Shows
Let's Talk: Faith & JusticeAn Introduction to Sarah Adegbite, BFJN's Summer Intern!In this special podcast episode we get an introduction to our amazing summer intern, Sarah Adegbite, a a master of theological studies candidate at Harvard Divinity School. In this conversation Sarah and Elizabeth delve into the intricate relationship between Decolonial Christianity and slavery, with Sarah sharing her academic insights on how Christian theology both justified and, surprisingly, offered liberation to enslaved people, while highlighting the challenges of documenting these histories through biased archives. She also discusses the vital work of churches acknowledging their historical complicity in slavery, a necessary step for healing and understanding. The conversation then moves to...2025-06-2519 minLet's Talk: Faith & Justice"What is ours to do?": A Conversation with Our Hosts, Elizabeth & IvyIn this episode of "Let's Talk Faith and Justice," hosts Elizabeth and Ivy delve into the challenging task of navigating current world events through the lens of faith, emphasizing the grace of taking each moment as it comes. Ivy shares how the comforting words of Proverbs 3:5-6, especially in "The Message" translation, have offered solace and grounding by lovingly guiding her to trust in God and lean not on her own understanding, acknowledging Him not just in her actions but also in her thoughts and mindset. The discussion highlights the vital role of community, exemplified by their "Lament, Learn...2025-06-1118 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeA Conversation with Our Friend Carrie, of Friends of Boston's HomelessFrom an English degree at Holy Cross to foreign exchange trading and even culinary arts in Paris, Carrie Coughlin's varied career ultimately led her to her true calling: nonprofit work. Now the Executive Director of Friends of Boston's Homeless, Carrie discusses the organization's mission, and wide array of programming and services, Carrie also discusses how listeners can engage with their community. A key part of the conversation centers on providing a deeper understanding of what unhoused individuals face, defining terms such as "wraparound services" and the severe impact of federal funding cuts on "Friends," which has resulted in a surge of requests from families and a pressing need for more resources, like beds for children. Car...2025-05-2839 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeLiving By God's Character, Teachings and Mission: A Conversation with Our Friend BrandyTune in to this special podcast episode with Brandy Brooks, a new friend of Ivy's through our "When We Walk By" book group, but a longtime friend of BFJN! In this discussion Brandy and Ivy discuss their faith journeys, what brought them to BFJN, the importance of aligning one's actions with God's teachings, and the need for Christians today to live out their faith authentically. They explored the disconnect between Christian values and actions, emphasizing the importance of repentance, community building, and understanding God's nature through His word, making reference to various passages throughout both the Old and New...2025-05-1454 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeValuing What He Values: A Conversation with Jennifer Frye of WARMTune in to this podcast episode with special guest Jennifer Frye, Executive Director of WARM (Welcoming Refugee Alliance Ministry). shared her life story, highlighting her early experiences with God and how they shaped her sensitivity to the marginalized and underprivileged. She discussed her decision to become a nurse, her desire to use her skills to help those with limited access to medical care, and her realization of never having read the Bible cover-to-cover. This led her to take a class called Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, which inspired her to form the nonprofit, WARM, who seeks to see...2025-04-3035 minLet's Talk: Faith & Justice"When We Walk By" Book Club Reflection with Our HostsJoin Elizabeth and Ivy for a time of reflection after finishing BFJN's book club reading of "When We Walk By: Forgotten Humanity, Broken Systems, and the Role We Can Each Play in Ending Homelessness in America". This book, written by Kevin F. Adler and Donald W. Burnes recasts chronic homelessness as a byproduct of twin crises: the failure of both our social services systems and our humanity. The book also uses social analyses, economic and political histories, and the real stories of our unhoused neighbors to demonstrate what we stand to gain when we embrace our humanity...2025-04-0923 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeA Conversation to Challenge and Inspire with Cristina RathboneIn this episode, we talk with Cristina Rathbone. Cristina, author and congregational coordinator at the Mass Council of Churches, recounts her transformative time at the US-Mexico border. Her book, “The Asylum Seekers: A Chronicle of Life, Death, and Community at the Border”, born from these experiences, invites us to reconsider what our faith has to say about injustice and see the humanity in those we might be inclined to “other”. We also discuss her new role at the Mass Council of Churches, where she's bridging the gap between