The Vicars' Crossing

From England's working class to high-profile media personality, Michael Coren charts his encounters with people of faith, fame, and fortune.Growing up in a blue-collar mixed-religion family and then entering a career in media, Michael Coren was, and in some ways still is, the consummate outsider. In Heaping Coals, he writes of his life leading up to entering the seminary, being ordained, and his early successes as a journalist, encountering Oscar-winning writers and celebrities.After marrying and settling in Canada, Coren became a darling of the Christian right with his TV and radio shows and syndicated column. His shift to more progressive Christianity and politics embodies Romans 12:20 — heaping coals onto the heads of one's enemies — and charts the returning of good for evil through a process of self-reflection.From outsider to institutional mainstay to penitent, Coren shares not just a humble admission of fault but an articulate and convincing account of one man's spiritual awakening.We chat about the book and Michael's upcoming visit to London.

Todd Townshend is the 14th Bishop of The Diocese of Huron in the Anglican Church of Canada. He was Ordained to the diaconate on May 14, 1992, ordained to the priesthood on November 30, 1992, and Consecrated a Bishop and Installed as the 14th Bishop of Huron at St. Paul's Cathedral, London, ON on Saturday, January 25, 2020.Bishop Townshend has served in several London parishes. Townshend also served as the Dean of the Faculty of Theology at Huron University College between 2013 and 2019. Prior to assuming his role as Dean of the Faculty, Townshend taught at Huron University College since 2002 in a variety of roles including Professor of Homiletics and Pastoral Theology and Associate Professor of Contextual Theology.

Danielle Tumminio-Hansen has over fifteen years of expertise as a writer, public theologian, and faith leader.  She is a three-time Ivy League graduate, a former lecturer at Yale and Tufts Universities, and the author of numerous works on the intersection of spirituality and contemporary culture.  She currently works as a professor at Emory University. Her newest publication is TRAUMA INFORMED SPIRITUAL CARE: INTERVENTIONS FOR SAFETY, MEANING, RECONNECTION, AND JUSTICE

Born in Korea, and educated in Canada, Grace Ji-Sun Kim now teaches in the United States. She is the author or editor of 24 books: Invisible, Hope in Disarray, Keeping Hope Alive, and Intersectional Theology, among others. Her latest book is When God Became White: Dismantling Whiteness for a More Just Christianity. Dr Kim writes for Baptist News Global, Sojourners, Faith and Leadership, and Wabash Center. She has been published in TIME, The Huffington Post, Christian Century, US Catholic Magazine, and The Nation. She is the host of Madang podcast, which is hosted by the Christian Century. Dr Kim is an ordained Presbyterian Church (USA) minister.

Today Kevin and Rob welcome Glenn E. Bracey II - Assistant Professor of Sociology at Villanova University. Dr Bracey specializes in race, religion, and social movements. Bracey is an award-winning teacher and scholar with publications in leading academic journals. An emerging voice on issues ranging from critical race theory to racial protests and national politics. We will discuss his current book - THE RELIGION OF WHITENESS

On this episode we welcome Graham Singh and Kendra Fry from the Trinity Centres Foundation. Kendra and Graham, along with Kevin and Rob discuss projects in faith communities that will allow for increased stability and bring opportunities and to build new relationships and creative partnerships that will strengthen the church for many generations to come. 

On this episode, we welcome Murray Watson.Murray is a Catholic Biblical scholar and interreligious activist. He currently serves as the adult faith formation Animator for the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, based in the city of Barrie, Ontario.

This week we gather for a conversation with Martha Tartanic - the cohost of The Future Christian Podcast. This in-depth chat will be released by both the Vicars' Crossing and Future Christian Podcasts.

Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Brian is a passionate reader of theology and philosophy, an avid hiker and mountain climber, and an authority on all things Bob Dylan.Brian is the author of several books, including Beauty Will Save the World, A Farewell To Mars, Water To Wine, Sinners In The Hands Of A Loving God, Postcards From Babylon, and When Everything's On Fire and his most recent THE WOOD BETWEEN THE WORLDS.This podcast was recorded on February 29th, 2024.

