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February 2026 meditations are written by Betty McWhorter and recorded by Beth-Sarah Wright. Support this podcast at forwardmovement.org/donate. Betty McWhorter is an Episcopal priest and third-generation reader of Forward Day by Day who has served seven churches in five dioceses. She and her husband of 55 years retired to McMinnville, Oregon, where they enjoy their three adult children, their spouses, and four grandchildren.
Send us a textThe story we tell about Jesus often sounds suspiciously like the story we want to tell about ourselves. We pull his words toward our preferences and mistake charisma for character. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about what Jesus actually says. They unpack how the “identity theft of Jesus” happens in public life and in our own hearts. Rather than wag a finger at politicians or rivals, start with the mirror: integrity begins by acknowledging the gap between what we say on Sunday and how we live on Monday. Bishop Rob Wright lays out a simple but demanding path back to center—read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John slowly, let Jesus speak for himself, and test every claim by long-term fruit. 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.
Author and Episcopal priest Barbara Brown Taylor is no stranger to darkness. After experiencing devastating loss, Barbara explores our culture’s pursuit of the sunny side of life. But perhaps there are things we learn in the dark that we can’t learn in the light. Kate and Barbara discuss the two halves of our lives and how to practice courage even in the scariest of circumstances. CW: Death of parents, tongue cancer For show notes, the transcript, and discussion questions, click here. Subscribe to Kate’s Substack for blessings, essays, and reflections that hold what’s hard and beautiful. This episode originally aired December 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Trump said on Monday that border czar Tom Homan will head to Minnesota following the shooting death of Alex Pretti over the weekend by a federal immigration agent. Minnesota Public Radio's Brian Bakst shares more.Then, the budget for ICE is part of a package of spending bills that must pass in the Senate on Friday to avoid a partial government shutdown. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) explains why she's urging lawmakers to vote no on ICE funding.And, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C., traveled to Minneapolis last week with other faith leaders. She shares why she's speaking out against the surge of immigration agents in Minneapolis.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Send us a textBarriers don't bury the church; they clarify the mission. The Book of Acts reveals a pattern in which every barrier is followed by a fresh witness to Jesus. In this episode, Bishop Wright has a conversation with Bishop Justin Holcomb using Acts as the centerpiece. From language and culture gaps to political pressure and outrage cycles, they discuss how a consecrated voice—rooted in promise, not panic—cuts through the noise and opens doors for real renewal. Their conversation points toward a practical path forward: witness over winning, promise over pressure, and trust that the Holy Spirit will write the next paragraph of the church's story. Listen in for the full conversation.The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb was ordained and consecrated as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida on June 10, 2023. He was elected at a special Diocesan Convention on Jan. 14, 2023.A native Floridian, the bishop earned his Ph.D. in theological studies from Emory University and has both a Master of Arts in theological studies and a Master of Arts in Christian thought from Reformed Theological Seminary as well as a B.A. in biblical studies from Southeastern University. He also studied at the University of Oxford during the summer of 1996.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.
Emily Austin is joined by Sister Hannah Winkler, CSM, Prioress of the Community of St. Mary, Southern Province, for a thoughtful conversation about the resurgence of religious life and the enduring wisdom of Benedictine spirituality. Sister Hannah reflects on what she is seeing across Episcopal religious orders: genuine growth, renewed interest, and a deep longing for stability rooted in prayer.Together, they explore why monastic practices—such as the Daily Office, Lectio Divina, and living by a Rule of Life—are resonating with people living far beyond convent walls. Sister Hannah describes how the Sisters of St. Mary's expanding network of oblates and associates allows laypeople to commit to a rhythm of prayer and Benedictine values while remaining fully engaged in family life, work, and parish communities.The conversation also examines the spiritual power of structure, not as restriction but as a trellis that creates space for growth. In a world shaped by speed, choice, and constant noise, the predictability of prayer offers a way to sanctify time and rest in God's changelessness. Sister Hannah shares how monastic communities understand their vocation as holding the world in prayer—especially when others find themselves unable to pray.This episode invites listeners to consider how ancient practices continue to shape faithful, grounded lives today.Learn more about the Sisters of St. Mary:https://www.communityofstmarysouth.org/Watch Compline and other services on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-j3GU7enCfpY3hLGEvhT5gBook mentioned: Convent Wisdomhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/224004832-convent-wisdom
Why do we really choose the churches we attend? In this episode of the McIntyre Inc. Podcast, Michael and Brianna McIntyre have an unfiltered conversation about Christianity, denominations, and the often-unspoken truth: many of us don't choose our church theologically—we choose it culturally. From Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Charismatic, and Episcopal traditions to underground churches in North Korea, persecuted believers in Nigeria, and the early house churches in Acts, this conversation explores how faith, power, comfort, and control have shaped modern Christianity. Go to themichaelmcintyre.com to find out what all we have going on!
This Sunday, January 18, we begin a new term of our yearlong “How to Be an Episcopalian” series. In this session, we talk about Baptism. This section of the class uses six sessions to address a map of spiritual practices (including Holy Eucharist, the Daily Office, personal reflection, community participation, and service) that has traditionally characterized parish life in the Anglican tradition. My claim is that when a person lives within this rhythm long enough, their faith becomes steady, habitual, charitable, and integrated into daily life.We are in the midst of a yearlong course designed to ground participants in the thinking and practices of the Christian faith as lived in the Episcopal Church. The aim is not merely education, but transformation: to set loose an energy in individuals that stirs new thinking and behavior — opening the way to a new place in one's spiritual journey.
January 18, 2026: May God's words be spoken, may God's words be heard. Amen. Twelve years ago tomorrow, I celebrated the Eucharist here for the first time as your Rector. It was January 19, 2014 at 10:30am. I remember it well. I knew way back then I had been called into something amazing – a new relationship with all of you. And so, twelve years ago today I stood here by God's grace and nothing for me, and I pray for you, has been the same since. That is why the date of January 19th at 10:30am is something I will never forget. It's the way it is with life altering events, right? Folks remember the day a child was born, the first date we had with our spouse (and of course the day of the wedding itself – or we better!). And, on a sadder note, the day a loved one died – their saint day, as we like to call it in the church, is a day each year that doesn't go unnoticed. We remember too moments that changed the country or the world – the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, WWII broke out, President Kennedy was shot, Astronaut John Glenn put his foot out onto the lunar surface, the Challenger spacecraft exploded, the 9/11 terrorist attack, and the January 6th insurrection. And, those who were around for it remember too when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “Dream” speech to the thousands gathered for the March on Washington for Freedom & Jobs…and where they were when they heard the terrible news that he had been assassinated. These moments changed us – challenged us – demanded something of us. And we were never the same from those points forward. And so when we hear in the second part of the gospel of John read today this story of people's first encounter with Jesus, it should not surprise us that the community that wrote this gospel noted something about it. The gospel account says “The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” …where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. That's a kinda funny thing to write down, don't ya think? What was so special about it being 4pm? Something tells me it wasn't the first century version of “It's 5 o'clock somewhere.” Clearly the community that wrote this fourth gospel knew that the lives of first disciples would be changed so much in that initial encounter with Jesus that they would never forget where they were and what time it was when it happened. That is what call does. It stops us in our tracks for a moment, and we are forever changed as we accept Christ's invitation to come and see. I suppose the question for each of us now is – do you recognize that moment for you and what will you do about it? Because Christ is calling us to come and see in this life altering moment for our community and in this country. As we watch ICE agents, sent by our President only into cities that did not vote for him, terrorize people regardless of citizenship status – wounding and killing children of God as they drag them without warrants out of their homes and businesses, shatter the windows of their cars with children inside, attack those who dare to peacefully protest with tear gas, pepper spray, and flash bombs, as well as using lethal choke holds (like the one that killed George Floyd) on those they detain. As this country fails to support those who are laying their life on the line for democracy in Ukraine, while the President imitates Putin, calling the US to invade Greenland, a sovereign territory of Denmark, and threatening NATO allies that have sent military and financial support to Greenland to prevent it. As we read the social media comments of people who think ICE agents have a right to abuse, kill, or deport people without due process because they are “illegals,” in a land where none of us are originally from here, save those of the indigenous tribes. As we find that our nation's highest court, in defiance of precedent and the US Constitution, affirms the right of ICE agents to target people based on the color of their skin, their accent or the language they speak, or their place of work. As we mourn the 32 killed by this administration ICE enforcement action in 2025, including Jean Wilson Brutus, who died while in custody at Delany Hall in Newark. As we hear our President refer to the countries these people come from as s-hole countries, while saying that we need more people from places like Norway – translation – he wants less people of color or Asian descent and more white people. As we continue to wait for the Department of Justice to follow the law and release the files associated with the pedophile Epstein and stop protecting anyone who was involved in this horrific human trafficking of young girls for sex. As we hear over and over again the racist, misogynist, homophobic, and xenophobic garbage this President, his staff, and those who support him spew on a near minute by minute basis. I could go on and on and on…it's exhausting, isn't it? But in the midst of all of this – Jesus bids us to follow him as he goes to where he always stays – beside the vulnerable and afraid, alongside the oppressed and the lost. This is a pivotable moment for every one of us as we stand amid this turning point in our nation. We see, surely, what is happening. The question for us is – will be follow Jesus when he bids us to come with him? It is a good question to consider as we celebrate the life of a man who did follow Jesus – followed him all the way to the cross – the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King's final Sunday sermon was at our own Episcopal cathedral in DC. In that grand pulpit of Washington National Cathedral, King said this: “…Our experience [is] that the nation doesn't move around questions of genuine equality […] until it is confronted massively, dramatically in terms of direct action […] I submit that nothing will be done until people of goodwill put their bodies and their souls in motion and it will be the kind, the sole force brought into being as a result of this confrontation that I believe will make the difference […] On some positions, cowardice asks the question: is it expedient? And then expedience comes along and asks the question, is it politic? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? Conscience asks the question, is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular. But [one] must do it because conscience tells [them] it is right.” (https://cathedral.org/blog/today-in-cathedral-history-mlks-final-sunday-sermon/) Folks, that time is now. Jesus' call to us is now. And here's the thing – the passage in Isaiah about the prophet we heard this morning was telling us something perhaps we need to hear as we consider what Christ is asking of us. Because in no less a way as was said about the prophet Isaiah, God is saying this to each of you now: “I formed you in the womb to be my servant, and I give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” And that salvation, my friends, is the hope God has in mind for all of us – that beloved community where all are welcome, and no one is harmed. This is who you were formed in the womb to be – God's transformative agent, following Christ to where he abides – with the least, the last, the lonely, and the lost. This is our faith, what we committed to in baptism. And this is how we should honor the saints, like King, too. Because if we truly want to honor people like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., then we have to do more than attend breakfasts and recall his sermons/speeches – we must live as he lived, and be willing to die as he did. And if we truly want to follow Jesus, we must do more than go to church, pray, and read scripture – we must live as he lived and be willing to die as he did. This past week, the Rt. Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, put it this way: “We are now engaged in a horrible battle that is eternal, that has gone on for millennia. […] and we are now, I believe, entering a time, a new era of martyrdom. Renee Good being the last of note of those martyrs. New Hampshire's own Jonathan Daniels, a man also of white privilege, stood in front of the blast of a sheriff in Haynesville, Alabama, to protect a young black teenager from a shotgun blast. He died and was martyred. We know of the women, the Maryknoll sisters, who stood alongside the poor and the oppressed in El Salvador and were brutally raped and murdered in the name of Jesus. [Archbishop] Oscar Romero, in a mass, called upon the death squads of El Salvador to lay down their arms or risk excommunication [and ] was martyred the next Sunday at the altar. I have told the clergy of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire that we may be entering into that same witness. And I've asked them to get their affairs in order—to make sure they have their wills written, because it may be that now is no longer the time for statements, but for us with our bodies to stand between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable. And it may mean that we are going to have to act in a new way that we have never seen perhaps in our lifetime, except for these remote stories that I've just cited, to put our faith in the God of life, of resurrection, of a love that is stronger than death itself.” (https://www.nhepiscopal.org/blog) Amen Bishop! Amen. “Now is no longer the time for statements, but for us with our bodies to stand between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable.” Not everyone can do this to be sure. Those who care for others, like young children or aging parents, those who face physical, mental, or emotional challenges, and of course – the vulnerable themselves. The rest of us though – we must make a choice and it is by no means easy. Neither was it for Jesus, for Dr. King, or for any of the other martyrs of the church. This does not mean we recklessly engage in violence, but it does mean we act not only on social media, but with our voices, our feet, our very bodies in the streets, in the halls of government, anywhere that children of God suffer – anywhere Jesus calls us to come and see. If we do this, if we follow Jesus, then King's words will come to be. In the end of that sermon at Washington National Cathedral, he said: “So, however dark it is, however deep the angry feelings and the violent explosions are, I can still sing “We Shall Overcome.” We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice. We shall overcome because Thomas Carlyle is right: “No lie can live forever.” We shall overcome because William Cullen Bryant is right: “Truth, crushed to earth, will rise again.” […] With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair the stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. […] God grant that we would be participants in this newness and this magnificent development if we will, but do it. We will bring about a new day of justice and brotherhood and peace. And that day, the morning stars will sing together and the [people] of God will shout for joy.” And so, as we enter into our thirteenth year together amid these deeply troubling times, as we consider in our hearts the path that lay before us, I leave you with this from the epistle of St. Paul we heard this morning – that you may know my deep gratitude for all that you do in the name of Jesus, and be reminded of all that you have been given by God for the work that lay ahead.: St. Paul wrote: “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind […and] He will also strengthen you to the end.” Amen. For the audio, click below, or subscribe to our iTunes Sermon Podcast by clicking here (also available on Audible): Sermon Podcast https://christchurchepiscopal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Sermon-January-18-2026-1.m4a The Rev. Diana L. Wilcox Christ Church in Bloomfield & Glen Ridge January 18, 2026 The Second Sunday After The Epiphany 1st Reading – Isaiah 49:1-7 Psalm 40:1-12 2nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Gospel – John 1:29-42 The post “Now Is The Time!” appeared first on Christ Episcopal Church.
Send us a textGreatness to God is measured not by a country's advances in buildings and technology but by how those are treated with the least. In Dr. King's final Sunday sermon at Washington National Cathedral, he addressed a challenge of the day that remains true in the present: if we claim blessing, are we ready for God's accountability? That question us into the bracing clarity of Matthew 25, where Jesus sets the bar with the hungry, the unhoused, and the stranger.In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation centered on Dr. King's final Sunday sermon, given four days before his murder. Together, they explore why prophets are often met with resistance. Instead of condemning, true prophetic work loves a nation enough to critique it. Followers of Jesus embedded in institutions can bend systems toward mercy through fair wages, humane services, restorative practices, and transparent accountability. A nation's greatness, then, becomes directional: power constrained by love, budgets aligned with neighbor-care, and policies that honor the image of God in every person. 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.
The Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire went viral for telling clergy to have their affairs in order as they prepare to defend the most vulnerable, at a prayer vigil for Renee Good. He says, “I've said nothing new that I have not said in 35 years of ordained ministry.”Guest: Bishop A. Robert Hirschfeld,10th Bishop in the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire serving since August 2012.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire went viral for telling clergy to have their affairs in order as they prepare to defend the most vulnerable, at a prayer vigil for Renee Good. He says, “I've said nothing new that I have not said in 35 years of ordained ministry.”Guest: Bishop A. Robert Hirschfeld,10th Bishop in the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire serving since August 2012.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire went viral for telling clergy to have their affairs in order as they prepare to defend the most vulnerable, at a prayer vigil for Renee Good. He says, “I've said nothing new that I have not said in 35 years of ordained ministry.”Guest: Bishop A. Robert Hirschfeld,10th Bishop in the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire serving since August 2012.Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Barbara Brown Taylor has written award-winning books, received numerous accolades, and served as an Episcopal priest, teacher, and public theologian. And yet, in this conversation, she consistently circles back to the meaningfulness of what she refers to as “the small” – the local, the embodied, the immediately present. Barbara challenges us to listen to callings from within ourselves as well as from outside neighbors (including our non-human neighbors), to notice callings toward as well as away from certain actions or contexts, and to find vocational guidance even in missteps. In all this, she also shares her love for undergraduates and encourages vocational openness, flexibility, and attention.
In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with former U.S. Senator Jack Danforth about Senator Danforth’s book, The Relevance of Religion, and why and how religious congregations of all faiths should endeavor to heal the political divide in America. An ordained Episcopal priest and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Senator Danforth explains religion’s gift of “virtue” to politics, and his unique views on success and happiness. Former Senator John C. Danforth (Jack) is a partner at Dowd Bennett LLP and brings the strategic insights and wisdom gained from a distinguished career in public service and the law. Jack currently serves on the national advisory board of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University. An ordained Episcopal priest, Jack is the author of Resurrection; Faith and Politics: How the “Moral Values” Debate Divides America and How to Move Forward Together; and The Relevance of Religion-How Faithful People Can Change Politics. Following his three terms in the U.S. Senate (1976-1995), Jack held appointments in both Republican and Democratic administrations. Jack was Special Counsel in the investigation of the federal raid on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas (1999-2000). He was Special Envoy for Peace in Sudan (2001-2004) and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (2004-2005). Prior to his election to the U.S. Senate, Jack was elected and served eight years as Attorney General for the state of Missouri (1968-1976). He and his wife Sally have five children, 15 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don't miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: JOHN C. (“JACK”) DANFORTH: BIO: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Danforth BOOKS: Resurrection, by John C. Danforth Faith and Politics: How the “Moral Values” Debate Divides America and How to Move Forward Together, by John Danforth The Relevance of Religion-How Faithful People Can Change Politics, by John Danforth
Send us a textEver feel the tug to shrink yourself so others stay comfortable? Pleasing people drains joy, while pleasing God frees us.In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the difference between pleasing people and pleasing God, and why living as our truest selves leads to freedom from fear and a deeper peace. Purpose stops being mystical and becomes practical through small, faithful steps that compound into a life of impact. They trace how obedience isn't about rule-keeping—it's the doorway to hearing God more clearly, knowing who we are, and unchaining our lives from fear. With God, we can trade our anxiety for a grounded sense of worth, and vague resolutions for purposeful action. 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.
Annual feast honors the power and significance of the name "Jesus," which means "God saves" or "Savior" in Hebrew/Aramaic. Observed during first week of January using varying dates & names by Catholics and some Protestant denominations (Anglican, Episcopal, and Lutheran), the invocation is rooted in the biblical account where the angel Gabriel instructs both Mary and Joseph to name the child Jesus. While the feast focuses on the primary name "Jesus," the Bible uses many other venerated names and titles to describe Christ's nature and mission. Devotion to the Holy Name was popularized in the 15th century by the Franciscan friar Saint Bernardine of Siena, who encouraged people to place the Greek monogram of Jesus' name, IHS (from the first three letters of the Greek word for Jesus), on their doors. The feast was extended to the entire Church in 1721 by Pope Innocent XIII. Ee150. History in the Bible podcast at https://amzn.to/3ZuHAwO Garry Stevens books available at https://amzn.to/3ZAM19f ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's HISTORY OF NORTH AMERICA podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credit: History in the Bible podcast with Garry Stevens (2.31 The Many Names of Jesus, 02dec2018). Audio excerpts reproduced under a Creative Commons license and the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a text"In the Christmas story, God slips through a birth canal underneath the empire. This star child is born in a borrowed room and takes his first rest in a feeding trough. God chooses vulnerability over visibility and humility over dominance. Christmas helps us to know who God is through God's choices. The child we say we love tonight but are afraid to love too much is born on the underside of history. No status, no security. So if you're looking for God, you can always find God where the world least expects God to be. So if we're only watching the Empire's headlines, we may be missing the holy things that are being born right in front of us. Christmas is God's graceful and gentle refusal of the Empire's terms and methods. In God's Christmas story, domination is overthrown by incarnation and love."Excerpt from Bishop Wright's Christmas Sermon "Born Beneath the Headlines"Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.
We're back in the My Favorite Martyr series, where in each episode, Mitch and Caitlyn trade stories about saints in our Episcopal kalendar of feasts and fasts.In today's episode, Mitch and Caitlyn trade stories of Edith Stein and apostles Simon and Jude. Exploring the courage of Edith Stein's intellectual faith and the bold missionary witness of Saints Simon and Jude, this episode weaves together conscience, conviction, and the cost of following Christ. This episode is dedicated to both the nice guys and the firebrands.
Judge faith by the neighbor who gets help, not the hype of our politics. Episcopal deacon Gerri Endicott shows how preaching turns into rides, meals, and quiet care. She explains why she leads with “I follow Jesus,” a simple line that lowers walls and points to a Person, not a brand. Judge faith by the neighbor who gets help, not the volume of our politics. Craig and Gerri test faith by its fruit. They sort out what happens when Christianity gets pulled into national politics. Gratitude for a country is good; loyalty belongs to Jesus. Gerri also names a pre-Advent practice from her church's calendar that helps her community rehearse that loyalty (Christ the King). Not every church observes it, but the posture fits anywhere. Try this week: serve one neighbor, tell the truth with kindness, pray for an enemy by name, choose presence over outrage. If you want a public faith that looks like Jesus, start here. Their conversation digs into: What a deacon does: service over stage, church facing outward. “I follow Jesus” language that lowers walls. Christian nationalism vs. the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5–7). Christ the King (her practice): a simple loyalty reset. Nations (peoples) vs. modern countries—why words matter. Presence over outrage: small acts, kept promises, steady love.
We're back! New series, new stories, but your same ol' two favorite priests. In each episode, Mitch and Caitlyn trade stories about saints in our Episcopal kalendar of feasts and fasts. For this first episode we cover Saint Catherine of Alexandria and Saint Thecla of Iconium: two early Christian women whose lives and legends shaped how the Church remembers female witness and courage. Come for Jimmy Buffet, stay for an excellent left-hook.
The Rev. Robert Fruehwirth preaches on Christmas Eve, 2025.
THIS IS A PREVIEW. IF YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE, CHECK OUT FRUITLESS ON PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=11922141EPISODE ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/posts/146548844/For the final episode of 2025, Phil Cozzi returns to talk about The Bishop's Wife (1947), a Christmas movie about an angel teaching a workaholic Episcopal bishop to be nice to his wife. We also talk about Christmas movie tropes in general, and Phil does some theologizing. Music by SHADE08 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Christmas week can feel like a beautiful blur — full of tradition, emotion, and let's be honest… exhaustion. In this week's episode of The Bubble Lounge, I'm joined by The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, for a conversation that feels like a deep breath in the middle of it all. We start with Chris's journey — how he was called into ministry and what led him to lead one of the largest Episcopal churches in the country — and then gently move into what Christmas really looks like in real life.This isn't a checklist-Christmas or a perfectly wrapped-up version of the season. It's an honest, thoughtful conversation about faith, leadership, grace, and letting Christmas meet you exactly where you are. If this week feels full, complicated, joyful, heavy — or all of the above — this episode is for you. Listen while you're driving, wrapping gifts, or stealing a quiet moment for yourself. This episode is sponsored by: Cambridge Caregivers Kathy L Wall State Farm Agency | Mother Modern Plumbing | SA Oral Surgeons | Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.
