Formal leaders within established religions
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What does "obedience costs" mean?
Passing, problems, and perseverance
Be a prayerful nag!
What would you do if you knew you only had 15 minutes left to live?
Seeing things the way God see them
Where are the other nine?
The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.
This powerful roundtable discussion touches on the core of our mission: The emotional and spiritual challenges facing Clergy and Men and Women Religious. Join Deacon Jim Friend and a panel of Saint John Vianney Center experts, Deacon Steven DeMartino, Kristin Lincoln-Ellzy, Mary Lindsey, SSJ, Ph.D., and James Coupe, Psy.D., as they share real-life insights from their ministry and explore how we can better care for those who dedicate their lives to serving others.
We begin by discussing our practice of "Videamus", in which we watch and discuss films with seminarians in order to deepen their artistic and cultural experience. Then we discuss our experience and hot takes from the recent Clergy Conference and the presentations by Fr. John Riccardo and Acts XXIX.
What is scandal?
Join us for a special episode of CURE America, where host Pastor Donald T. Eason sits down with Star Parker, the founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE). This conversation was recorded live at the 2025 CURE Clergy Policy Summit, held in Washington, DC at the iconic Willard Hotel. Star, who has authored four books drawing from her own journey out of welfare, shares insights from her 30 years building an organization dedicated to helping others achieve independence and dignity. This episode offers a unique look at the transition of leadership at CURE, captured amid a gathering of over 400 pastors focused on faith-driven solutions for urban communities. The discussion begins with the hand-off, as Star explains to Donald that after three decades of leading, it's time for a new chapter—one she believes requires strong pastoral guidance from men in the community. She emphasizes why the next steps in addressing inner-city challenges must come from pastors rather than politicians, and why she chose this moment to step aside while remaining involved. From there, Star addresses why she views Social Security as a modern-day barrier to wealth-building, particularly for black families. She argues that allowing individuals to invest the 12.4% deducted from their paychecks could close the wealth gap in a single generation, highlighting how the current system prevents families from passing on inheritances. The pair also explores the drawbacks of minimum-wage laws through a biblical lens, noting with a mix of humor and seriousness how such policies might have disrupted the story of Ruth and Boaz—potentially altering the lineage leading to King David and Jesus. They tie this to broader lessons from Scripture about opportunity and hard work. Star shares a recurring prophecy she's heard from several sources: that the next Great Awakening in America will emerge through the Black church. She sees the summit itself as evidence that this moment is unfolding now, urging collaboration between churches to drive real change. In the closing moments, Star delivers a direct call to action, stating that every church should function as a school and every pastor as a policy influencer. Without this engagement, she warns, government efforts will continue to fall short in fixing community issues. Overall, this episode focuses on the evolution of a longstanding movement, offering practical wisdom and inspiration for viewers committed to faith-driven solutions.
Does Jesus need to throw some things out of your Sunday?
If you're faithful in little things, you'll be faithful in great things
Facing the Future with Faith In this Address to the Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of the Rio Grande, Bishop Michael Hunn address the pressing challenges facing the world and our communities today—from political division and economic fragility to environmental crises and immigration issues. Within this context, the Episcopal Church stands as a beacon of hope and unity. Bishop Michael emphasizes the crucial role of clergy in guiding us through these turbulent times, urging support for the church's future through phases of spiritual renewal, financial planning, and strategic resource management. Discover how we can ensure the continued presence and mission of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of the Rio Grande for generations to come. 00:00 Introduction and Current Challenges 00:30 Political and Social Unrest 03:07 Environmental Concerns and Stewardship 04:25 Role of the Episcopal Church 05:40 The Importance of Clergy 09:09 Phases of Diocesan Renewal 15:19 Facing Financial Realities 18:13 Strategic Changes for the Future 21:18 Conclusion and Call to Action
If we practice the human virtues, the theological virtues get stronger
Spiritual Pathways for Environmental Restoration Guest Rev. Rachel Field, Program Manager, An Episcopal Path Spending time in nature, one sees God's creativity all around us, and so develops an appreciation for the divine intelligence behind the beauty, functionality and mystery of Nature. The Creation Story in the Book of Genesis tells of God creating the heavens, the earth, the fish, the birds, all the other creatures and, finally, man and woman. Children of the Cherokee Nation hear the story of Grandmother Spider, who, they are told, embodies the creative force of the universe, having woven the network that interconnects all living beings and symbolizes the importance of ecosystems, community and relationships. There is something to be learned from these and other creation stories. Reverend Rachel Field joins us to talk about our role in Creation Care. She is the Program Manager for An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice, an initiative equipping church communities to grow in knowledge and skills as they progress along the four-fold path: Prayer, Learning, Action, and Advocacy. Rachel explains these four pillars in detail and draws on diverse approaches