Podcasts about ecumenical

Send us a textThe heat of Jesus' public life wasn't condemnation but redemption that actually changes people and communities! Luke 19:1-10 teaches us that every sinner has a future and every sinner has a past. Zacchaeus', a corrupt tax collector, turnaround begins when Jesus comes near to him and shares a table.  turnaround in Luke 19 as a living case study. The scandal isn't just that Jesus notices a corrupt tax collector; it's that he moves toward him, shares a table, and sparks real repair. That grace and mercy extended created a future for Zacchaeus and his community.In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about redemption. They name the hard part: communities often resist grace. It's easier to exile than to accompany, to watch from a distance than to risk relationship. They discuss the tension between telling the truth about harm and still seeing the person as more than their deed, a distinction that keeps justice honest and mercy strong. Listen in for the full conversation.Read For Faith, the companion devotional. Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

Send us a messageWhile many believe that Ecumenism is geared only toward bringing all segments of Christianity together as one – its agenda is much greater, and much, much darker. The definition of Ecumenism means “The Whole Inhabited World” – with Roman Catholicism taking the helm in this unified endeavor as confirmed by the definition for “Catholic” which means “Universal.”Satan is laying the final bricks of deception that comprise his global kingdom with the blueprint of the “Tower of Babel” as its foundation – with Ecumenism forming the “Mystery Religion” of the Antichrist as the throne upon which he will reign.The Holy Spirit has raised up His Watchmen on the Wall with the call to God's Blood Bought redeemed ones to contend even more earnestly for Hisunadulterated Word of Truth – while there is still time to do so – and beforeSalvation's Ark of Safety is taken up in the Rapture with all who were called to be chosen and “Born Again” of His Spirit. For JESUS comes quickly!Support the showVisit our website: https://agapelightministries.com/

Grace Hamman talks with Nathan about medieval wisdom for how to cooperate with God's grace to set aside vices (anti-love impulses) and put on virtues (loving, Christlike impulses).Grace Hamman, Ph.D. (Duke University) is a writer and independent scholar of late medieval poetry and contemplative writing. She is the author of Ask of Old Paths and Jesus through Medieval Eyes. Her work has been published by academic and popular outlets, including Plough Quarterly and The Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies. Grace hosts a podcast called Old Books with Grace which celebrates the beauty and joy found in reading the literature and theology of the past. Grace holds a doctorate in English, specializing in medieval literature and theology, from Duke University. She lives near Denver, Colorado with her husband and three young children.https://gracehamman.com/https://www.instagram.com/oldbookswithgrace/https://gracehamman.substack.com/

Send us a textWe believe death is not to be feared. We believe that death does not end life, it only changes life. Fear loves the last word, but it doesn't deserve it, and naming our fears out loud is the first act of courage.In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about fear, death, and faith. How shall we live a good life that will result in us dying a good death? Listen in for the full conversation.Read For Faith, the companion devotional. Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

A new MP3 sermon from Sermons of Dr. Ian Paisley is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Ecumenical Acrobatics Subtitle: Reel to Reel Paisley Speaker: Dr. Ian R. K. Paisley Broadcaster: Sermons of Dr. Ian Paisley Event: Sunday Service Date: 1/28/1968 Bible: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Length: 53 min.

Send us a textFaith isn't something we own; it's something we steward to others. In Luke 18:1–8, Jesus teaches us about the persistent widow who kept knocking until a weary judge relented. Her courage becomes our template for a faith that endures indifference, resists despair, and stays tender without giving up. We talk about hope as the engine of perseverance, how small acts compound into movements, and why faith gains its richest colors when life runs hot and hard.In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about perseverance. Together, they unpack a countercultural claim: perseverance is community property. When your trust is thin, you can borrow mine; when I'm weary, I may need yours. From singing each other back to courage to telling honest stories that spark imagination, we show how public witness—bold yet gentle—invites others in. This conversation reaches into the public square, naming dignity for every person, resisting dehumanization, and calling for peace with justice that allows neighbors to flourish together. Perseverance becomes a daily posture: steady, hopeful, and communal—rooted in love that refuses hate's heavy load. Listen in for the full conversation. Read For Faith, the companion devotional. Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