TW // This episode contains conversations about sexual assault, gender-based violence, rape culture, and/or other violence that can be emotionally triggering to some individuals.Danielle Tumminio-Hansen is a writer, three-time Ivy League graduate, theologian, and faith leader with twenty years of experience as a public intellectual.  She routinely provides commentary and insight into contemporary issues in the American spiritual landscape.  Her areas of expertise include trauma-informed care, theological issues in human reproduction, the intersection of faith and popular culture, and the struggles faced by women, families, and children.  Danielle is known for her unique blend of incisive wisdom and whimsy as well as her ability to encourage students and the public to consider what it means to live a life rooted in justice, kindness, and humility.Danielle grew up on Long Island as the only child of two public school teachers, and spent her childhood singing in the prestigious Cathedral of the Incarnation Girls' Choir, which became the grounding of her lifelong spiritual journey.  She is an Episcopal priest and currently works as a professor at Emory University.This podcast was recorded on February 15th, 2024.

Ally Henny is the author of I Won't Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You. She is a writer, speaker, advocate-minister, and vice president of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective–an organization committed to encouraging, engaging, and empowering Black Christians toward liberation from racism. Ally completed her Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary with an emphasis in race, cultural identity, and reconciliation, and she hopes to lead a church someday. Since 2014, Ally has been leading conversations about race on her blog, The Armchair Commentary, and on social media where her posts reach millions each month. She is a proud Chicago Southsider.This podcast was recorded on February 7th, 2024.

This week we welcome Dr Jonathan C Augustine. Dr Augustine serves as senior pastor of St. Joseph AME Church, in Durham, NC. He is an accomplished author, respected academic leader, and nationally recognized social justice advocate who speaks for the equality of all human beings.Dr Augustine's most recent books are When Prophets Preach: Leadershipand the Politics of the Pulpit and Called to Reconciliation: How the ChurchCan Model Justice, Diversity and Inclusion This podcast was recorded on November 30th, 2023.

we are excited to welcome spiritual director, retreat leader, and internationally known speaker and teacher on mystical spirituality and contemplative living — CARL MCCOLMAN He is the author of many books,including The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Eternal Heart: The Mystical Path to a Joyful Life, and Unteachable Lessons: Why Wisdom Can't Be Taught and Why That's Okay.Carl McColman's approach to contemplation and mysticism is inclusive and expansive; he is dedicated to exploring the common ground between faith traditions, with a particular interest in the connecting points between Christian, Buddhist and Pagan wisdom.

today we are excited to welcome one of the preeminent Theologians of our time - KWOK PUI-LAN Dr Kwok Pui Lan is the Dean's Professor of Systematic Theology at Candler School of Theology. Has taught at Episcopal Divinity School, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Auburn Theological Seminary, Union Theological Seminary, and Yale Divinity School. Her research focuses on Asian feminist theology and postcolonial theology. She has written or edited 23 books in English and Chinese. Her current research focuses on postcolonial theology – to that end, she has released her most recent Book THE ANGLICAN TRADITION FROM A POSTCOLONIAL PERSPECTIVE.This podcast was recorded on November 16th, 2023.

Today we are excited to welcome Matthew Thiessen to the podcast - Matthew is an associate professor of religious studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. He is the award-winning author of numerous books, including - Paul and the Gentile Problem- Jesus and the Forces of Death- Contesting Conversion: Genealogy, Circumcision, and Identity in Ancient Judaism and ChristianityAND MOST RECENTLY,- A Jewish Paul: The Messiah's Herald to the Gentiles

Andrew Whitehead is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Association of Religion Data Archives at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture.Andrew Whitehead is one of the foremost scholars of Christian nationalism in the United States. He is the lead author of  Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States —along with Samuel Perry—which won the 2021 Distinguished Book Award from the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. His new book is, American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the ChurchWhitehead is a sought-after speaker and has shared his work with diverse audiences: academic and public, religious and secular. Whitehead's research on Christian nationalism has been featured across several national outlets including The New York Times, NPR, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, CNN Today, The Economist, Rolling Stone, and The Guardian. He has been interviewed on NBC News, National Public Radio, and the BBC, among others, and is routinely contacted for perspective on religion and politics from national and international news media. He has also written for The Washington Post, Time, NBC News, and the Religion News Service, among other outlets.And he's now the latest guest on THE VICARS CROSSING.This podcast was recorded on October 5th, 2023

