We’re only two weeks away from Pope Francis’s much-anticipated visit to the United States. From 24-27 September, the pontiff will visit Washington DC, New York City and Philadelphia.
Francis is no conventional pope. Just two and a half years into his term, he’s won accolades from Catholics and non-Catholics alike for addressing some of the biggest issues of the modern era: climate change, gay rights, women’s rights, and economic inequality. Some take Pope Francis’s actions and advocacy as a sign that Catholicism is evolving across the world and America.
The Guardian wants to showcase the diversity of America’s Catholic community ahead of the pope’s visit using images and words. Tell us a little bit about yourselves and what the religion means to you in 2015. If you’re up for it, we’d love for you to send a family photo as well.
We want to hear from as many people as possible about how they practice their faith. Traditional or progressive? A single parent or part of a couple? Unmarried, married, or divorced? Belong to an LGBT congregation? Go to church every Sunday? Don’t go to church at all? Democrat or Republican? Born into the religion? Converted? We want to hear from you about your experience.
While US Catholics are often represented in popular culture as loud, brash, Italian and Irish Americans (like the Sopranos, above), the reality is that the community is much more complex – now more than ever. It incorporates a multitude of races, nationalities, sexual orientations, locations, levels of devoutness, and marital statuses. We want your help in showing that.
The Guardian will include the best photos and stories in a Guardian Witness gallery on our site. One of our journalists may also contact you about your thoughts ahead of the pope’s visit.
You can share your photos, videos and stories with us by clicking on the blue “Contribute” buttons or via the link at the end of this article. If you’re away from your computer, you can download the GuardianWitness app or look for our assignments in the new Guardian app.