faith communities and vital support for refugees and migrants. A conversation that cha...2025-03-2639 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeBFJN's Vision for 2025!Tune into this episode for a casual conversation between the Let's Talk Faith & Justice Podcast hosts, Elizabeth and Ivy, to hear about some exciting new updates and a high level overview of what God has in store for 2025!2025-03-1021 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeSecurity is Fundamental to FunctioningWe are kicking off Season 3 of the Let’s Talk Faith & Justice Podcast with special guest Aimee Mitchell, the CEO of Places to Thrive, an organization focused on collaboration and leadership development with a particular emphasis on people experiencing displacement. Our conversation focused on her journey to her current role, her passion for helping people and how she has learned from and with vulnerable communities in some really hard situations. Aimee has an unshakeable belief in what people can do in community and her current project - HomeShare is an innovative program launching soon to serve families in MA ex...2025-02-0533 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeFueling Inclusion, Voice, & Opportunity for AllFran Graveson is the Migrant Project Coordinator for the Worcester Area Mission Society (WAMS), an organization that helps churches engage with immigrant neighbors through direct helping opportunities (food collections, diaper donations, etc.), advocacy and education. WAMS works with existing organizations - connecting congregants with their work, so that they can participate in the ways they are equipped and called.Our immigration system is a complicated one and as people navigate it there are many opportunities to come alongside and work to dismantle biases. Tune into this special episode to hear more!2024-11-2032 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeA Faith Journey - Justice & GenerosityTune in to this episode with our guest, Christa Lee-Chuvala! Christa reflects upon her faith and vocational journey, and the theme that she recognizes - being troubled by economic injustice in the United States and across the globe. Sharing also how she views intentionality and connectedness as integral components to how she generously gives and engages with justice issues. Additionally, Christa shares a little about B corps and how to support good business while also journeying toward more simple living.2024-11-0633 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeReparations and Remaking AmericaPolicies are a symptom of the deeper illness within the US. We need to learn from our history - at every pivot point we could have made better choices as a nation, but we didn’t. This means we could choose rightly now. The future can be different! Tune into this podcast episode with guest, Joel Edward Goza, author of Rebirth of a Nation: Reparations and Remaking America!2024-11-0652 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeA Conversation with Our Friend & BFJN Board Member KyleTune into this special podcast episode with Kyle who shares about his work at the intersection of faith and technology, his upbringing and identity. Growing up Kyle felt he was offered a clear pathway for what it looked like to be a Christian involved in politics (i.e. it meant you were a Republican) - there were specific convictions and policies to adhere to. Kyle questioned this packaged identity after a while - seeing the bias in the criminal justice system helped open his eyes to the other ways of seeing things. Mis and dis information are huge challenges...2024-10-2333 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeStepping Out In Faith: A Conversation with Our Friend VickyTune into this episode with our friend Vicky, who joined us for the Following Jesus in a Warming World book club in the fall of 2023! In this encouraging conversation Vicky talks about her faith journey, what brought her to our book group and how she adapted the materials another book group member provided in addition to what she learned with us to create her own Green Lent curriculum. Vicky stepped out in faith to run her own group and the Lord really blessed her and those she ministered to. Additionally, Elizabeth and Vicky talk about how to cultivate a...2024-09-2539 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeBuilding Community Across Racial & Cultural Lines: A Conversation with Megan Lietz of RCCIImagine Christians continuing Christ's redemptive work by collaborating across racial lines to foster shalom between individuals, communities, and systems damaged by racism. The Race & Christian Community Initiative (RCCI), directed by Megan Lietz, works toward this vision by equipping Christians in Greater Boston to engage issues of race in ways that honor the image of God in all people and nurture the righteousness and justice Jesus desires for our communities.Tune into this episode to hear more about the work of RCCI and Megan’s journey that brought her to form RCCI.Check out the links be...2024-09-1128 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeA Conversation with Our Hosts - Elizabeth & IvyWe are halfway through Season 2 of the Let's Talk Faith & Justice Podcast! Can you believe