for diverse contexts. Those walking an Episcopal Path commit to form and restore a loving, liberating, life-giving relationship with all of Creation, and they collaborate with other faith organizations. Rachel shares her deep wisdom and shines a light by framing our environmental degradation as a “spiritual crisis” and showing us the power of spiritually enlightened engagement. Rachel has more than 15 years of experience leading creation-centered retreats in the Episcopal Church. She is also Owner/Director of Heartberry Hollow Farm & Forest, which is a regenerative farm and retreat center in central Vermont. She holds a Masters of Divinity from Yale Divinity School and a certificate in Contemplative Leadership from the Shalem Institute. She is a member of the Clergy at Parish of St. Mary in Northfield, VT. INFORMATION RESOURCES View my fabulous spider web photos https://substack.com/home/post/p-174923967 Learn more about “An Episcopal Path to Creation Justice” https://www.episcopalcreationpath.org/ Engage with the BTS Center - Cultivating and Nourishing Spiritual Leadership for a Climate-Changed World https://thebtscenter.org/ Read about the Creation Care curriculum: Love God, Love God's World https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/creation-care/love-god-love-gods-world-curriculum/ Join Rachel on a Walking Meditation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hHCViU1YFo Visit Heartberry Hollow Farm and Forest heartberryhollowfarmandforest@gmail.com Purchase Wendy's book, The Angel Heart - https://www.amazon.com/Angel-Heart-Wendy-Nadherny-Fachon/dp/1967270279/ref=sr_1_1 Read about DIPG: Eternal Hope Versus Terminal Corruption by Dean Fachon begin to uncover the truth about cancer - https://dipgbook.com/ Learn more at https://netwalkri.com email storywalkerwendy@gmail.com or call 401 529-6830. Connect with Wendy to order copies of Fiddlesticks, The Angel Heart or Storywalker Wild Plant Magic Cards. Subscribe to Wendy's blog Writing with Wendy at www.wendyfachon.blog. Join Wendy on facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/StoryWalkingRadio
For many years the clergy has undergone a shaking and even a persecution... from within! Author, Kevin Wells sits down with us and discusses the serious challenges that our priests are going through today as they speak the truth, and the important responsibility that the laity have to support our priests. ------------------------------- Kevin Wells article "The Unspoken Trial of the Orphaning of Our Priests" HERE: https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/the-unspoken-trial-of-the-orphaning-of-our-priests Check out Kevin Well's website and books HERE: https://kevinwells.org/ ------------------------------- Find out more about the Rosary Coalition HERE: https://rosarycoalition.com/usgf -------------------------------- PATREON - Help support this podcast by becoming a US Grace Force PATRON here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=25398590 -------------------------------- Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKZ9OefEJLEx1qYcBxgAFww/join -------------------------------- Check out ROMAN CATHOLIC GEAR and get amazing Catholic gear for the battle of your life! Click HERE: https://romancatholicgear.com/USGF -------------------------------- Subscribe to our NEW US Grace Force YouTube channel! US GRACE FORCE 2.0. Don't miss any new, great content!! https://youtube.com/@USGraceForce2.0?si=zq47qEqPITXnIDkg -------------------------------- Join the US Grace Force Team HERE: https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001ESuSGaJpYPCG2iUdd4j4bkKwd4gkh2ZUVbam_Ty9rCn6blH6_U3cI2D8UvSLEcSzHnC4eq2UWmK1I0SbEw0SPKqnkZ2j0Z4J4D-_m4dD6CKJU9day-bBa8Qnx4dv7RLDIVlYAjL1JWsjfUTNPH2jQIVY9gbdbz4O4oMIzv5V1dT_upQsD8cX86iq_5Y-x4eLrTVtdOmA24s%3D&fbclid=IwY2xjawFRvvdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdo526R1rgNAIW76yyQnVbo957e1TgOoQ4RH3Tr84D8376Y7jng09gtlOw_aem_H7Y7Ej6cF6-nPyfOZ4qMTQ -------------------------------- PRAY THE ROSARY: The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Mary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUr5UzrV63I -------------------------------- The Joyful Mysteries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMAR9MEN1pE&t=656s --------------------------------- The Sorrowful Mysteries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHUkx66oAxE&t=311s --------------------------------- The Glorious Mysteries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg_JWsxS6EA&t=207s --------------------------------- The Luminous Mysteries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVL5CqBr3CA&t=198s --------------------------------- The Full Rosary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44zL1kFIvP8&t=1765s --------------------------------- Be Ready Emergency Preparedness Course: Be prepared to Care for and Protect your Family in times of Natural Disasters, Emergencies, Civil Unrest, Economic Collapse, and more. Sign up for the course HERE: https://brcoalition.com/ --------------------------------- Go HERE to check out the BR Coalition and get great training Body, Mind & Soul! https://brcoalition.com/ Become part of one of the fastest growing online Catholic Membership sites. --------------------------------- Get your hands on some great US Grace Force T-shirts! https://us-grace-force.creator-spring.com/ --------------------------------- The seven promises given to St Bridget of Sweden for those who devote themselves to her Seven Sorrows. 1. I will grant peace to their families. 2. They will be enlightened about the Divine Mysteries. 3. I will console them in their pains, and I will accompany them in their work. 4. I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my Divine Son or the sanctification of their souls. 5. I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives. 6. I will visibly help them at the moment of their death—they will see the face of their mother. 7. I have obtained this grace from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness, since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal consolation and joy.
