CLEVELAND — In a time when our society seems more polarized and fractured than ever, community religious leaders are preaching for empathy and understanding as their flocks crave civil discourse.

Care for the vulnerable, the inherent dignity of all people and prioritizing the common good over individual interests are among the common principles religious leaders cited as themes in their messages for uniting fractured communities.

Greater Cleveland Congregations recently held listening session s across 17 congregations to understand community concerns. Civil discourse emerged as a top issue, alongside housing, education, healthcare and food insecurity.

Related: Faith communities navigate political division in 2025: How religious leaders respond

And even as church attendance has decl

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