Podcasts

An interview with Simran Jeet Singh

As we ponder the horrors of the massacre of 49 Muslims in Christchurch, New Zealand, we have to reckon with the fact that home-grown hatred and extremism has gone global.  One of the great things about working with other faith groups is that we get to see how others view their mandate to fight hatred and extremism through the lens of their faith.

Simran Jeet Singh is one of today’s most influential Sikh thinkers.  Simran holds graduate degrees from Harvard University and Columbia University, and he is the author of “Covering Sikhs,” a guidebook to help journalists accurately report on the Sikh community.  Today we get to speak together about bias, advocating for each other, and the need for humility in a society where we feel that we have to know everything.

Important links:

• Simran’s website
• Simran’s Twitter

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

An interview with Miguel De La Torre

The quote goes like this: “The Death of Christianity within the United States has been a slow process, and it may very well be in its final throes.  So I say, let the dead bury their dead.” Professor and speaker Miguel De La Torre has a new book out, and this always-challenging author is critiquing a Christianity that he says has sold its soul to white nationalism.

His book is called, “Burying White Privilege,” and it’s as much as an invitation as it is a scathing critique.  It’s up-to-the-minute like reading today’s newspaper and ancient like reading Jeremiah or Amos. Get ready for a challenging and intense conversation.

Important links:

• Burying White Privilege on Amazon
• Miguel De La Torre website

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Aside from going to church every Sunday, which I’m sure you do, and eagerly participating in the liturgy and ceremonies of worship, what are some other rituals you participate in on a regular basis?  The author of “Human Rites,” spelled R-I-T-E-S, would like you to think about the rituals we live by, what they mean, and how they function in all aspects of life.

My guest today is Dru Johnson, a professor and author with a fascinating biography and a new book entitled, “Human Rites: the Power of Rituals, Habits, and Sacraments.”  His book comes out in February, but I was able to see an advance copy and have the conversation you’re about to hear. I found him to be an especially engaging guest who offers something new to this very old conversation.

Important links:

• Human Rites at Amazon.com
• Dru’s website

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Tomorrow is election day!  And many are saying that this is the most consequential election in modern history.

Today we’re once again hearing from our guest host, LaKesha Womack, as she interviews Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell, Founder of Grace and Race Ministries, and a former head of the Washington office for the National Council of Churches.  Brenda has devoted her life to the work of racial understanding, healing and reconciliation, and in the context of the issues we are wrestling with in this election, there may not be a better person to hear from today.

So if you’re standing in a long line waiting to vote, put your earbuds in and enjoy this conversation between LaKesha Womack and Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell.  If you have already voted, pass this along to someone who has not. And if you haven’t planned on voting, get out there and exercise your civic duty.

Important links:

• Grace and Race Ministries

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Over the past few weeks we have been holding webinars, with mixed success, designed to help us learn better ways of getting out the vote.  Our host for these webinars, LaKesha Womack, has interviewed experts on state and local elections, the importance of the Supreme Court, and has hosted a town hall at our Christian Unity Gathering.  Due to some technical problems encountered along the way, we’ve shifted gears and are having the last of these conversations here.

So this week, a treat for you: LaKesha is our guest host, and today she interviews Rev. Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, one of Washington’s most powerful faith leaders and the first female Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus.  And of course you already know LaKesha; she was a guest on this podcast just a few weeks ago. Get ready for an important conversation that you’ll want to share with others as we all get ready for election day, Tuesday, November 6th.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Awaken, confront, transform: that’s what we’re talking about when we say “ACT to End Racism.”  Awakening to racism means listening to the difficult truths and confronting the racism in ourselves and our institutions.

My guest this week is Rev. Dr. David Anderson Hooker.  David has spent most of his career transforming conflicts in some of the most difficult spaces on the planet.  He’s not only the guest of this podcast, but he’s also our keynote speaker for the Christian Unity Gathering, October 14-17.  David is full of practical ways for churches to be part of God’s transforming work. He’s also one of the more enthusiastic and inspiring guests I’ve had on this podcast.

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

What’s the most important thing you can do between now and November 6th?  

My guest today is LaKesha Womack, founder of the Womack Consulting Group, and leader of a series of webinars hosted by the National Council of Churches this fall.  What’s the most important thing you can do between now and November 6th? You can make sure you’re registered to vote, get educated, join with others to make sure your congregation is educated, and most of all, VOTE.  Oh, and you should join the webinars LaKesha is leading.

Important links:

• Womack Consulting Group
• LaKesha’s books on Amazon
• Webinar series

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

An interview with Rev. Annette Flynn

In late July we heard from Phil Woodson, a pastor in Charlottesville, Virginia, who alerted us of a major action there on August 12.  Today Charlottesville has become synonymous with the violence that erupted there as counter-protesters clashed with the “Unite the Right” rally.  

My guest today is a long-time friend who attended because she believed she was called to be there.  There are many people we could have on this podcast to speak about their experience in Charlottesville, but Rev. Annette Flynn is noteworthy because she is one of a handful of clergy across the United States that simply answered a call to be there.  Her story is one of simple, clear, passionate faith, and I hope it inspires you today. It sure does inspire me.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS