Listen in on Seattle's civic version of church

Three years ago, in the wake of the presidential election, gatherings took place around Seattle. People who were surprised and confounded by the largely unexpected outcome sought community.

The team that runs Seattle’s Citizen University called a meeting in the basement of The Elliott Bay Book Company. Imagine that modest space packed to overflowing.

What took place there sparked an idea that has spread to over 30 cities around the country; an experiment born out of “deep anxiety, disconnectedness, and political polarization.”

The organizers call it Civic Saturday, “the civic analogue to church.” Like church, it brings people together for communion, contemplation, song, readings and a sermon. Their version includes conversation.

The proceedings, though not spiritual, are spirited. Conveners and attendees work toward a goal of active, informed citizenship.

“We all have the power to make change happen in civic life, and we all have the responsibility to try. We can’t take our democracy for granted," said Jená Cane.

Eric Liu and Cane are the co-founders of Civic Saturday. Liu is the minister-in-chief. His latest book is "Become America: Civic Sermons on Love, Responsibility, and Democracy."

This convocation of Civic Saturday took place at Town Hall Seattle on December 7. KUOW's Sonya Harris recorded the event. The next gathering takes place on January 25 at El Centro de la Raza.