For good reason, many people bemoan the polarization and lack of civility in American life and politics, often with a sense of despair or resignation. What can be done, anyway? Someone else should solve the problem. In this timely book, Fr. Wessman reminds us of our apostolic vocation to cross over and encounter other people, as Christ did. Faith sees with the eyes of love, and seeks the good of the other rather than their defeat. More than an inspiring call, however, Fr. Wessman explains the skills and virtues needed, and how to take those first small steps to become people of hope, courage, and hospitality. - R. J. Snell, Editor-in-Chief, The Public Discourse

The divisiveness of US politics has been the topic of countless opinion columns, but Robert Aaron Wessman expertly provides history and context to help Christians and all Americans find a way out of the storm. Both incisive and hopeful, The Church's Mission in a Polarized World offers practical principles from the teachings of Jesus (and examples of people who put those principles to use) to restore our civic life. - Robert David Sullivan

Senior Editor, America Magazine

Fr. Aaron Wessman has provided a much-needed exploration of how the Church can--indeed, must--respond to the toxic polarization that has strained communities, severed relationships, and derailed collaboration. He persuasively shows how a ministry of "crossing over into the storm" has a much more authentic grounding in the Gospel than the war imagery often invoked to motivate American Christians to action. This book is an important attempt to reset the conversation. - Robert K. Vischer, Interim President, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN