Can America heal after the election? Clergy, researchers tackle political anxiety and toxic polarization

During a Mass held the evening of Election Day, the priest at St. Clement Parish in Lincoln Park in Chicago asked for God’s blessings for “our world, our church and our nation, and those who need our prayers” during this decisive moment for the country.

“We pray for peace and unity,” said the Rev. Peter Wojcik, shortly before distributing the Eucharist to roughly three dozen faithful dotting the pews.

The church was open all day for services and private prayer, in part to serve as a haven for those plagued by worry...