TRADCAST EXPRESS - Episode 216 Topics covered: Leo XIV weighs in on 'Cardinal' Cupich's lifetime achievement award for a pro-abortion and pro-LGBT 'Catholic' senator. Leo XIV's message to an interreligious conference in Bangladesh. Leo XIV's message to a an interreligious conference in Astana, Kazakhstan. In video message to people of Lampedusa, Leo XIV claims "enemies do not exist." Leo XIV presides over ceremony honoring ecumenical 'martyrs', omits line in Creed. Leo XIV releases Apostolic Letter Dilexi Te on love for the poor. Links: Video: "Pope Leo XIV comments on Cupich's plan to bestow award on Senator Durbin", EWTN News (Sep. 30, 2025) "USA: Pro-abortion politician declines Cardinal Cupich award: Pope Leo intervenes and Archbishop of Chicago issues this statement", Zenit (Oct. 1, 2025) Leo XIV, Message to Participants in the Interreligious Meeting in Bangladesh, Vatican.va (Aug. 28, 2025) Leo XIV, Message to Participants in the 8th Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana, Kazakhstan, Vatican.va (Sep. 14, 2025) "Leo XIV Backs 1986 Assisi Prayer Meeting, Abu Dhabi Declaration in Message to Interreligious Conference", Novus Ordo Wire (Sep. 17, 2025) "Francis to Interreligious Youth in Mozambique: 'Our Differences are Necessary'", Novus Ordo Wire (Sep. 7, 2019) Leo XIV, Video message on the occasion of the presentation of the candidacy of the ‘Gestures of Welcome' project to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in Lampedusa, Italy, Vatican.va (Sep. 12, 2025) John XXIII, Address Gaudet Mater Ecclesia (Oct. 11, 1962) Pope St. Pius X, Encyclical Pascendi Dominici Gregis (Sep. 8, 1907) Pope Pius XI, Encyclical Divini Redemptoris (Mar. 19, 1937) Book: Henri Fesquet, The Drama of Vatican II (New York, NY: Random House, 1967). See page 813. "Commemoration of the Martyrs and Witnesses of the Faith of the 21st century", Vatican.va (Sep. 14, 2025); booklet for ceremony HERE Video: "Commemoration New Martyrs and Witnesses to the Faith - 21st Century 14 September 2025 Pope Leo XIV", Vatican News (Sep. 14, 2025) Cindy Wooden, "Modern Christian martyrs show power of love in face of hatred, pope says", OSV News (not dated) Video: "Leo XIV and the Omission of the 'Filioque' from the Creed", Novus Ordo Watch (Sep. 17, 2025) "Knowing When to Swallow: Leo XIV Omits Controversial Line in Common Recitation of ‘Ecumenical' Creed", Novus Ordo Wire (Sep. 23, 2025) Pope Leo XIII, Apostolic Letter Testem Benevolentiae (Jan. 22, 1899) "Non-Catholic ‘Martyrs': Francis adds 21 murdered Copts as ‘Saints' to Roman Martyrology", Novus Ordo Wire (May 17, 2023) Leo XIV, Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te (Oct. 4, 2025) Sign up to be notified of new episode releases automatically at tradcast.org. Produced by NOVUSORDOWATCH.org Support us by making a tax-deductible contribution at NovusOrdoWatch.org/donate/

On Life With God this week, Nathan speaks with Andrew Ranucci, a spiritual director and mentor in the Next Frontiers program, about transitioning from pastoring a congregation to pastoring pastors. (The final day to apply for the 2026 Cohort of Next Frontiers is Friday, October 31, 2025.)Next Frontiers is a program that runs from January through November 2026, and is designed to help mid-career pastors thrive in congregational leadership during times of transition in ministry. The key features of the program include opportunities for reimagining our pastoral identity, fostering spiritual renewal and engaging in meaningful relationship with veteran ministers. The overarching purpose of this program is to provide resources that will sustain ministers in the “long obedience” of their profession. Learn more.

Send us a textA man turns back to say thank you—and discovers a deeper kind of healing. That small pivot in Luke 17:11-19 launches a wide‑open conversation about gratitude as action, the difference between being cured and being made whole, and why a daily practice of thanks can change your chemistry, your relationships, and your resilience.In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about gratitude. They discuss starting prayer with thanksgiving, naming three to ten blessings a day, and turning down the noise long enough to notice the quiet mercies that keep us afloat. Listen in for the full conversation.Read For Faith, the companion devotional. Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

In this message I talk about the rise of the ecumenical religion in America and connecting it with the New World Order

Send us a textSorrow doesn't mean you've lost faith; it means you've loved deeply enough to tell the truth. Naming our losses can be both spiritual and practical. Psalm 137 shows what happens when a community refuses euphemism, resists denial, and chooses to face reality with courage. That choice isn't about wallowing; it's about setting the stage for healing, responsibility, and real hope.In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about what we learn from Psalm 137. They discuss the tension between emotional performance and emotional honesty, and why the psalms offer a vocabulary for the full range of human experience: doubt, trust, anger, and gratitude. They unpack how the power of a single voice can serve the entire community by helping others see afresh. Listen in for the full conversation.Read For Faith, the companion devotional.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

Send us a textThe ecumenical push IS HERE!! Why? Tune in to this special live event and find out..Grab your bibles, it is going to be a good one!Please, don't forget to hit that LIKE button.