Jonathan Eig is the bestselling author of six books. His most recent King: A Life, was An Instant New York Times Bestseller, A Barack Obama Summer 2023 Read and was Hailed by The New York Times as "the definitive" account of MLK's life Jonathan's previous book, Ali: A Life, won a 2018 PEN America Literary Award and was a finalist for the Mark Lynton History Prize. His works have been translated into more than a dozen languages. He served as consulting producer for the PBS series "Muhammad Ali," which was directed by Ken Burns. Esquire magazine named Ali: A Life is one of the 25 greatest biographies of all time. Jonathan's first book, Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig, reached No. 10 on the New York Times bestseller list and won the Casey Award. His books have been listed among the best of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.This podcast was recorded on September 28, 2023.

Dr. Sarah Jean Barton is a theologian and occupational therapist with a Doctor of Theology degree from Duke Divinity School. She completed her occupational therapy training at Boston University. Her research interests include theology and disability, research in collaboration with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, bioethics, liturgy, and occupational engagement in religious activities. She has published and presented in a variety of interdisciplinary contexts on issues related to Christian theology and ethics, intellectual disability, spirituality, disability studies, and occupational therapy. She is the author of Becoming the Baptized Body: Disability and the Practice of Christian Community (Baylor University Press).Currently, Dr. Barton is Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and Theological Ethics at Duke University. She holds a dual appointment in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Division in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the School of Medicine as well as at Duke Divinity School. She also works as a pediatric occupational therapist at Duke Health, with special expertise in collaborating with families and children experiencing medical complexity, trauma, or neuromuscular disorders. Dr. Barton is one of only seven occupational therapists in North Carolina to hold the AOTA Board Certification in Pediatrics.

We kick off season 9 by welcoming back Philip Yancey. Having authored over 25 books, in which he has wrestled with God, with the Church, and with fellow believers, Philip Yancey has sold more than 17 million copies in English, and his books have been translated into 40 languages worldwide. Philip's bestselling titles include: - What's So Amazing About Grace? -  The Jesus I Never Knew. - where the light fell With a journalistic, story-telling style, he invites readers to accompany him as he probes the deepest mysteries of the Christian faith, and challenges readers to live as followers of Jesus.To learn more about Philip Yancey's upcoming speaking tour please visit:https://effecthope.org/events/ 

On this episode, we welcome back retired priest and author John Marsh. On his third visit, we discuss his book STRANGERS AT THE DOOR: PERHAPS THE REIGN OF GOD. https://www.amazon.com/Strangers-At-Door-Perhaps-reign/dp/B0BFVCNJHT This podcast was recorded on March 31st, 2023.

On this episode, we welcome Patty Krawec. Patty is an Anishinaabe and Ukrainian writer from Lac Seul First Nation. She is the cohost of the Medicine for the Resistance podcast and cofounder of the Nii'kinaaganaa Foundation, which collects funds and disperses them to Indigenous people and organizations. Her work has been published in Sojourners and Canadian Living. She is active with the Fort Erie Native Friendship Center and the Strong Water Singers. Krawec is a member of Chippawa Presbyterian Church and lives in Niagara Falls, Ontario. We'll discuss Her book Becoming Kin:An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining Our Future, is a remarkable sojourn through Native and settler history, myth, identity, and spirituality that helps us retrace our steps and pick up what was lost along the way: chances to honour rather than violate treaties, to see the land as a relative rather than a resource, and to unravel the history we have been taught.This podcast was recorded on March 23rd, 2023.