it? Tune in to this episode, a casual conversation with hosts Elizabeth and Ivy to hear about all the recent BFJN happenings and future plans, both personally and professionally! Our hosts will be taking a brief hiatus from podcasting (more explanation included in this episode) during the summer months, but look forward to all God has in store for the fall. 2024-06-2619 minLet's Talk: Faith & Justice"I’ve been waiting for my church to ask something more of me."Tune in to this podcast episode with Kristen Filipic, who was around almost from the start of BFJN! Kristen shares some memories of those early days and conversations that still resonate with her. As a Companion with the Society of Companions of the Holy Cross, she shares their history and mission, noting that the Boston chapter started around 1890! Kristen's values of: intercessory prayer, thanksgiving, social justice and simple living help to frame the conversation. Tune in today!2024-06-1230 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeLearning and Re-learning: Christian SimplicityChristianity has a rich history and learning, practice and leading around living simply. Why is this not a more prominent part of most of our church experience?Tune in to this podcast episode with Regina Walton and host, Elizabeth Grady-Harper, as they discuss the barriers to living simply and the ways we can sustain lifestyle changes that align us more fully with Christian teachings on simplicity.Book Recommendations & Other Resources:Your Money or Your Life by Joseph R. Dominguez and Vicki RobinLiving More with Less by Doris Janzen LongacreThe Day the World Stopped Shopping...2024-05-3153 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeRestoration vs. Retribution: A Conversation with Our Friend MakoTune in to this episode with our longtime friend Nagasawa, our first return guest and one of the authors of our Lazarus at the Gate curriculum. Mako shares one of the major themes of his life - Christian restorative justice; while also exploring the true reasoning of Jesus’ death by reflecting upon Romans 6:1-13. Additionally, Mako about his faith and Christian worldview given the impact of his culture and personality type. Restorative justice he says is not only relevant to the criminal justice system, but also to ecology and the environment, economic and financial relationships. Stick around to the en...2024-05-2330 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeBeing Encouraged in Community: A Conversation with Our Friend EstelaTune in to this episode for a casual conversation with Estela, a dear friend and participant of BFJN programming. Estela shares about her faith journey and experiences coming to the United States as a young child, and how her faith has grown in the Church. Engaging with Micah programs and BFJN Book Clubs over the years is also a highlight of this episode! Listen in today. 2024-05-0120 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeHumans Should Have What They NeedTune into this podcast episode with special guest, Ari Barbanell, Executive Director of Circle of Hope - an organization that provides basic neccessities to those experiencing/or in danger of experiencing homelessness in the Metrowest and Greater Boston area. Ari is the co-founder of Winter Walk and was there until last year (2016-2023). In this episode, she talks about the connection with the work she has done previously in theater and how both of these fields allow her to gather people together to care about a specific something. Stay tuned in to the end, to hear all the opportunities...2024-04-1740 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeThe Intersectionality of Healthcare and PovertyPoverty can have indirect implications for health. Race-based economic disadvantages can influence other social determinants as the intersection with poverty can further limit housing, educational, and employment opportunities, and these have also been linked to worse health outcomes (National Institutes of Health).
Brenda Tsuchiya is the Medical Director of Primary Care at Family Health Center in Worcester. In this podcast episode Brenda shares about her journey to her current position, the challenges the patients at the health center serves and how poverty makes it all harder. In this time we learned more about why community health centers a...2024-04-0345 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeAn Interview with Jenn Peterson of International Justice Mission (IJM)"Violence is an everyday threat to people in poverty."
Jenn Petersen serves as Director of Church Mobilization in the Northeast for International Justice Mission (IJM), coming alongside churches as they seek to partner with God’s heart for biblical justice and join Him in the renewal of all things. Jenn has over 20 years of pastoral ministry experience, serving in the areas of preaching and teaching, worship, missions, children’s ministry, and church planting. This podcast episode is a call to Christians to answer the call to serve. Tune in today to hear encouraging stories from Jenn of what...2024-03-2231 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeA Conversation with the Author, Kevin Nye of "Grace Can Lead Us Home"A home is more than just 4 walls and a roof.