Send us a messageIn Matthew 24:4, Lord Jesus gave the urgent warning of: “See to it that no one deceives you.” That warning has never been more critical than it is now in this highly charged prophetic hour in which we are now living.One of the most deadly deceptions that has been unleashed by the enemy is the “Great Ecumenical Delusion” that is operating in much of what is known as the Church of Jesus Christ.Through efforts that include the rally of “patriotism” many who name themselves “Christian” are joining ranks with people of many faiths for the cause of peace and a better America – without even realizing that they have fallen into the trap of the One World Mystery Religion of the Antichrist.The Holy Spirit is raising up His Watchmen on the Wall with the call to Hiscontenders of the true Faith to rise up in His Strength in proclamation of Hisunadulterated Word of Truth – unashamedly – and with Holy Spirit conviction. And to shine the Light of that Truth into the darkness of this sin-riddled world all the more brightly – while there is still time to do so. For Jesus Comes Quickly!Support the showVisit our website: https://agapelightministries.com/

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Sources:https://www.returntotradition.orgorhttps://substack.com/@returntotradition1Contact Me:Email: return2catholictradition@gmail.comSupport My Work:Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/AnthonyStineSubscribeStarhttps://www.subscribestar.net/return-to-traditionBuy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/AnthonyStinePhysical Mail:Anthony StinePO Box 3048Shawnee, OK74802Follow me on the following social media:https://www.facebook.com/ReturnToCatholicTradition/https://twitter.com/pontificatormax+JMJ+#popeleoXIV #catholicism #catholicchurch #catholicprophecy#infiltration

Explore the Renovaré Book Club - renovare.org/bookclub.---In episode 305 of Life With God, Nathan speaks with Stanley Hauerwas, a theologian with a wide and profound influence. Also joining the show is Tish Harrison Warren (who has written the foreword to a new book showcasing Hauerwas's core ideas) about how Stanley shaped her life and ministry. 

Send us a textWhat does it mean when we have proximity without fellowship? Through Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, we get a glimpse. This parable reveals two men sharing the same address—one living in luxury while the other suffers at his gate—yet separated by an unbridgeable social gulf that continues even after death. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the parable and how the rich man's sin wasn't wealth but indifference to human suffering. Rather than being "Washington-minded and locally neglectful," Wright urges us to start by interrogating our own hearts. Listen in for the full conversation. Read For Faith, the companion devotional.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

1. Seth continues his review of Luke 9, examining disciples who don't understand.2. Seth responds to a question about baby Jesus figurines.3. Seth discusses the Charlie Kirk memorial service.

This is Us, II - Ecumenical Not Evangelical by Kenilworth Union Church

Registration is now open for the Renovaré Book Club: renovare.org/bookclub.---Nate talks with Terry Wildman, lead translator of the First Nations Version of the Bible, about the way that cultural translation brings the beauty and meaning of scripture to the surface for people ready to hear the good news.

Send us a textWhat does it really mean to be a sinner? When stripped to its Greek roots, sin simply means "missing the mark." In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about sin and what Jesus' approach. The religious elite's biggest complaint against Jesus? That he dined with and welcomed those who missed the mark. "Now that's my kind of God," Bishop Wright reflects. This divine comfort with imperfect people creates a powerful invitation for all of us to bring our whole selves to faith.Read For Faith, the companion devotional.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

Send us a textTrue freedom emerges not from the world's prescription of unbridled self-indulgence, but through faithful obedience."Truth in advertising" is how Bishop Wright describes Jesus' approach to discipleship. Unlike our romantic relationships, where we rarely calculate what love will cost us before diving in, Jesus takes a refreshingly honest approach. He stands at the threshold and asks us to pause, reflect, and genuinely count the cost before committing to follow him.In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation that explores this radical invitation found in Luke 14, where Jesus uses hyperbolic language about "hating" family members not as a literal command, but to emphasize a hierarchy of commitments. When we prioritize pleasing others above following God's path, we become trapped in what Bishop Wright calls "the quicksand of people-pleasing," which ultimately diminishes our capacity for authentic discipleship. Listen in for the full conversation. Read For Faith, the companion devotional.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