In this episode, we welcome back speaker, writer, public theologian, and immigrant advocate, Karen González.Karen immigrated to the US from Guatemala as a child. She knows all too well what newcomers to a country face. When she was last with us we talked about her book -The God Who Sees -which chronicled her experience as an immigrant. Karen's second book which was recently released is titled - Beyond Welcome: Centering Immigrants in Our Christian Response to Immigration. This book seeks to elevate the discourse in the church beyond hospitality to immigrants. Many Christians have good intentions, working hard to welcome immigrants with hospitality and solidarity. But how can that be done in a way that empowers our immigrant neighbours rather than pushing them to the fringes of white-dominant culture and keeping them as outsiders? That's exactly the question Karen González explores in ‘Beyond Welcome' and the question we'll explore in this episode of The Vicars' Crossing.This podcast was recorded on March 16th, 2023.

Sumaiya Matin is a writer, part-time social worker/psychotherapist, and strategic advisor for the Ontario government, working on a wide range of public policy files, including anti-racism. She lives in Toronto.Her book the Shaytān Bride is the true coming-of-age story of a girl navigating desire and faith. Through her journey into adulthood, she battles herself and her circumstances to differentiate between destiny and free will. Sumaiya Matin's life in love and violence is a testament to one woman's strength as she faces the complicated fallout of her decisions.Sumaiya Matin was never sure if the story of the Shaytan Bride was truth or myth. When she moved at age six from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to Thunder Bay, Ontario, recollections of this devilish bride followed her. At first, the Shaytan Bride seemed to be the monster of fairy tales, a woman possessed or seduced by a jinni. But everything changes during a family trip to Bangladesh, and in the weeks leading to Sumaiya's own forced wedding, she discovers that the story — and the bride herself — are much closer than they seem.This podcast was recorded on March 10th, 2023.

Today we welcome Lerita Coleman Brown. Lerita is a spiritual director/companion, author, retreat leader, and speaker. She promotes contemplative spirituality, the living wisdom of Howard Thurman, and uncovering the peace and joy in one's heart on her website, leritacolemanbrown.com and other social media platforms. Her newest book is What Makes You Come Alive—A Spiritual Walk with Howard Thurman. We'll chat about the book and much more.This podcast was recorded on Tuesday February 28th, 2023.

On this episode, we welcome Lisa Deam - an author and speaker who uses art of the Christian past to illuminate modern faith. A former professor, she has a Ph.D. in medieval art history from the University of Chicago and was a Fulbright Fellow to Belgium. Lisa believes that medieval art has something to say to Christians in the 21st century and loves leading spiritual formation workshops on the Christian Middle Ages. Her writing won a "Best of the Christian Press" award from the Associated Church Press. We'll discuss her latest book - 3000 Miles to JesusThis podcast was recorded on February 23rd, 2023.

Cecily Alexander is a dietician, a teacher, and a writer in London, Ontario. Her recently published memoirImmigration, Race and Survival: From Trinidad to Canada: Living in Parallel Worldswill help you to understand racism as you journey with her through her many experiences. Cecily has had a career as a dietitian for over forty years. She has a master's in business administration specializing in organizational behaviour and her nutrition degree from the University of Guelph. She has taught at both the university and college levels.She's a faithful Anglican attending St Aidan's Church in London Ontario.This podcast was recorded on February 16th, 2023.

We are excited to welcome back Dr. Randy Woodley. Randy's work addresses a variety of issues concerning American culture, faith, justice, race, our relationship with the earth, and Indigenous realities. He currently serves as Distinguished Professor of Faith and Culture at Portland Seminary, Portland Oregon. His expertise has been sought in national venues as diverse as Time Magazine, Christianity Today, The Huffington Post, and Planet Drum: A Voice for Bioregional, Sustainability, Education, and Culture. Randy identifies strongly with issues of eco-justice, diversity, and racial justice. He has found the sweet spot of sharing difficult truths, in the spirit of love and acceptance through his teaching. Randy's authentic and timely messages dig to the root of our own imbalanced and unjust systems in an effort to restore us all to ways of harmony. His new book is titled MISSION AND THE CULTURAL OTHER.This podcast was recorded on November 17th, 2022.

