This guide is an invitation to dialogue. It is based on a belief in the power of human connection and designed for people who want to use The Masses to engage family, friends, classmates, colleagues, and communities. Conversations that center identity, diversity, and religion can be difficult to begin and facilitate, but this guide is meant to support you in beginning and deepening those efforts.

In contrast to initiatives that foster debates - in which participants try to convince others that they are right - this document envisions conversations undertaken in a spirit of openness in which people listen actively and share divergent viewpoints with care and respect.

This discussion guide is meant to inspire people with varying degrees of knowledge about these topics to enter the conversation, and hopefully stay in the conversation, in order to better understand their own identity and the world in which we live.

The discussion prompts are intentionally crafted to help a wide range of audiences think more deeply about the topics in the film. Rather than attempting to address them all, you can choose one or two that best meet your needs and interests. Specifically, you could consider each section (there are three) as stand-alone meeting topics, although they can also be undertaken in one longer session.

Finally, be sure to leave time to consider taking action - in whatever way these conversations inspire movement in your own communities. Planning next steps for practical engagement can help people leave the room feeling energized and optimistic, even in instances when conversations have been difficult and/or uncomfortable.

KEY ISSUES:Religion, pluralism, coexistence, difference, fundamentalism, diversity, race, socio-economic status