Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim is a writer, theologian, and professor at Earlham School of Religion. This episode discusses her forthcoming book Earthbound: God at the Intersection of Climate and Justice. She shares her experience of participating in the World Council of Churches and ecumenical conversations on the environment and climate justice for many years. She was in Assisi, Italy when Pope Leo XIV was elected. Her group went to Rome and witnessed the pope’s first speech from the balcony of St. Peter Basilica. She shares her excitement about the new pope and hopes that Pope Leo will be involved in environmental issues, as Pope Francis was. Dr. Kim also describes the journey of writing her book Invisible, which discusses the invisibility of anti-Asian racism because Asians are not black, and their concerns are often overlooked. She presents a theology of visibility in the final chapter of her book.
Dr. Grace Kim's book Earthbound
Dr. Grace Kim's Madang Podcast
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32:49
Queer Biblical Interpretation and the Metropolitan Community Church
Dr. Mona West, a leading queer biblical scholar and Metropolitan Community Church pastor, discusses how the Trump administration policies seek to drive a wedge in the LGBTQI+ community. Citing from the work of Judith Butler, she cautions that the LGBTQI+ community must learn to listen to and stand in solidarity with one another. She recalls the beginnings of queer biblical scholarship and her coedited volumes, Take Back the Word and The Queer Bible Commentary. As a senior pastor and leader in the MCC for many years, she recalls how MCC contributes to theological education and becomes a home for LGBTQI+ Christians. She discusses issues MCC wrestles with in terms of sexism, racism, and the wider acceptance of queer people in church and society. She encourages younger LGBTQI+ people to respond to the call to ministry, saying that we live in a time of change and need courageous people who can make a difference.
Dr. Mona West's book, The Queer Bible Commentary
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Stop AAPI Hate and Asian American Churches
Dr. Russell Jeung, a professor of Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University, was a co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, which documents anti-Asian racist incidences during COVID-19 and beyond. In this episode, he discusses what prompted him to start Stop AAPI Hate. He combines his scholarship on Asian American studies with his long-time activism on behalf of the Asian American community. He shares his experience studying Asian ethnic and multiracial churches and how he grew up in a fundamentalist Chinese church. He wants to witness to Jesus, who was an immigrant, an incarcerated, and who cares for those at the margins. His work for Stop AAPI Hate prompts him to stand up in solidarity with other racial and ethnic groups who face deportation and discrimination. His book At Home in Exile documents how living in a poor refugee neighborhood in Oakland, California, helps him understand God’s grace and forgiveness.
Russell Jeung’s At Home in Exile
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Fighting for Justice as a Defense Lawyer and Seminary Professor
Dr. Teresa L. Smallwood is a public theologian and Academic Dean at United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia. She discusses her book Public Theology and Violent Rhetoric Examined in a Queer Womanist Critical Ethnography. Before studying theology, Dr. Smallwood was a criminal defense lawyer for over two decades. She shares her reflections on the pushback against affirmative action and DEI programs, as well as the "No Kings" protest. As a veteran scholar and activist, she offers advice to young people who want to fight for social equality and human dignity.
Dr. Teresa Smallwood's book
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How to Start a Podcast
Dr. Kwok Pui Lan started her podcast Kwok ‘n’ Roll in February 2025 and produced 20 episodes. She teams up with SueAnn Shiah, a Taiwanese American songwriter, podcast producer, and filmmaker, to discuss what to consider if you want to start a podcast. They discuss the content and structure of the podcast, the editing and technical aspects, and distribution and promotion. No, you don’t need fancy equipment to start. You can begin with your cellphone and what you have! SueAnn Shiah is available for consultation, and you can reach her at her website.
SueAnn Shiah’s website
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Website www.kwokpuilan.com
What does it mean to be a Christian and a person of faith in today’s challenging world? How can we have meaningful dialogue across racial, cultural, religious, and political differences to address the urgent needs of our time? Join Kwok Pui Lan, a pioneering postcolonial theologian, in her conversation with leading intellectuals, courageous religious leaders, fearless activists, and inspiring artists and roll along.
New Zealand