times. It鈥檚 also about 鈥減rinciple and ... morals and ethics.鈥�
Many Americans might now be seeking deeper values that can guide civic life. In the dialogue series that hosted Mr. Cox and Mr. Shapiro and similar events, for example, the National Cathedral has laid out one approach: 鈥淲e start with two fundamental ideas,鈥� its website notes. 鈥淔irst, every person is a beloved child of God, regardless of who they vote for. And second, Americans yearn for a better way to be in relationship with one another.鈥� Perhaps the yearning has found its voice.
Editor's note: The description of redistricting moves in Texas and California has been clarified.聽