For part 7 of 12 on “What is the Nicene Creed?” we unpack these lines:For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buriedOn the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;One of the wild things about the Creed is we go right from Jesus' birth, via Mary, to his death, at the hands of Pontius Pilate. And yet, even wilder still, is that our God in Christ suffered death. The crucifixion – a death used by the Roman Empire to terrify and suppress enslaved people who rebelled – and the resurrection – are at the epicenter of Christian faith. What does it mean that Jesus died this way? What does it mean that on the third day, he rose? We are delighted and amazed to welcome to the podcast the inimitable Rev. Dr. Canon Kelly Brown Douglas, whose enormous work as priest, preacher, teacher, and writer, has long explored these questions.More about our guest: The Rev. Canon Kelly Brown Douglas is the Canon Theologian at the Cathedral and Visiting Professor of Theology at Harvard Divinity School for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. In 2017, she was named Dean of Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and in 2019, she was appointed to the Bill and Judith Moyers Chair in Theology at Union. Kelly is considered a leader in the field of womanist theology, racial reconciliation, social justice, and sexuality and the Black church.From 2017 to 2023, she was Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary and Professor of Theology. She was named the Bill and Judith Moyers Chair in Theology at Union in November 2019 where she is now Dean emeritus. She served as Interim President of Episcopal Divinity School from 2023-24. During the 2023 fall term, she served as Honorary Professor of Global Theology at Emmanuel Theological College in Liverpool, England.Ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1983, Douglas currently serves as the Canon Theologian at the Washington National Cathedral and Anglican Communion Canon at Newcastle Cathedral in Newcastle, England.Prior to Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary, she served as Professor of Religion at Goucher College where she held the Susan D. Morgan Professorship of Religion and is now Professor Emeritus. Before Goucher, she was Associate Professor of Theology at Howard University School of Divinity (1987-2001) and Assistant Professor of Religion at Edward Waters College (1986-87). Douglas holds a master's degree in theology and a PhD in systematic theology from Union.Douglas is the author of many articles and several books including the 2023 Grawemeyer Award winning book, Resurrection Hope: A Future Where Black Lives Matter. Her academic work has focused on womanist theology, racial justice issues as well as sexuality and the Black church. Her current research interest involves expanding the moral imaginary in fostering a more just future.Douglas proudly serves on the New York City Homeless Coalition Board and the Public Religion and Research Institute Board.+++Like what you hear? We are an entirely crowd-sourced, you-funded project. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/AndAlsoWithYouPodcastThere's all kinds of perks including un-aired live episodes, Zoom retreats, and mailbag episodes for our Patreons!+++Our Website: https://andalsowithyoupod.comOur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andalsowithyoupodcast/++++MERCH: https://www.bonfire.com/store/and-also-with-you-the-podcast/++++More about Father Lizzie:BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762683/god-didnt-make-us-to-hate-us-by-rev-lizzie-mcmanus-dail/RevLizzie.comhttps://www.instagram.com/rev.lizzie/https://www.tiktok.com/@rev.lizzieJubilee Episcopal Church in Austin, TX - JubileeATX.org ++++More about Mother Laura:https://www.instagram.com/laura.peaches/https://www.tiktok.com/@mother_peachesSt. Paul's Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, PA++++Theme music:"On Our Own Again" by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue).New episodes drop Mondays at 7am EST/6am CST!
The Rev. Candy Snively preaches on the fourth Sunday of Advent.
Send us a textA life can pivot on a single whispered word. In Matthew 1, Joseph is at a real-world crossroads, balancing righteousness, reputation, and love, until an angelic message reframes his next step. That shift from fear to faithful action changed everything. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the angels we encounter in the real world. God speaks at difficult intersections, often through ordinary messengers like therapists, pastors, songs, and trusted friends, and those messages give courage to walk a hard path. 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.
The Rev. Robert Fruehwirth preaches on the third Sunday of Advent.
For 18 December 2025, December 18, based on Matthew 1:18-25 (image is a painting titled Refugees: La Sagrada Familia by Episcopal iconographer Kelly Latimore)
Our audio engineer, Fr. Tom, comes out from behind the scenes to share a faith story of his own. It tells of a moment in his life and family, at the feet of Jesus, that transformed his life. Check out Tom's podcast "A Song & A Friend" (https://open.spotify.com/show/4kczjTJBLE2TyUO4EQXCbC?si=f51dd65b0edb4b80)
Text us your questions!What kind of God is worth trusting when life falls apart? We pull up a chair with Thomas Jay Oord and guest Chris Lilley for a spirited, vulnerable conversation about omnipotence, evil, and why love may be the only measure of divine power that doesn't betray our moral core. The stakes are high: beliefs about God's power shape how we face suffering, talk to our kids about hope, and decide whether prayer is protest, surrender, or both. If you haven't heard our first conversation with Tom about God's power, we recommend checking that out first here.Tom lays out open and relational theism: God moves through time with us, gives and receives, and has a nature of uncontrolling love. From there he challenges three classic readings of omnipotence—doing anything, exerting all power, and unilaterally determining outcomes—arguing they either collapse logically or become morally intolerable in the face of real-world evil. Chris, a former Thomist and Reformed teacher now in the Episcopal ordination process, offers a thoughtful pushback: if omnipotence can be carefully qualified, should we abandon it, or teach it better? His turning point is painfully human: holding his newborn while teaching election and realizing he couldn't preach a God who ordains every outcome and still call that good.We wrestle with creation, “almighty” in the liturgy, liberation theology's demand for a God who not only intends justice but accomplishes it, and a hard question about the afterlife: could you rest eternally with a God who could have stopped your suffering? Tom reframes power as maximal influence—everlasting, universal, persuasive—rather than control. Kyle names the unresolved middle: if God could fix it later, why not now? The conversation doesn't hand out easy answers; it invites you to weigh goodness against power and decide which vision of God you can actually pray to.If this episode challenges or helps you, share it with a friend, hit follow, and leave a review so others can find the show.=====Want to support us?The best way is to subscribe to our Patreon. Annual memberships are available for a 10% discount.If you'd rather make a one-time donation, you can contribute through our PayPal. Other important info: Rate & review us on Apple & Spotify Follow us on social media at @PPWBPodcast Watch & comment on YouTube Email us at pastorandphilosopher@gmail.com Cheers!
