Two stories dominate the public narrative around faith in the United States: the "Mainline decline story," which depicts historic churches as shrinking and irrelevant, and the "Christian nationalist story," which associates robust faith with political extremism and a restrictive vision of American life.

We challenge these limiting narratives by highlighting vibrant, alternative expressions of Christian life. Supporting communities engaged in innovative, inclusive, and pluralistic witness, we resource storytellers and create platforms for them to reach wider audiences.

The Narrative Project is an initiative of The Christian Century, an ecumenical magazine founded in 1900. For over 125 years, the Century has been the leading voice in American religious commentary, offering thoughtful, independent, and progressive cultural engagement from a faith-based perspective. The Narrative Project extends this legacy by focusing specifically on the power of personal and communal storytelling to shape the story of American Christianity today.