Two out of the three parables on mercy
"In many Christian theological circles, especially in Pentecostal circles, the person who has the role of pastor is the one who is supposed to have the spiritual answers, and so this [spiritual and social] shutdown [due to trauma] is counterintuitive to the position they hold," writes Dale Sanger. "The challenge for Pentecostal pastors is that they have an underlying theology of glory which does not appropriately consider personal trauma." In this episode of the Influence Podcast, I talk to Dale Sanger about the reality of clergy trauma, and what Pentecostal ministers should do in response. I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. Dale Sanger is adjunct professor at Bridges Christian College in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Vanguard College in Edmonton, Alberta, as well as chaplain at a homeless men's shelter. He is author of When Ministry Hurts: Triumphalism and the Crisis of Trauma among Clergy, published by Wipf & Stock. ————— This episode of the Influence Podcast is brought to you by My Healthy Church, distributors of The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler. The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler equips you with an understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in your life. As a resource for both laypeople and ministry leaders, it also imparts practical insight for anyone discipling others in receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit. For more information about The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler visit MyHealthyChurch.com.
The most important relationship you have is the one you have with Christ
The threat of for-profit operators taking over school buildings lit a fire under the Sarasota School District. The five school board members seem ready to approve this Friday a substantial reshuffle. We have the details.Then: Low school enrollment in Sarasota seems to respond more to demographics than to performance. Occupancy at Sarasota charter schools is as low as in public schools, the Suncoast Searchlight found. Next: Publix decided to invite customers who openly carry firearms. Many disagree that this will make grocery shopping a pleasure. Lynn Aragon has that report.Then: Using incentives for developers, Manatee County has produced more than a thousand units of what is called workforce housing. But rents for these apartments are still out of reach for most working people. So the county commission tomorrow will discuss changing tack.Finally: Clergy have been among the most outspoken critics of the crackdown against immigrants. Sarasota has been a hotspot of religious resistance, as Ramon Lopez reports.
Excuses, excuses, excuses
This episode of Dangerous Dogma features a conversation between Word&Way Editor Brian Kaylor, Lutheran minister and journalist Angela Denker, and Disciples pastor and author Beau Underwood. The conversation includes consideration of religious attacks in elections this week, impacts of the ongoing government shutdown on churches, and clergy protesting against ICE. Watch a video version of this latest conversation here. Here are a few articles related to some of what was discussed: Angela interviewed two Minneapolis mayoral candidates: DeWayne Davis and Jazz Hampton. Brian wrote about the New York City mayoral race Brian reported on pastors assaulted while peacefully protesting ICE Brian wrote about the Department of Homeland Security co-opting Bible verses Also, check out the most recent books by the three panelists: Brian Kaylor, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power Angela Denker, Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood Beau Underwood (with Brian Kaylor), Baptizing America How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism
"Come be with me."
Pray for them so one day they can pray for you!
You, yes you(!) are called to be a saint!
Sunday should not be an extension of Saturday
Are you a Nike Catholic?
All things work for good for those who love God
How beautiful God is that He lets us experience His cross!
He only wants to heal
Oh God, have mercy on me a sinner
Renounce sin in the name of the Son of the living God
Why do I do what I don't want to do?
Peace through division
We are not under the law, we are under grace
October is designated as Clergy Appreciation Month (CAM) for all Christian churches in the US, honoring St. Paul's exhortation to acknowledge those "who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you," and to "hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work" (1 Thess. 5:12-13). In honor of CAM, Pres. Kerry Pappas speaks with Fr. Louis Christopulos, a priest of over 40 years who presently serves as the Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver about the importance of showing appreciation for all members of the body of Christ and specifically for our priests and their families.