Send us a textWhat if hope isn't tidy or instant, but slow and stubborn—something that holds you when outcomes don't? In Matthew 11, John the Baptist asks a big question about Jesus. "Are you the one, or should we wait for another?" John's question is really our question. Is Jesus deserving of our faith, hope, and following? In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the ache for a savior who will make it all better, especially amid Christian nationalism and culture-war politics. It's human to want a rescuer, but it's risky to confuse charisma with character. The kingdom's pattern is quieter: reversal at the edges, healing without spectacle, and justice in motion. Advent brings the hard edge of timing. God is not a magician, and the “already and not yet” of the kingdom asks us to live with tension—trusting that change has begun while admitting it is not complete. This is mature faith: patient, honest, and, grounded in the long arc of God's work. 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.
For episode 18 of the Pop Apocalypse, we welcome theologian, author, and Episcopal priest, Cynthia Bourgeault. Cynthia is the author of numerous books, including Eye of the Heart: A Spiritual Journey into the Imaginal Realm and The Heart of Centering Prayer: Nondual Christianity in Theory and Practice. Her work brings the Christian contemplative and wisdom traditions, ‘The Work' of GI Gurdjieff, and the philosophy of Henry Corbin into a lived mystical theology. Over the course of the episode, we discuss Cynthia's religious upbringing and early mystical awakening, her academic training in Medieval sacred drama, and how she came to the priesthood. Then we do a deep dive into Bourgeault's relationship to the practice and theory of The Work and how she came to integrate them with the Christian wisdom tradition. As the interview comes to a close, we discuss the benefits of life as a hermit, the impact of the Gospel of Thomas, and how contemplative Christianity speaks to the spiritual concerns of so many in the early 21st century. BIO Cynthia Bourgeault is a modern-day mystic, Episcopal priest, writer, and internationally known retreat leader. She divides her time between solitude and sailing the waters around her seaside hermitage in Maine and a demanding schedule traveling globally to teach and spread the recovery of the Christian contemplative and Wisdom paths.
Sometimes--as in the case of Rev. Zach from Ep. 73--we record an episode with folks and then, before we can release it, life takes interesting turns. Since talking to us 6 months ago, Zach is in the process of leaving the Episcopal denomination in the US and considering his ministerial call in a new way. He stopped by (metaphorically) to update us and share some more thoughts. We're grateful for his ongoing discernment and willingness to bring us along! Get full access to New Kinship at newkinship.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to Saint Mary's Episcopal church. this Podcast is a hearing from our Second Sunday of Advent service as well as our sermon from Rev. Hannah Moderow on December 7th, 2025. Saint Mary's Episcopal Church is delighted to have you Listening thank you.
Dr. Erica Ridderman preaches on the second Sunday of Advent.
In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, Avik sits down with author Lee Ann Walling to unpack The Salt and Light Express, a late life debut novel about grief, guilt, faith, and reinvention. Through the story of Chris, a woman in her sixties driving an RV across the United States to scatter her partner's ashes, Lee Ann explores mindfulness, spiritual deconstruction, religious judgment, and the courage to love again. This is a grounded conversation for listeners navigating loss, questioning Christianity, rebuilding belonging, or considering indie publishing for their own story. If you are wondering whether it is too late to reinvent your life, this episode gives you a clear, honest reality check plus practical hope. About The Guest: Lee Ann Walling is a writer, former journalist, political and government strategist, land use planner, consultant, and now an indie author. At 69, she released her debut novel The Salt and Light Express, already earning praise from BookLife, Kirkus and Forward Reviews for its honest look at grief, spirituality, and late life transformation. Her own journey includes leaving, questioning, and reimagining Christianity across Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal and progressive faith spaces while continuously reinventing her career and identity. Key Takeaways : Grief is not something to outrun. Chris's RV journey shows how staying in motion can create space to sit with pain, guilt and love instead of spiritually bypassing it. Mindfulness is not a buzzword. Chris's guilt after the accident comes from distraction at the wheel, which becomes a wake up call about presence, attention and how easily life changes in seconds. Faith can evolve without becoming fake. Lee Ann's path through Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal and back to a questioning Methodist community mirrors Chris's shift to a simpler, more honest form of Christianity. Honest dialogue breaks stereotypes. Chris's ongoing conversations with a Southern Baptist pastor challenge both of them to rethink judgment, prayer, salvation and what following Jesus actually looks like in everyday life. Reinvention has no age limit. Lee Ann wrote her debut novel in an MFA program in her late sixties, skipped a broken traditional publishing system, and built an indie path that keeps full creative control. How To Connect With The Guest : You can connect with Lee Ann Walling and learn more about The Salt and Light Express here.Website: https://www.LeeAnnWalling.com She personally monitors messages coming through her site and replies directly. How To Connect With Healthy Mind, Healthy Life And Be A Guest Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM. Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Disclaimer This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer. About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it has become a sanctuary for healing, growth and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor and wellness advocate, this channel shares powerful podcasts and grounded conversations on. • Mental Health and Emotional Well being• Mindfulness and Spiritual Growth• Holistic Healing and Conscious Living• Trauma Recovery and Self Empowerment With over 4,400 plus episodes and 168.4K plus global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma and work toward a world where every story matters. Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Contact Brand. Healthy Mind By Avik™Email. join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyavik.comWebsite. www.healthymindbyavik.comBased in. India and USA Open to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching and strategic partnerships. Connect if you want to create a real impact around mental health and conscious living. 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Send us a textHow do we bring spiritual practices into our everyday working lives? This adaptive challenge requires a new path—one where risk becomes stewardship, attention becomes a sacred resource, and everyday tasks turn into a living conversation with God. In this episode, Bishop Wright has a conversation with Dr. Chip Roper, founder and president of the VOCA Center. Chip's journey from profit-chasing ambition to seminary and back into the marketplace as an executive coach gives him rare range: he understands performance pressure, pastoral care, and the hard realities of modern organizations. Bishop Wright and Dr. Roper dig into the quiet epidemic of workplace loneliness and the surprising data showing how few professionals tap spiritual resources when the heat is on. From Jesus' words about doing only what the Father is doing to the easy yoke that lightens our overwork, Chip maps out a way to lead with courage and calm. Listen in for the full conversation.Dr. Chip Roper is the Founder and President of the VOCA Center, a faith-based organization driven to equip Christians to approach their daily work with God's wisdom and power. With an Executive Coaching Certification from Columbia University and a Doctorate of Ministry from Missio Seminary, Chip tackles client challenges from 30+ years of P/L leadership responsibility as a small businessman, a pastor, a career coach, and a business consultant. Chip's clients are found at Blackstone, Sunrise Brokers, JP Morgan, Randall-Reilly, Goldman Sachs, Nielson, Knopman Marks, and CNBC.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.
