{"id":6240,"date":"2025-01-24T19:24:20","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T19:24:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/iacs\/?p=6240"},"modified":"2025-01-29T17:30:57","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T17:30:57","slug":"welcome-to-engaging-the-divides","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/iacs\/2025\/01\/24\/welcome-to-engaging-the-divides\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcome to Engaging the Divides"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Welcome to Engaging the Divides<\/h1>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n \n By<\/span>Dr. Richard Wood, IACS President<\/strong>\n \n January 24, 2025<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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We live in a time of toxic division.<\/p>\n

Polarization has infected every corner of our society \u2014 shaping how we engage in business, religion, politics, and education. Its rapid growth is fracturing the foundations of our states, nations, and world.<\/p>\n

From fiery arguments on social media to divisions within the halls of government, college campuses, communities, and even around the dinner table, the consequence of this polarization is impossible to ignore.<\/p>\n

But here, amidst this deep turmoil, lies a profound opportunity for renewal and understanding.<\/p>\n

The Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at USC is proud to launch Engaging the Divides<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, an innovative online forum designed to foster civil, constructive dialogue on some of today\u2019s most urgent issues. This initiative brings together leading researchers, scholars, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and viewpoints to explore meaningful solutions and seek common ground.<\/p>\n

At its core, Engaging the Divides<\/strong> reflects the Catholic tradition\u2019s commitment to thoughtful dialogue and its ongoing relevance in addressing both global and local challenges facing society. Rather than deepen existing divisions, this forum seeks to advance understanding and inspire actionable change.<\/p>\n

Our platform will delve into a wide array of contemporary topics, blending intellectual rigor with a commitment to constructive dialogue. Highlights include:<\/p>\n