Sooner or later you're going to get sick and tired of being sick and tired
Don't buy a paddleboard--it makes it harder to move!
Clergy will be invited to make a healthcare plan selection during open enrollment beginning October 29 and ending November 13th. Currently, there are six healthcare plans to choose from. Everyone is invited to utilize Wespath's online tool, ALEX. Participants can use ALEX to estimate costs and receive a personalized recommendation for their 2026 HealthFlex elections. ALEX will remain available throughout the Annual Election period (October 29 - November 13) and participants can visit as often as they would like. ALEX will give individuals the option to look up actual claims estimates using their Blue Cross Blue Shield Member ID and group number. This allows ALEX to make the best recomendations related to your plan selection. Your Member ID and Group number are easily found on your insurance card. Annual Election is your opportunity to choose or modify your HealthFlex coverage for the coming year. With options for medical, dental and vision coverage, health accounts to help you save for medical expenses and a host of award-winning well-being programs, there's a plan that's right for you. The best way to learn about your 2026 HealthFlex options and to make your selections is to log into Benefits Access. If you don't have access, you can find many of the same helpful resources below. Learn about your plan options, how to make the best choice for 2026, and where to go for additional information or support.
No priests=no Mass! Are you praying for vocations?
Faith is a fruit bearing tree and God expects certain fruits!
Not saved but rather justified by works
Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Faith 250 – A Clergy-Led Celebration of our Shared Civic StoryWhat if the 250th anniversary of America's founding became more than fireworks — what if it became a spiritual renewal of our shared civic story?In this episode, Wilk sits down with Rabbi Michael Holzman and Pastor Becca Messman to explore Faith 250, a multi-faith initiative uniting clergy and congregations across the nation. Through storytelling, vulnerability, and sacred text study, Faith 250 helps communities rediscover American ideals rooted in faith, character, and shared values.Key Topics:Clergy as caretakers of civic healthThe role of listening in bridging dividesAmerican texts as “sacred scripture” for reflectionCreating safe spaces for dialogue and hopeHow Faith 250 will celebrate America's 250thConnect: Learn more and get involved at Faith250.orgLearn more about Rabbi Holzman & Pastor Messman in the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com.The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for all you've got. Make every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact The Derate The Hate podcast is proudly produced in collaboration with Braver Angels — America's largest grassroots, cross-partisan organization working toward civic renewal and bridging partisan divides. Learn more: BraverAngels.org Welcome to the Derate The Hate Podcast! *The views expressed by Wilk, his guest hosts &/or guests on the Derate The Hate podcast are their own and should not be attributed to any organization they may otherwise be affiliated with.
There is something greater than Jonah here
October 10th, 2025, 5pm: In Chicago, as people are being met with extreme force and a lack of compassion from federal agents, resistance is rising among the communities in Chicago, especially from faith leaders. Nicolle Wallace is joined by two Chicagoland faith leaders and our political experts to discuss the impact of and resistance against the inhumanity seen in Chicago. Plus, she covers the looming fiscal impacts of the government shutdown and the Nobel Peace Prize winner.For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewhTo listen to this show and other MSNBC podcasts without ads, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
A judge in Canada has finally affirmed that church law is not the law of the land, ruling that a sexual misconduct lawsuit against a high-ranking priest must proceed in civil court, rejecting the defense's attempt to shunt the case into an uncompensated internal canonical court. This ruling is a crucial step toward demanding external oversight and accountability for an institution known for protecting its abusers over victims. The system relies on the assumption of religious infallibility and years of delay (like the decade this case took to reach civil court). Civil courts must enforce that no institution is above the law when lives are at stake.News Source: Rosica abuse lawsuit proceeds By Gina Christian for Angelus August 12th, 2025
This week, we confront the grotesque hypocrisy of a megachurch accused of bankrolling a missionary who allegedly trafficked and abused struggling children in Romania. Despite sending up to $17,000 monthly, the religious organization refuses accountability, opting for the standard, despicable practice of protecting their institutional credibility over seeking restorative justice for victims. This systemic failure reveals how easily unchecked religious power enables horrific crimes while shifting blame.News Source:Missionary Financially Supported by Megachurch Accused of Child Trafficking and Abuse in RomaniaBy Deepa Bharat for AP NewsSeptember 17th, 2025The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.40.2 featuring Stephen Harder, Flabbergasted, and Tracy WilbertMegachurch Bankrolls Child Trafficker