A Better Way
Learning to live together, listen to each other
and find a way forward as a nation
Here at the Cathedral, we entered this tumultuous election year with two audacious ideas: First, every person is a beloved child of God. And second, Americans yearn for a better way to be in relationship with one another.
That better way starts by learning to see our neighbor beyond partisan labels or political beliefs. It is rooted in grace, nurtured by love, and fueled by compassion. We may not always agree, but we can find ways to treat each other with humility, decency and generosity of spirit.
We invite you to join us in finding that better way of being – together.
An Evening with David Brooks
upcoming program
A Conversation with Peter Wehner
crossroads podcaststream now
The Work We Have to Do
cathedral connectsCatch Up on Events
The Cathedral is hosting a series of events designed to help Americans live together, learn from each other and find a way forward as a nation in polarized times. Learn about our recent and upcoming events below and join us in creating a better way of being.
An Evening with Francis Collins
Event from Nov. 18, 2024
Catch up with physician, former director of the National Institutes of Health, and New York Times-bestselling author Francis S. Collins in conversation with Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith about the ways we can move forward and together during these deeply divisive and polarizing times. Praying for the Nation with the Cathedral
Services from Nov. 5 and 6, 2024
As the sacred ground where the nation gathers for prayer at pivotal moments in our life together, the Cathedral was open for prayer and meditation on Election Day and the day after. Browse and watch archived service livestreams.
Christian Voices in the Public Square
Event from Oct. 29, 2024
Catch up on our thought-provoking forum. Moderated by Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith, the panel of prominent guests explore how Christians can effectively engage in the public square, the dangers of Christian nationalism, and the church’s responsibility during challenging times.
An Evening with Liz Cheney and Jon Meacham
Event from April 24, 2024
Catch up on the discussion with Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Canon Historian Jon Meacham on how America’s leaders can put principles first, and how all Americans can find a better way to be in relationship with each other.
An Evening with Author Ray Suarez
Event from April 30, 2024
Catch up on this evening forum with veteran broadcaster, historian and author Ray Suarez as he discusses his new book, "Becoming American in the 21st Century: An Oral History."
Forum: With Malice Toward None, With Charity for All
Event from Feb. 21, 2024
Catch up on the forum where, with special guests, we explored how to repair the breaches in our civic life. This event was in partnership with the Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University and Wesley Theological Seminary, and sponsored by Deseret Magazine.
A Better Way: Featured Sermons
from the pulpitFeatured Series: Clergy share their wisdom about "A Better Way" to...
- An Invitation to "A Better Way..." by Dean Randy Hollerith
- "A Better Way ... to Find Common Ground" by The Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope
- "A Better Way ... to Love Your Enemies" by the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson
- "A Better Way ... to Hold on to Hope" by the Rev. Canon Kelly Brown Douglas
- "A Better Way ... to Weather Anxiety" by the Rev. Spencer Brown
- "A Better Way ... to Handle Disappointment" by the Rev. Jo Nygard Owens
Cathedral Prays in Response to Shooting at Trump Rally
news & mediaA Note from the Dean
Since our earliest days as a country, Americans have rarely agreed on everything. In fact, many times throughout history, our differences have threatened to drown out the things we hold in common. But diverse opinions and healthy disagreement are signs of a flourishing democracy; they are good things and part of our national DNA.
For nearly 250 years, we have found the way through our differences with a kind of social compact: Respecting the rule of law, protecting the right to free speech, yielding to the will of the people, and rejecting political violence. That framework for civility has been undergirded by our shared values of decency, mutual respect, honesty and giving one another the benefit of the doubt.
We need to rediscover those shared ideals, and to remember why they are so important. For us as Christians, we are commanded to love our neighbors — even to love our enemies — in recognition that each one of us is loved by God. Scripture shows us what that love looks like: Patient. Kind. Humble. Gracious. Hopeful. Just.
This is not easy work, but it is the most important thing we can do as a country. This Cathedral is committed to helping us find A Better Way – a better way to live together, a better way to listen to each other and a better way to be in relationship with one another. It is holy and important work, and I hope you’ll join us!
—The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith
Dean, Washington National Cathedral
A Space for Prayer and Reflection
We invite you to share your thoughts in a prayerful way. Use the form below to submit your prayer, and it will be offered at an upcoming weekday intercessory prayer service.