The church is in a moment of honest reckoning. Attendance is shrinking, institutions are thinning, and many who once belonged now stand on the outside looking in. In this conversation with author and priest Stephanie Spellers, we explore what the “nones” and “dones” are teaching us about faith, community, and the way of Jesus. Stephanie invites us to look directly at decline, name the shame we carry, and listen to the prophetic longings rising from a generation hungry for authenticity, belonging, and spiritual depth. We talk about Christian nationalism, idolized structures, meeting God outside our buildings, the table as a site of renewal, and the possibility of becoming a true Jesus movement again. If you care about where the church is headed, or whether new life can emerge from the dry bones, this episode offers clarity, courage, and hope.Rev. Stephanie Spellers is a renowned author, Episcopal priest and change agent. Her newest book, "Church Tomorrow?: What the Nones and Dones Teach Us About the Future of Faith," explores the stories of nonreligious young Americans and their prophetic charge to traditional, declining religion. She recently completed nearly a decade leading The Episcopal Church's work on evangelism, racial reconciliation and environmental justice. Today she serves as canon in residence at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in New York City.Stephanie's Book:Church Tomorrow?Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowGet Your Sidekick Support the show
Are you feeling stuck in a career you find meaningless, wondering if you'll ever find your true calling? This week on Everyday Better, Leah Smart sits down with Sister Monica Clare — an Episcopal nun, spiritual counselor, and the creator behind the TikTok account @nunsenseforthepeople. Her path to the convent was anything but direct. For decades, she chased one career after another in Hollywood — acting, advertising, comedy, PR — all while ignoring the quiet truth she'd known since childhood: her true calling was to become a nun. In this powerful conversation, Sister Monica shares how she learned to stop listening to the world around her and finally start listening to herself. She opens up about the values exercise that changed everything, the somatic signals that told her she was on the wrong path, and why “plan A” doesn't have to mean certainty — just courage. Together, she and Leah explore how any of us can uncover our calling, navigate fear, build self-esteem, and make meaningful changes one small step at a time. If you've ever wondered whether you're on the right path — or worried that you're not — this episode will help you reframe failure, tune into what moves your heart, and get clearer on the life you're truly meant to live. You can find her book ”A Change of Habit: Leaving Behind My Husband, Career, and Everything I Owned to Become a Nun” here. If you liked this episode, you'll also love this one: Exploring the Universe: NASA's Michelle Thaller's Guide to Everyday AweFollow Leah Smart and Sister Monica Clare on LinkedIn.
Music Credits for Morning Prayer "Ethereal Relaxation" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Gymnopedie No. 1" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Water Lily" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ISRC: USUAN2300003See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He's backkkkkk! Father Drew Crowson, friend of the podcast, curate at St. Paul's Prosper, and up-and-coming church planter, has returned to teach us about evangelism-- or how to spread the Good News without getting embarrassed. We discuss why Episcopalians are scared of evangelism, good and bad forms of evangelism, and why we all still need to try anyway. Drew also shares his current reflections on the process of planting an Episcopal church, what it means to "die to self", and how to stay consistent and faithful to long-term goals for God. Can't get enough of the Average Episcopalian? Visit our website: theaverageepiscopalian.com Follow us on Instagram: @average.episcopalian Sign up for our monthly Substack newsletter: averageepiscopalian.substack.com More questions? Send us an email: average.episcopalian@gmail.com
Nieves Concostrina habla de cómo se instauraron los domingos como el día de descanso de la semana.
Pediatric palliative care reveals both the fragility and strength of the human spirit. In this deeply moving conversation, Dr. Robert Macauley—physician, Episcopal priest, author, and survivor—shares how his journey from childhood trauma to healing led him to care for terminally ill children and their families. Through his acclaimed book Because I Knew You: How Some Remarkable Sick Kids Healed a Doctor's Soul, Dr. Macauley reflects on how these young patients restored his faith, opened his heart, and showed him the transformative power of caring for children at the edge of life. Together, he and Irene explore how love, loss, and service intertwine to bring meaning, connection, and grace even in life's hardest moments.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL HEAR ABOUT THINGS LIKE:The profound impact of trauma from child sexual abuse.The concept of “soul calluses” as a protective mechanism and the journey to regaining emotional sensation.The unexpected path to finding a calling in pediatric palliative care and how it can contribute to personal healing.Inspiring stories of families navigating grief and finding moments of joy and connection amidst unimaginable loss.The importance of expressing feelings and not leaving things unsaid to those you care about.The transformative power of vulnerability and sharing personal stories for collective healing.The redemptive aspect of pain and how past experiences can inform and enhance one's ability to help others.The significance of supporting pediatric palliative care and initiatives for preventing childhood sexual abuse.The ongoing nature of healing and finding meaning in difficult experiences.The wisdom of “bringing forth what is within you” as a path to salvation and preventing self-destruction.WATCH ON YOUTUBE: The Quiet Miracles of Pediatric Palliative Care: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34yFATSoY8k&list=PL7judgDzhkAWmfyB5r5WgFD6ahombBvohDon't miss Dr. Macaulay's Because I Knew You. Grab one here: https://bookshop.org/a/93249/9781594981517
Earlier this year, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde delivered a sermon that drew national attention as President Donald Trump returned to the White House. She spoke about unity, how people of faith respond in uncertain times, and she directly asked Trump to have mercy on immigrants, transgender children and people fleeing war zones. Her sermon — at that moment and in that setting — sparked conversations about how people decide what to stand for and how they respond when those choices are difficult. Those questions are at the heart of her latest book, “We Can Be Brave,” an adaptation for young readers of her bestseller, ”How We Learn to Be Brave.”MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with Budde — and the theologian who helped adapt her book — about being brave in life's hardest moments and how they define courage in personal and public life. Guests:Mariann Edgar Budde is the first woman elected spiritual leader for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington which includes the Washington National Cathedral, other congregations and Episcopal schools in the District of Columbia and four Maryland counties. Previously, Bishop Budde was a parish priest at St. John's Episcopal Church in Minneapolis for 18 years. She is the author of “How We Learn to Be Brave” and the adaption for young readers, “We Can Be Brave: How We Learn to be Brave in Life's Decisive Moments.”Bryan Bliss is a writer, priest and theologian. He is chaplain and chair of the religion department at Breck School, a private school in Golden Valley, Minn. He helped adapt Bishop Budde's book for young readers and he is the author of “We'll Fly Away,” a novel based on his experience witnessing an execution as a member of the press.
Send us a textWhat if the kingdom of God becomes visible not in our theories but in our steps? Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theology reframes discipleship as embodied obedience—showing up in prisons, sharing real mutuality, and trading religious privilege for humble responsibility. In this episode, Bishop Wright has a conversation with The Rev. Dr. Jenny M. McBride, Associate Rector of All Saints' Atlanta and president of the International Bonhoeffer Society. Jenny shares how reading Bonhoeffer at an urban house of hospitality opened a door from evangelical ideas to lived formation. That path led her into prison classrooms where fashion small talk mingled with raw theological questions, and where “helping” gave way to being helped. They discuss Luke 10's sentness, why belief grows when we go where Jesus intends to go, and how visiting the incarcerated unmasks our craving for superiority. Responsibility becomes the antidote to Christian nationalism's power hunger, and repentance becomes a daily practice that forms courage and tenderness. Listen in for the full conversation.The Rev. Dr. Jennifer M. McBride (Ph.D. University of Virginia) is Associate Rector at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Atlanta. Previously she served as an Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago and held the Board of Regents Endowed Chair in Ethics at Wartburg College in Iowa. After a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Religious Practices and Practical Theology at Emory University, McBride directed a theology certificate program for incarcerated women through Emory's Candler School of Theology.McBride is author of You Shall Not Condemn: A Story of Faith and Advocacy on Death Row (Cascade, 2022), Radical Discipleship: A Liturgical Politics of the Gospel (Fortress, 2017), The Church for the World: A Theology of Public Witness (Oxford University Press, 2011), and is co-editor of Bonhoeffer and King: Their Legacies and Import for Christian Social Thought. In addition to book chapters and scholarly articles, her work has appeared in popular publications like The Christian Century and CNN.com and has been featured in the New York Times.McBride is the recent past president of the International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language Section, an organization made up of scholars, religious leaders, and readers of German pastor-theologian and Nazi-resister, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. She serves as co-editor of the T&T Clark book series, New Studies in Bonhoeffer's Theology and Ethics.She is married to Dr. Thomas Fabisiak, who is the co-executive director of the Georgia Coalition for Higher Ed in Prison and Associate Dean at Life University, where he runs a college degree program for women in Georgia prisons. Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.
What's it like being a nun in 2025? Sister Monica Clare joins us to explain her path to the Community of St. John Baptist and why she is sharing her story on TikTok and in a new memoir. Plus, scholars Ana Garriga and Carmen Urbita explore the lessons about friendship, money, work, and more that we can learn from Sixteenth-century nuns in their podcast and their new book. They join us to explain that "anything you are going through right now has probably already happened to a nun living several hundred years ago.” GUESTS: Sister Monica Clare: Sister superior at the Community of St. John Baptist, an Episcopal convent based in New Jersey. She is also a spiritual counselor specializing in religious trauma, mental illness, and addiction. She is the author of A Change of Habit: Leaving Behind My Husband, Career, and Everything I Owned to Become a Nun Ana Garriga: Co-host of the 'Las Hijas de Felipe' podcast, and co-author of Convent Wisdom: How Sixteenth-Century Nuns Could Save Your Twenty-First Century Life. Ana received her PhD from Brown University in 2024 Carmen Urbita: Co-host of the 'Las Hijas de Felipe' podcast, and co-author of Convent Wisdom: How Sixteenth-Century Nuns Could Save Your Twenty-First Century Life. Carmen will be receiving her PhD from Brown University later this year MUSIC FEATURED (in order): Organ Symphony No 5 in F Minor Op. 42, No. 1 (V. Toccata) – Joseph Nolan, Charles-Marie Widor Dominique – Soeur Sourire (The Singing Nun) Calling All Angels – k.d. lang (ft. Jane Siberry) Maria – Sound of Music Let the Mystery Be – Iris DeMent Song of Bernadette – Jennifer Warnes Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textBishop Wright's sermon "An Uncommon Success" given at the 119th Annual Council of the Diocese of Atlanta.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.
A Catholic school in Pennsylvania put the words "Arbeit Macht Frei"—the infamous phrase from the Auschwitz gate—on the back of its Halloween float. Frank and Dan try to understand how something this shocking made it through so many adults without anyone realizing what it meant, and what it says about religious education and historical ignorance. Also this week: a "family values" lawmaker caught up in the Ashley Madison data leak, ICE detains an Episcopal priest who's legally in the U.S., and the Pope shuts down the "Mary as co-redemptrix" movement. Plus, Bangladesh clerics push to ban music in schools, and churches fail a TikTok test on helping hungry families. Finally, the guys talk about the outrage over New York City's new Muslim mayor, why so many people equate "Muslim" with "terrorist," and what that says about the fear that still drives American religion.