Can real friendship heal division in the Church? When I sit with John 17, I'm struck that He was praying for a unity that's visible, relational, and compelling—a unity that makes the world stop and notice that He was sent by the Father. That kind of unity shows up in real friendships, in shared service, in conversations where we seek truth together—not to win an argument, but to love each other well and grow together, even when we don't see eye to eye. It's messy, but it's also where the Lord does His best work. In this episode of EquipCast, I sit down with Max Chapman and Jeremiah Zimmerman from the More Mercy apostolate to talk about what this looks like in real life. Max shares how praying with John 17 sparked a deep desire in him to build bridges with Christians from other traditions. What started as simple conversations turned into friendships that not only challenged him but also strengthened his Catholic faith. You'll hear why unity isn't just an ideal for theologians—it's something we're all called to live, one relationship at a time. [01:36] Meet Max Chapman and Jeremiah Zimmerman [02:46] Max's Journey: From Football to Faith [06:20] Jeremiah's Path: From Baseball to Theology [12:50] The Vision for Ecumenical Unity [22:01] Challenges and Joys of Ecumenical Ministry [31:39] Unity in Diversity: Different Catholic Ethnicities [34:37] Practical Steps for Ecumenism [37:19] Building Friendships Across Denominations [41:02] Challenges and Joys of Ecumenical Work [46:33] Mobilizing Lay Faithful for Ecumenism [53:28] Encouragement and Final Thoughts Don't forget to check out More Mercy (https://moremercylincoln.org/)! For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

This week, we share a For the Journey exclusive conversation between Bill Haley and InnerCHANGE Missionary, Nate Bacon. Both have a deep commitment to fostering spaces of mutual exchange and partnership between Protestants and Catholics, and they share the reasons behind their passion for ecumenism in this wide-ranging discussion.Explore some of the ecumenical organizations and resources mentioned:Global Christian ForumThe InitiativeJohn ArmstrongLearn More About Spiritual Direction through CoracleView Our Full Archive of Soundings Seminarsinthecoracle.org  |  @inthecoracleSupport the show

Registration is now open for the Renovaré Book Club: renovare.org/bookclub.---Trevor Hudson joined Nathan on the Life With God podcast to discuss his latest book, In Search of God's Will—which will be our first group-read in the Renovaré Book Club starting this Fall. 

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA, and president of the USCCB issued a statement in observance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/usccb-presidents-statement-observance-rev-martin-luther-king-jr-day-2023 Catholics across the country are observing a nationwide prayer vigil on Thursday, January 19 to Friday, January 20, 2023 and praying a novena to protect human life with “9 Days for Life.” https://www.respectlife.org/9-days-for-life January 18-25 is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has a history of over 100 years , in which Christians around the world have taken part in an octave of prayer for visible Christian unity. Watch the video introduction from Fr. Walter Kedjierski, Executive Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs. https://www.usccb.org/resources/introduction-2023-week-prayer-christian-unity Representatives of bishops' conferences from several countries, including the United States, met for the annual Holy Land Coordination, January 14-19, 2023. Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace represented the U.S. bishops. Read the communique from the delegation. https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/2023-holy-land-coordination-communique The annual blessing of livestock took place at the Vatican on January 17, 2023.

This week the Senate passed H.R. 8404, the “Respect for Marriage Act.” Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee for Religious Liberty, and Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, issued a joint letter and analysis urging Congress to oppose the measure. Read the press release. The USCCB Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs issued a statement emphasizing its recommitment to relationship with the Jewish committee. Read the press release. Pope Francis reminded the faithful that the Lord is always present and to look for signs of God's nearness this Advent. Watch the video.

Looking back three years ago this week, Pope Francis gave his “Urbi et Orbi” to an empty St. Peter's square during the Covid-19 pandemic. This message will be embedded in a satellite and launched into orbit around the Earth, where it will transmit the Holy Father's message every day. Read more at https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/popes... Holy Week begins next week, as well as the Jewish celebration of Passover. Chairman of USCCB's Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, Bishop David P. Talley joined the show to discuss the work of the bishops to combat antisemitism in the United States. Find more information at: https://www.usccb.org/committees/ecum... The Dicastery of Culture and the Dicastery for Integral Human Development released a joint statement rejecting the Doctrine of Discovery, a series of 15th-century papal bulls that were used to justify colonization of indigenous peoples. The statement came after a 2022 papal visit to Canada, during which Pope Francis visited indigenous communities and met with leaders. The statement renounces the Doctrine of Discovery, saying “the church acknowledges that these papal bulls did not adequately reflect the equal dignity and rights of indigenous peoples”. Read more at: https://www.usccb.org/committees/ecum...

On this week's show, Bishop David Talley of the Diocese of Memphis and Chairman of the Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs joined the show to discuss this time of year and how it presents numerous opportunities to grow in our faith. Read more at: https://www.usccb.org/committees/ecumenical-interreligious-affairs This week, the USCCB Committee on Doctrine issued a Doctrinal Note on the Moral Limits to Technological Manipulation of the Human Body. The focus of the statement is in the area of gender identity and medical procedures, and it provides moral criteria for medical interventions. Read the full statement at: https://www.usccb.org/resources/Doctrinal%20Note%202023-03-20.pdf Pope Francis visited with migrants, refugees, and representatives this week at the Vatican from various organizations to thank them for their work in the promotion of peace. His Holiness discussed moving refugees out of dangerous crisis areas and into demilitarized areas, as well as welcoming migrants in a dignified manner and assisting them in integrating into their new communities. Read more at: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/welcoming-migrants-refugees-first-step-toward-peace-pope-says

Send us a textWhat happens when our religious rules collide with human suffering? In Luke 13, Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath despite religious opposition. Jesus' act models the need to push beyond the status quo. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation that invites us to examine how our own spiritual boundaries might be limiting our capacity for compassion. "Why don't God's children have housing? Why isn't there equal access to medicine? Why don't God's children have a living wage in a wealthy country?" Bishop Wright's own questions challenge us to move beyond vertical adoration of God toward horizontal service to others. In a world overwhelmed by division and breaking news alerts, he offers a remedy: remembering who we are and whose we are. Listen in for the full conversation.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

Musician and theologian Julian Davis Reid talks with Nate on Life With God about the invitation in black music and in scripture to receive God's rest and to help others rest, rather than stirring up chaos and anxiety by living restlessly.

Send us a text"When we say that we believe, we are saying that we are in the response position." In our latest series, Bishop Wright invites us to consider the profound implications of the declaration "We Believe" that unites Christians across time, denomination, and geography. Over the next weeks, we In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about what it truly means to believe. Far more than intellectual agreement, belief positions us in relationship to a God who exists whether we acknowledge it or not. When we stand and recite ancient creeds, we join a timeless community of faith—standing "spiritually shoulder to shoulder with generations who have gone before and generations yet to come." This connection reminds us that faith is both deeply personal and inherently communal. Listen in for the full conversation. Read For Faith, the companion devotional.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

Send us a textHow do we respond when the winds of division, uncertainty and despair threaten to blow us off our center? We go deep into what we believe! This episode introduces the new series "We Believe!". Bishop Wright chose this series title because belief defines us, consoles us and guides us no matter the seasons of life. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation that shifts the understanding of belief itself - moving beyond intellectual agreement to embrace trust as the foundation of faith. "When we say we believe," Bishop Wright explains, "that word is actually better rendered 'trust.' We are the people who say we trust God." This distinction transforms how we approach our spiritual journey, especially in times of division and anxiety. Listen in for the full conversation. Read For Faith, the companion devotional.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

Nathan Foster sat down with Renovaré's president, Ted Harro, to discuss bold new ministry initiatives at Renovaré that will carry the founding vision forward to a Church and a world in need of renewal. 

Send us a textThe concept of dignity—the unwavering worth within each human being—lies at the heart of our religious traditions, political systems, and human interactions. But what does it mean to respect someone's dignity, especially when society has trained us to look away?In this episode, Melissa has a conversation with Dr. Beth Sarah Wright, author of "DIGNITY: Seven Strategies for Creating Authentic Community", centered on James 3:18. They discuss human dignity and how genuine community emerges when we honor each person's inherent value. "Dignity isn't a moral imperative, nor is it a political imperative—it really is a human imperative," Dr. Wright explains. She unpacks how respect etymologically means "to look again," challenging us to see beyond our initial judgments to recognize the full humanity in others. Listen in for the full conversation.Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright is an Atlanta-based author, dynamic speaker, and strategic thought partner who inspires and drives transformation in communities, institutions, and individual lives—all while centering human dignity.As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Thrive With Dignity, LLC, Dr. Wright partners with organizations to build authentic, thriving communities. She works with a wide range of institutions—schools and universities, corporations, nonprofits, and faith communities—using her signature DIGNITY Lens©. This powerful framework, grounded in seven strategic pillars, helps organizations interrogate their practices, align with their core values, and embed human dignity into the very structures that shape daily life. More than a framework, the DIGNITY Lens© is both a leadership tool and an integrity compass—empowering communities to increase capacity, make meaningful progress, and change outcomes in sustainable ways.She is the author of seven influential books, covering topics from organizational integrity and adaptive leadership to depression, healing, and spiritual growth. Her book DIGNITY: Seven Strategies for Creating Authentic Community (2020), selected as the 2023 featured book of the year by the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES), along with its companion The DIGNITY Lens Workbook, offers a practical and transformative approach to leadership, strategic decision-making, and creative problem-solving. These resources have been used across sectors to conduct integrity audits and enhance alignment with mission and purpose.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

Producers Brian Morykon and Grace Pouch interview Nathan Foster about his role as the host of Life With God and about the podcasting medium as a place for listening and growing together.

Send us a textWhen Jesus' disciples asked, "Lord, teach us to pray," they recognized how Jesus connected with the Divine. The prayer the disciples asked for wasn't about polished words. It was about relationship. In this episode, Melissa has a conversation with The Rev. Canon Salmoon Bashir about prayer and its power to transform our spiritual lives. Salmoon shares the story of how his mother instilled prayer as a non-negotiable daily practice in their family life. The conversation reveals how early formation in prayer creates patterns that sustain us through life's complexities.Prayer emerges not as a performance or obligation but as relationship-building with the divine. "The focus of prayer is to be like Jesus, love like Jesus, pray like Jesus, forgive like Jesus, welcome strangers like Jesus," Salmoon explains. This relational approach dismantles the anxiety many feel about "praying correctly," affirming that from ancient liturgical traditions to simple heartfelt words, there's no wrong way to pray. As Salmoon prepares to pass these prayer traditions to his four-month-old son by reading Psalms at bedtime, we're reminded that prayer forms not just our spiritual lives but the generations that follow. Listen in for the full conversation.Read For Faith, the companion devotional.The Rev. Canon Salmoon Bashir serves as the Canon for Liturgy and Ecumenism at the Cathedral of St. Philip. Originally from Pakistan, Salmoon brings over a decade of experience in offering compassionate and thoughtful leadership across multicultural, multi-faith contexts in the United States, Pakistan, Iraq, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Georgia.Before ordained ministry, Salmoon worked as a Project Engineer in the oil and gas industry in the Middle East. Responding to a vocational call, he joined the Community of St. Anselm at Lambeth Palace in London, serving alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury. He later moved to the Republic of Georgia, where he served as Assistant Pastor in a vibrant, multiethnic, and multidenominational church.Salmoon's call to the priesthood in The Episcopal Church led him to Atlanta, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree with a Certificate in Episcopal-Anglican Studies and a Chaplaincy concentration from Emory University's Candler School of Theology. In addition to his ministry, Salmoon serves on several academic, religious, and nonprofit boards. He is married to Mari, a fellow graduate of Candler School of Theology, who works with a faith-based nonprofit organization. Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

Send us a textHave you ever considered the difference between being a tourist and being a pilgrim? Justin Strickland discovered this distinction firsthand during his transformative journey to Ghana and the Anglican Diocese of Cape Coast, the companion diocese of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. His story reveals how true pilgrimage reshapes our understanding of presence, relationship, and spiritual growth.In this episode, Melissa and Justin have a conversation about Justin's recent pilgrimage and how it mirrors the tension of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 - the challenge of balancing doing with being. While Martha is busy attending to the practical needs of preparing for Jesus, Mary chooses to sit at his feet, listening to his teachings. Through visits to slave trade sites and immersion in Cape Coast's vibrant Anglican worship, Justin discovered the power of stepping away from constant activity to truly listen and connect. The journey began as historical exploration but blossomed into something far more meaningful - genuine relationships that continue to flourish across oceans. "We're such a doing people that we get so caught up in the doing that we forget when those holy moments to stop doing are," he reflects. His story challenges us all to recognize when we need to be Martha (doing) and when we need to be Mary (being) - finding those sacred moments where stopping to listen transforms not just our experience but our very selves. Listen in for the full conversation. Read For Faith, the companion devotional.Justin Strickland is a lifelong Christian who was raised in the Pentecostal tradition but found his spiritual home in The Episcopal Church. He is an active member of the Cathedral of St. Philip and a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the life of the church. Recently, Justin deepened his faith journey by participating in a pilgrimage to Ghana. His life reflects a commitment to justice, community, and faithful witness.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

On episode 299 of Life With God (recorded live at the RēGathering conference), professor and author Rebecca DeYoung talks with Nathan about what to do when we feel angry. Show NotesResources by Rebecca DeYoungArticle: “How to Practice Hope”Essay: “Why Are You Angry?”Talk: “The Seven Deadly Sins: Wrath”Scholarly publications: Available online here Other related resources recommended by Rebecca“Praying in the Dark” by J. Todd Billings—on lament, protest, and compassionate witness as ways to express our emotions without spiraling into despair. Listen to an interview with Charlotte vanOyen Witvliet (a Christian psychologist and friend of Rebecca DeYoung) on moving forward in forgiveness. ​​Aquinas on the vice of wrathGarret Keizer, The Enigma of Anger: Essays on a Sometimes Deadly Sin Josef Pieper, "The Power of Wrath" in The Four Cardinal Virtues (Notre Dame Press), 193-197. Robert C. Roberts, "Peace" in Spiritual emotions: a psychology of Christian virtues (Eerdmans),  165-178. 

Send us a textThis July, we are featuring special guests from across The Diocese of Atlanta. This is the first of four special guest episodes. The Good Samaritan is a parable that many in our society have heard. We often think of ourselves as the Samaritan - the helper. But what happens when we find ourselves helpless and in need? The Rev. Tricia Templeton's personal journey offers a unique perspective taking us on a personal journey through the Good Samaritan parable—not as the helper, but as the one who needed help.In this episode, Melissa has a conversation with Tricia about her time serving in the Peace Corps in the early 1980s. Tricia experienced a frightening situation when thieves broke into her Malaysian hotel room while she slept, stealing everything except her passport. Stranded with limited options, she encountered unexpected compassion from a Thai woman prostitute. This stranger provided meals, packed lunch for Tricia's journey, and gave her emergency money—going far beyond basic assistance. The parallels to Jesus' radical parable are striking: help often comes from those we least expect.This episode challenges us to examine our resistance to receiving. Have we internalized the message that giving is superior to receiving so deeply that we miss blessings offered through unexpected channels? As Tricia wisely observes, "The most unlikely person might be just the person who has what you need at that moment." Listen for the full conversation.Read For Faith, the companion devotional.The Rev. Tricia Templeton has been rector of St. Dunstan's for 21 years. She previously served churches in Knoxville and Chattanooga. Before going to seminary she was a newspaper reporter and editor and a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand. Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

Send us a textWhen we've been hurt or rejected, vengeance may be something we desire. Christian maturity helps us build capacities to defer and fend off the need for vengeance.In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about vengeance. Using Luke 9:51-62, they unpack Jesus' response when his disciples wanted to "rain fire and brimstone" on a Samaritan village that rejected them. Jesus rebukes their desire for vengeance suggesting that vengeance distracts those who have decided to pursue the kingdom of God. Whether we're discussing global conflicts or personal relationships, the space between being triggered and responding represents our opportunity for growth. "Whatever triggers you is trying to set you free," Bishop Wright notes, suggesting our reactions point to places where healing is needed. Listen in for the full conversation. Read For Faith, the companion devotional.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

Send us a textWhat happens when we strip away centuries of religious interpretation and confront the actual teachings of Jesus of Nazareth? This Jesus isn't the gentle, apolitical figure often presented in modern Christianity, but rather "a holistically spiritual freedom fighter" deeply concerned with poverty, exploitation, and injustice. In this episode, Bishop Wright has a conversation with Dr. Obery M. Hendricks, Jr., research scholar at Columbia University and former professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. Their conversation reminds us that Jesus as a radical social reformer whose message has been systematically diluted. Dr. Hendricks draws on St. Paul's emphasis on individual spiritual experiences to convey his message. "Paul transformed Jesus' concern for collective social, economic and political deliverance into an obsession with personal piety," Hendricks explains, suggesting that many Christians today understand Jesus primarily through St. Paul's interpretation, which fundamentally altered the trajectory of Jesus' radical message. Listen in for the full conversation.A lifelong social activist, Obery Hendricks is one of the foremost commentators on the intersection of religion and political economy in America. He is the most widely read and perhaps the most influential African American biblical scholar writing today. Cornel West calls him “one of the last few grand prophetic intellectuals.”A widely sought lecturer and media spokesperson, Dr. Hendricks' appearances include CNN, MSNBC, CBS, Fox News, Fox Business News, the Discovery Channel, PBS, BBC, NHK Japan Television and the Bloomberg Network. He has provided running event commentary for National Public Radio, MSNBC, and the al-Jazeera and Aspire international television networks.Learn more about Dr. Obery Hendricks and subscribe to his substack.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

The word “heretic” gets bandied about online so much these days that it has become almost meaningless, but it remains an important theological concept with serious implications for the life of the church.   In this unexpectedly sobering Trivia Challenge, Rachel quizzes Erin and Sarah on the meanings and history of major heresies in the church, from Gnosticism to modernism and beyond.  What even is “heresy,” anyway? Where is heresy mentioned in the Bible? How were the ecumenical creeds specifically formulated to combat heresy? What are good and bad ways to respond to heresy in the church? And is heresy still something we actually struggle with today?   Resources referenced in this episode include the following:   Journey through Church History: Student Book - Concordia Publishing House (highly recommended for families and educators!)  Journey through Church History: Leader Guide - Concordia Publishing House  Lutheran Witness: May 2025 – The Lutheran Witness: Councils and Conventions  Lutheran Witness: August 2023 – The Lutheran Witness: Heresies Ancient and Modern  Other sources mentioned include:  Jakob Wendesten (@jakobwendesten) | TikTok  HETERODOX Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster  DOXOLOGY Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster  36 Bible verses about Heresies  Arianism | Definition, History, Christology, & Controversy | Britannica  Bishop Nicholas Loses His Cool ::: St. Nicholas Center  Did St. Nicholas punch Arius at the Council of Nicaea?  Ecumenical council - Wikipedia  Albigensian Crusade - Wikipedia  Gnosticism | Definition, Texts, Movements, & Influence | Britannica  Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

Dr. Bulzacchelli speaks with canonist Tyler Ross about ecumenical dialogue and how to do it well. Mr. Ross shares his recent experiences with public discussions with a Protestant pastor on topics of dispute between Protestants and Catholics.

Send us a textWhat happens when we encounter truth we aren't ready for? Jesus' words about the Spirit of Truth were a guide to his disciples who couldn't yet bear everything their teacher had to share. Jesus' teachings on the Spirit of Truth remain a guide for us today too!In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about truth and the weigh it carries in our lives. Most of us resist truth because we don't want our failures and frailties exposed. Yet spiritual maturity manifests in precisely this capacity: can we hear unflattering truths about ourselves without crumbling? Can we embrace both our status as sinners and saints? The liberating truth Jesus offers is that we don't need to earn our worth—we're already infinitely valued in God's eyes! Listen in for the full conversation. Read For Faith, the companion devotional.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

Venezuelan-Canadian author Paola Barrera joins Nate on Life With God to discuss her story of immigration and how it shaped her outlook on God's kingdom.

Send us a text"Diversity belongs to God's imagination." With this bold statement, Bishop Rob Wright cuts through the political noise surrounding conversations about human difference. In this thought-provoking episode, we explore how the ancient biblical story of Pentecost offers a divine endorsement of human diversity that transcends modern political debates.In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about Pentecost centered around Acts 2:1-21 where the Holy Spirit descends on a linguistically and ethnically diverse gathering, creating understanding without erasing distinctiveness. This divine affirmation of difference provides a powerful counterpoint to modern anxieties about diversity. As Bishop Wright observes, "We can't see all of God until we see all of us," reminding listeners that our differences reflect God's creative abundance rather than problems to be solved. Listen in for the full conversation.Read For Faith, the companion devotional.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

Send us a textPrison takes many shapes and forms. The size of an individuals home or investment portfolio pales in comparison to true spiritual release - a freedom of purpose, clarity, and belonging that transcends physical limitations. This God given release is true freedom!In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright delve into Acts 16, reflecting on the story of Paul and Silas. Imprisoned yet singing joyfully after freeing a slave girl from demonic possession, their experience serves as a powerful metaphor. The conversation explores themes of oppression and freedom, highlighting a recurring pattern in human history: the tendency to define freedom as "keeping a foot on someone else's neck."Bishop Wright contrasts this with the radically different model offered by Jesus—liberation that lifts others rather than subjugates them. He emphasizes that before we can transform societal systems, we must first confront the "prisons" within ourselves: the grudges we cling to, the biases we perpetuate, and the wealth we hoard while others are deprived of life's basic needs. Listen in for the full conversation.Read For Faith, the companion devotional.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

President and CEO of American Leprosy Missions (Hope Rises International) Bill Simmons speaks with Nate about burnout and the Sabbatical experience that brought deep healing to his soul.Show NotesBill's book: The Way of Interruption: Spiritual Practice for Organizational LifeRead an excerpt from The Way of InterruptionFind Bill at billsimmons.net, hoperises.org, and LinkedIn.  Bill Simmons is President and CEO of American Leprosy Missions (soon to be Hope Rises International), part of his two-decade journey leading national and international organizations. Bill brings deep insight to the intersection of organizational leadership and spiritual formation, and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in spiritual formation at Gordon Conwell Seminary. Bill holds a BA from the University of Tennessee. Bill and his wife Cindi live in Greenville, SC.