The Communion Project exists to strengthen ecclesial communion in a time of increasing polarization within the U.S. Catholic Church. We work with parishes, dioceses, Catholic leaders and individuals – not to change people’s views – but to change how we view each other.
Mission & Vision
Our mission is to heal the sin of toxic polarization in the US Catholic Church so the Church can be a more joyful witness of the Gospel in our divided country.
We envision a U.S. Catholic Church that transcends political and ideological divisions so the Church can be a joyful witness to the Gospel in a divided world. (John 17:21).
The Communion Project accompanies church communities by:
Our work is supported by an advisory board and staff with experience serving parishes, dioceses, and organizations across the country.
Inspired by Pope Francis’s call to synodality and to respond to polarization, the Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle (Paulist Fathers) founded The Paulist Initiative on Polarization in 2022 as a national partnership of Catholic leaders and institutions committed to strengthening communion across political, theological, and cultural divisions.
Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s public commitment to building unity and communion in the Church the effort was re-named The Communion Project in 2025
Partners and contributors to our recent events include Catholic Charities USA, the USCCB, The Catholic University of America, Georgetown’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, the Napa Institute, the Pauline Center for Media Studies, Braver Angels, and Interfaith America, among others.
We welcome questions, collaboration inquiries, and requests for more information about our work. Whether you’re exploring resources, considering a partnership, or seeking formation for your community, we’d be glad to connect.