This week we welcome Marjorie J. Thompson. Marjorie is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church.  She has served as director of the Pathways Center for Spiritual Leadership and as spiritual director of Companions in Christ, a program outgrowth of the Pathways initiative of Upper Room Ministries. Marjorie has exercised a ministry of teaching, writing and spiritual guidance for many years. Marjorie joins us to discuss her newest book:Courage for Caregivers: Sustenance for the Journey in Company with Henri J. M. NouwenDrawing on the writings and wisdom of Nouwen's themes of caregiving, this book is an invaluable resource for those offering care and the communities that support them.This podcast was recorded on November 10th, 2022.

Today we welcome Jonathan Merritt - one of America's most popular writers on issues of faith and culture. He is the author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing – and How We Can Revive Them, named “Book of the Year” by the Englewood Review of Books. Jonathan is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and a regular columnist for Religion News Service. He has published more than 3000 articles in respected outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast and Christianity Today.In addition to the written word, Jonathan regularly contributes commentary to television, print, and radio news outlets. He has been interviewed by ABC World News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, PBS, and CBS' “60 Minutes.”this podcast was recorded on November 3rd, 2022.

Bob Smietana is an award-winning religion reporter and editor who has spent two decades producing breaking news, data journalism, investigative reporting, profiles, and features for magazines, newspapers, trade publications, and websites. Most notably, he has served as a senior writer for Facts & Trends, senior editor of Christianity Today, religion writer at The Tennessean, correspondent for Religion News Service, and contributor to OnFaith, USA TODAY, and The Washington Post.He is best known for his coverage of Islam and Islamophobia, including his comprehensive reporting on the Murfreesboro mosque conflict, and on evangelical Christianity. We'll discuss His new book Reorganized Religion: The Reshaping of the American Church and Why it Matters.This podcast was recorded on September 22nd, 2022.

In this episode, we welcome The Reverend Dr. William H. Willimon. Dr. Willimon is a Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at the Divinity School, Duke University. He served eight years as Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church, For twenty years prior to the episcopacy, he was Dean of the Chapel and Professor of Christian Ministry at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. He is the author of roughly one hundred books. Thousands of pastors in the USA, Canada, and Australia use his Pulpit Resource each week. A 2005 Pulpit and Pew Research Center study found that Bishop Willimon is the second most widely read author by mainline Protestant pastors. His newsy book is called LISTENERS DARE: HEARING GOD IN THE SERMON. This podcast was recorded on September 15th, 2022.

https://www.kevinmnye.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI240WSPCCQ3IsZq-LfORwg Kevin has worked in homeless services and advocacy in Los Angeles, CA & Minneapolis, MN. Kevin writes on the intersections of theology, justice, equity, and pop culture. He was a contributing author for Theology and the Marvel Universe and is the founder of Theophany, a blog and YouTube channel looking at the intersection of God and movies.His new book GRACE CAN LEAD US HOME: A CHRISTIAN CALL TO END HOMELESSNESS is available at your local bookseller.This podcast was recorded on September 8th, 2022.

Today We welcome priest, writer, & speaker - Martha Tartanic. Her new book WHY GATHER: The Hope and Promise of the Church drops on June 14. In the midst of a global crisis, Martha found herself in a crisis of vocation, wondering whether or not there might be something else she could do with her life, other than serve the church. The church as a whole began asking questions of a similar and urgent nature. Why be together in Jesus' name? Does any of what we do as the church in gathering, proclaiming, serving, being together, in not being together, does any of it matter?The result of Martha's important questions and thoughtful discernment is a book that is food for the hungry and water to all who thirst.this podcast was recorded on June 9th, 2022.

In this episode we celebrate the release of Brian McLaren's latest Book Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the DisillusionedBrian talks candidly about how hard it is at times to stay Christian.Kevin and Rob, both senior clerics share there own frustrations and struggles over the years when the church has been hard to stick with.

we are excited to welcome CLAYTON THOMAS-MULLER. Clayton is a member of the Treaty #6 based Mathias Colomb Cree Nation also known as Pukatawagan (poo- cot – a – wagon) located in Northern Manitoba. He is a campaigner for https://www.350.org, a global movement that's responding to the climate crisis. He has campaigned on behalf of Indigenous peoples around the world for more than 20 years He has coordinated and led delegations of Indigenous peoples to lobby the government in Washington, DC, Ottawa, and the European Union. Clayton's book Life in the City of Dirty Water - A Memoir of HealingWas Selected as one of the finalists for Canada reads 2022. We talk about the book, the whole Canada Reads experience and the papal apology.This podcast was recorded on April 13th, 2022.

