A Better Way
Learning to live together, listen to each other
and find a way forward as a nation
At Washington National Cathedral, we believe the gospel compels us to live faithfully at the intersection of the sacred and the civic. A Better Way is our commitment to embodying dignity and respect in public life, offering hope, and providing a moral framework in a divided world.
Get Tickets for Upcoming 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.
An Evening with Poets Pádraig Ó Tuama and Marilyn Nelson
Mon Feb. 2 • 7 pm Join us in-person or online for an evening conversation featuring poets Pádraig Ó Tuama and Marilyn Nelson exploring how poetry can amplify ignored American stories and how silence shapes the act of listening, writing, and truth-telling. All are welcome to join this inspiring evening of reflection on what has been said, what remains unsaid, and what still needs to be heard.
An Evening with Historian Heather Cox Richardson
Wed Feb. 11 • 7 pm Join renowned historian Heather Cox Richardson for an evening of reflection on the state of American democracy and the lessons history offers for our shared future. In conversation with Dean Randy Hollerith, Dr. Richardson will explore how truth-telling, civic courage, and historical perspective can help us navigate division and rediscover a sense of common purpose as a nation.
An Evening with Eboo Patel on Faith & Democracy
Tue Feb. 24 • 7 pm Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith welcomes Eboo Patel, founder of Interfaith America, for a keynote on the promise of pluralism and the moral renewal of democracy. The conversation continues with Christine Emba (The Washington Post) and Peter Wehner (The Atlantic), who join Dean Hollerith and Dr. Patel to reflect on how faith and civic imagination can light a better way forward for our nation.Catch Up on Recent Event Streams
An Evening with Governors Cox and Shapiro
Event from December 9, 2025
Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro join for a conversation moderated by Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of TODAY and chief legal correspondent at NBC News. In this time of deep division, two leaders from opposite political parties will reflect on the responsibilities of leadership in moments of crisis, the dangers of extremism, and the work of building civic life rooted in dignity, safety, and hope.
An Evening with Senator Cory Booker and Jon Meacham
Event from October 29, 2025
Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith welcomes Canon Historian Jon Meacham and U.S. Senator Cory Booker for a discussion on the moral foundations of democracy, the challenges of our time, and the role of faith in shaping public life. In-person and livestream tickets available.
Book Talk with Bp. C. Andrew Doyle
Event from October 15, 2025
Join us as Dean Randy Hollerith welcomes the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of Texas, for a conversation about the challenges of modern-day faith. Through the lens of Bishop Doyle’s latest book, they will discuss the forces that challenge our spiritual lives and how we can respond with courage, clarity, and conviction. In-person and livestream options available.
An Evening with Bishop Budde & Tim Shriver
Event from May 22, 2025
Catch up with Bishop Budde and Tim Shriver with their evening conversation exploring the role of dignity in our public life. This timely discussion brings faith, education and public leadership into dialogue to lessen polarization and find hope for our democracy.
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 pulpit The Work We Have to Do
cathedral connects
A Conversation with Peter Wehner
crossroads podcaststream now
Featured 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.