Religion News Service - A conversation on faith, community, and divided America

We’re inviting you to our first virtual event of 2026, a timely conversation about faith, community, and polarization. The Vanishing Church: How Polarization Is Reshaping American Faith Tuesday, January 20 | 12 p.m. Eastern Register Now We’re starting the new year by looking at something many Americans are feeling: the strain on connection and community in a divided time. Faith communities have long been places where people with different perspectives could gather and build relationships. Today, those spaces look different, and understanding why offers important context into the moment we’re living in. Join Adelle M. Banks, RNS projects editor and national reporter, for a conversation with social scientist Ryan Burge, whose research examines how polarization intersects with American religious life. His new book, “The Vanishing Church,” examines how political polarization has changed congregational life over the past several decades. He’ll share insights from it as we explore what polarization means for congregations, community life, and our shared civic landscape. This event is free, but registration is required to attend. We hope you’ll join us on Jan. 20! —Your friends at Religion News Service

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