https://www.communicateforchange.org/As a journalist and TV presenter Genelle has worked for the BBC, ITN, MailOnline and now ITV in various roles including; online journalist, documentary producer, weather presenter and newsreader. After seven years of working in the media with several highlights including reporting live on the national BBC News channel, working on a Hillsborough documentary for Channel 5 and interviewing high profile personalities, Genelle's expertise within her field is of a high and impressive standard. Genelle's substantial knowledge of media shines bright in her roles as a public speaker and host.We discuss her book:Communicating For Change: Creating Justice in a World of Bias This podcast was recorded on April 7th, 2022.

The Vicars' Crossing is excited to WELCOME Susie and Tony Troxler. Tony and Susie Troxler met in Greensboro, NC and married in March 2008. They'd planned to start a family a few years into their marriage, but it never happened: A few years turned into more than a decade and still no child. Believing in the faithfulness of God, they both continued to hold onto the promise that they would one day have a family. And on September 29, 2021, at the ages of 61 and 50, the couple gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Lily.This podcast was recorded on March 31st, 2022.

Today we are excited to be a part of the book launch for Dr Robyn Henderson Espinoza's book - BODY BECOMING: A PATH TO OUR LIBERATION. The body that Robyn Henderson-Espinoza inhabits is a nonbinary body, a trans body, a body in two races--and a body continually in discovery. Theirs is also a body on sojourn invested in experience, body understanding, and engagement in and for human thriving. Henderson-Espinoza relates coming into a new body story, beginning with the deep emotional work of connecting the abstract intelligence of their mind with their body's intelligence, to explore the relationship between living and becoming, doing and listening.Combining that deep listening and living with their work in activism, Body Becoming offers us a way of understanding the body beyond constructions--political or medical-industrial-complex defined--toward cultivating the body as important in our endeavours to build a more inclusive vision for democracy.This podcast was recorded on March 11th, 2022.

Today we welcome New York Times bestselling author Dr. Lisa Miller -  a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University Dr. Miller is also the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held over a decade of joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articlesDr. Miller speaks and consults around her books THE AWAKENED BRAIN and THE SPIRITUAL CHILD for the US Military, businesses, personal development, faith-based organizations, schools and universities, and for mental health and wellness initiatives.This podcast was recorded on March 24th, 2022.

The Reverend Carol Howard Merritt is a minister whose writing, speaking, and teaching are anchored in theological wisdom and sociological insight. She's a sought-after keynote speaker, especially on the topic of ministering in a new generation.She's known for serving growing Presbyterian (USA) churches, especially those with a deep commitment to serving the poor and disenfranchised.A pastor for almost two decades, Carol has served Presbyterian (USA) churches in the swamps of Cajun Louisiana, a bayside village in Rhode Island, and an urban neighbourhood of Washington, DC. Carol is an Adjunct Faculty member at Dubuque Theological Seminary.She is the award-winning author of - Tribal Church: Ministering to the Missing Generation, - Reframing Hope: Vital Ministry in a New Generation, and her newest book is:- Healing Spiritual Wounds: Reconnecting with a Loving God After Experiencing a Hurtful Church.This podcast was recorded on March 17th, 2022.

Today we are excited to welcome Kirsten Powers. Kirsten is a New York Times bestselling author, USA Today columnist, and senior political analyst for CNN, where she appears regularly on Anderson Cooper 360, CNN Tonight with Don Lemon, and The Lead with Jake Tapper. Her writing has been published in The Washington Post, Elle, The Daily Beast, The Wall Street Journal, and many more publicationsKirsten's book  Saving Grace: SPEAK YOUR TRUTH, STAY CENTRED, AND LEARN TO COEXIST WITH PEOPLE WHO DRIVE YOU NUTS was released in 2021 - Kirsten discusses her book with us with incredible honesty. This is a book that is a must-read in these deeply divided days.This podcast was recorded on March 4th, 2022.

Today we welcome Melissa Florer-Bixler. Melissa is the pastor of Raleigh Mennonite Church and a graduate of Duke University and Princeton Theological Seminary. She spent times studying in Israel/Palestine, Kenya, and England. Much of her formation took place in the L'Arche community of Portland, OR. She is the chair of L'Arche North Carolina and a steering committee member in broad-based organizing in her county. Melissa's writing has appeared in Christian Century, Sojourners and many other publications. From time to time she publishes academic writing. She and her spouse parent three children.Today we will discuss L'Arche, Church over Zoom and, of course,  her recently released book:How to Have an Enemy: Righteous Anger and the Work of Peace.This podcast was recorded on February 25th, 2022.

today we are excited to welcome  SISTER BETTY MORRISSEY. Sister Betty is a Sister of Mercy in St John's, Newfoundland & Labrador. She's had quite a life in her vocation, having served in Peru, taught all over the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and she's been in Pastoral care at St Claire's hospital now for 25 years. most recently she had been appointed the chaplain for the Newfoundland rogues basketball team.This podcast was recorded on February 17th, 2022.

Today we travel across the pond to the United Kingdom we welcome Bishop Andrew Ramsey, Bishop of Ramsbury. Bishop has a brand new book titled ENGLISH GROUNDS: A PASTORAL JOURNALIn this journal of short, lyrical reflections, bishop Andrew takes the reader on an exploration of faith, place and identity. Focusing on his home in Wiltshire, as he arrives to take up an ancient role in a testing time, English Grounds is both an affirmation and critique of England's Christian heritage. Together the essays challenge us to think more deeply about the place of the Church in the consciousness of the English, and the place of England in the consciousness of the Church. The implications for the importance of place in the church of England are equally important for those of us in the church the world over. Today we are excited to celebrate and discuss the theology of place.This podcast was recorded on February 9th, 2022.

The Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley is a public intellectual, author, activist, farmer, scholar, speaker, and wisdom keeper. He is a recognized leader in the fields of Indigenous and Intercultural Studies, Ecology, Spirituality, Race, Theology, and Missiology.  Through his teaching and leadership, he invites Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to decolonize and Indigenize their worldview and practices so they can learn to walk on this earth in a good way.  Randy and his wife Edith are co-creators and co-sustainers of Eloheh  Indigenous Center for Earth Justice and Eloheh Farm & Seeds. Through an Eloheh experience, they invite people to a deeper spirituality and new relationship with creation while modelling regenerative Earth-tending practices and Earth justice. Randy has penned numerous books, chapters, and articles in his long writing career. He is most well-known for his connection to The Harmony Way as original Indigenous teachings and how they might apply as common values today, in order to build a better world. Today we discuss his latest book BECOMING ROOTED : ONE HUNDRED DAYS OF RECONNECTING WITH SACRED EARTHThis podcast was recorded on February 4th, 2022.

Today we are excited to welcome Dr. Maureen O'Connell. Dr. O'Connell isChair the Department of Religion at La Salle University in Philadelphia, where she is also an Associate Professor of Christian Ethics. She is anexpert in the art of social justice, she's an award-winning author and faithful member of POWER (Philadelphians Organizing to Witness, Empower, and Rebuild). POWER is an interfaith federationof 90 faith communities committed to making Philadelphia the city of “just love” (as well as “brotherly love and sisterly affection”) through a more just wage for workers, fair funding for public schools, immigration reform and decarceration. She has a book that was released just last week –UNDOING THE KNOTS; FIVE GENERATIONS OF AMERICAN CATHOLIC ANTI-BLACKNESS. this podcast was recorded on January 28th, 2022.

Today is a BONUS EPISODE With so much division and disunity in our current climate, we offer this episode as a prayerful offering in hope for a better tomorrow. Today we welcome Brian Allain Brian founded and leads the team that produces “How to Heal Our Divides,” a project aimed at building awareness of voices and organizations that are taking real action to address several serious, deep divides that have had strong negative impacts on our society – racial, political, religious, and other types of divides. The project highlights tangible efforts that are solving problems – actually healing divides in effective and practical ways. These are outlined in an incredible book with contributions from friends of the podcast Diana Butler Bass, Shane Claiborne, Brian McLaren and many more We talk about the book, our many divides and the incredible people and organizations working to heal them. This podcast was recorded on January 20th, 2022.

Today we welcome The Rev. Dr. Danielle Tumminio Hansen. Dr. Tumminio Hansen joined the Candler School of Theology in 2021. Prior to arriving at Candler, she was assistant professor of pastoral theology and served as director of field education at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, where she taught courses on trauma, practical theology, and pastoral theology, with a feminist, intersectional, and anti-racist lens. Tumminio Hansen has been a lecturer at Yale and Tufts universities, in addition to serving as chaplain at Groton School and as a parish priest in Lexington, Lincoln, and Quincy, Massachusetts.She is the author of several works in practical theology, namely Conceiving Family: A Practical Theology of Surrogacy and Self, as well as  God and Harry Potter at Yale. In addition to her books Tumminio Hansen has written extensively for publications including Huffington Post and The Guardian about the intersection of popular culture and faith.This podcast was recorded on January 19th, 2022.

Today is Martin Luther King Day in the United States. As a follower of Jesus, Dr. King was tireless in his efforts to live a faithful witness in the public square. Today's episode is dedicated to his memory. Today we welcome lifelong social activist, Dr. Obery Hendricks. One of today's foremost commentators on the intersection of religion and political economy in America, Dr. Hendricks is the most widely read and perhaps the most influential African American biblical scholar writing today. His recent book, Christians Against Christianity: How Right-Wing Evangelicals Are Destroying Our Nation and Our Faith has gathered wide acclaim.A widely sought lecturer and media spokesperson, Dr. Hendricks' appearances include CNN, MSNBC, CBS, Fox News, Fox Business News, the Discovery Channel, PBS, BBC, and more  Dr. Hendricks has served in the Religion and Foreign Policy Working Group at the U. S. Department of State under Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and John Kerry. On this day especially, we are honoured to learn from this distinguished scholar and civil rights champion.This podcast was recorded on January 14th, 2022.

In this episode, we welcome back to the podcast author, Pastor, hiker, and pilgrim Brian Zahnd. In this episode, we discussed his latest book… “When Everything is on fire; Faith Forged FromThe Ashes.” Sit back and enjoy the delightful conversation about Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Derita, the Camino, and the Kansas City Chiefs.This podcast was recorded on December 14th, 2021.

Welcome to this BONUS EPISODE of the Vicars' Crossing. This episode is being released on The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - December 12. Mary is the Patron Saint of Mexico and Patroness of the Americas. Every year, thousands of people from all over the country make a pilgrimage to the Basilica in Mexico City. The day commemorates the apparition of our Lady of Guadalupe to Saint Juan Diego in the hills of Tepeyac in 1531. She appeared as an Indian maiden dressed like an Aztec princess. The lady spoke to him in his own language She asked him to go to the bishop and tell him that the Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, sent him to ask for a church to be built atop Tepeyac hill.Mary's appearance to Juan Diego as one of his people is a powerful reminder that Mary—and the God who sent her—accept all peoples. In the context of the sometimes rude and cruel treatment of the Indians by the Spaniards, the apparition was a rebuke to the Spaniards and an event of vast significance for the indigenous population. Our Lady of Guadalupe cries out to us that God's love for and identification with the poor is an age-old truth that stems from the Gospel itself.In celebration of today's feast, we welcome The Rev. Dr. Robert Chao Romero. Dr. Chao is "Asian-Latino," and has been a professor of Chicana/o Studies and Asian American Studies at UCLA since 2005.  Robert is also an attorney having studied at Berkeley.  Romero has published 15 academic books and articles on issues of race, immigration, history, education, and religion, and received the Latina/o Studies book award from the international Latin American Studies Association. Robert is an ordained pastor.  Together with his wife Erica, he is the co-founder of Jesus 4 Revolutionaries, a Christian ministry to activists, as well as the co-chair of the Matthew 25 Movement in Southern California.This podcast was recorded on November 16th, 2021.