Tune into this special podcast episode with Kevin Nye, author of "Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness". We learned so much by reading this book with our BFJN community last year and are so thankful to share this conversation with Kevin far and wide. We, as a culture, sometimes want to see homelessness as a personal failure ignoring the need to acknowledge the systems that are at work. In this conversation we discuss what "housing first" means and why it works, as w...2024-03-0652 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeA Chaplain's Story: Sara MitchellSara Mitchell is a Community Chaplain with a focus on the South End and those who spend time in the Mass Ave and Melnea Cass Blvd area. What is a chaplain you might ask? An individual who ministers to the spiritual, practical and social needs of the community they serve. Sara shares her story in chaplaincy and journey doing ministry in the city for over 40 years. Through this episode Sara emphasizes that "Mass & Cass is people, not a place" and shares many ways people can engage with communities experiencing housing insecurity.2024-02-2347 minLet's Talk: Faith & Justice"The answer is always in the room when we have a spirit of love and collaboration!"Tune in to this special podcast episode with Reverend June Cooper, who currently serves as the Theologian in the City at Old South Church in Copley Square, and is one of the founding members of Faith Leaders for Housing Justice (FL4HJ) which is a new collaborative partner of the Boston Faith & Justice Network. Rev. Cooper was formerly the Director of City Mission Boston, the second oldest not-for-profit organization in the county and was the first Executive Director of Boston Healthy Start a multi-million-dollar federal initiative that was credited with reducing Boston’s infant mortality rate in the 90’s. Rev...2024-01-2435 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeHappy New Year!Happy New Year friends! We are so thankful for all of the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon Boston Faith & Justice Network in 2023, and look forward to what He has in store for us in 2024! Tune into this episode to hear about Elizabeth, Ivy and Andrew's new year resolutions, or "radical resolutions" as Ivy likes to call them, their goals for the year and how they are expecting God to use them in the ministry!2024-01-1016 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeA Conversation with Pastor George Cladis of HighRock Church MetroWestTune into this episode where Elizabeth Grady-Harper has the fortunate opportunity to connect with Pastor George Cladis of High Rock Church’s MetroWest campus. Pastor George has experience at a variety of churches in MA and beyond and talks candidly about his journey as a Christ follower and Pastor. Additionally, Pastor George gets into some specifics of the interesting communities and projects he has been a part of. This is an episode you do not want to miss!2023-12-2027 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeClimate Action = Christian Discipleship | A Conversation with Kyle Meyaard-SchaapJoin us for this very special podcast episode featuring Kyle Meyaard-Schaap, author of "Following Jesus in a Warming World: A Christian Call to Climate Action" which BFJN read in community during the month of October. As Kyle states plainly, climate change is real, it's us, it's bad, experts agree, however there is hope! Tune in to hear about Kyle's journey, his passion, expertise and what he is up to currently.
“This is a long road. This is hard work… but one of the gifts of doing this work in the church and in community is that when I can’...2023-11-2245 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeA Faith That Does JusticeTune in to this episode featuring Peter Gyves, a Jesuit priest, founder and director of A Faith That Does Justice, Inc. Peter shares about his journey serving in El Salvador as a pediatrician, and how seeing their suffering drove him to faith. Also in this episode, Peter shares about his passion for Boston, understanding the needs of Spanish-speaking communities, helping to create mobility and opportunity. Tune in today and learn some practical ways that you can engage with A Faith That Does Justice!2023-11-0839 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeChristian Climate Activism: A Story and Continuous CallTune in to this special episode as Elizabeth has the fortunate opportunity to fellowship with Gary VanderPol, a longtime friend and supporter of BFJN. Having been a former board chair of BFJN many years ago, Gary was very thankful to be able to join BFJN's Fall 2023 Book Club which just wrapped up last week. Gary will share in this episode about his servant leadership as senior pastor of Church without Walls in Berkeley, California, experience in ministry, and passion to responding to God's call of justice - especially as it pertains to global warming and climate action.2023-10-2634 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeSeeking Unity for God’s Church & Fostering Ecclesial ImaginationTune into this episode featuring Kelly Fassett, Executive Director for UniteBoston since 2012. Kelly has been the catalyst for UniteBoston’s bridge-building work throughout Christians in the region. Kelly considers it a joy to understand how God is working corporately throughout the city, to see the function and purpose of each part of the body of Christ coming together as one. She has a certificate in Christian Foundations from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She also graduated with her Masters of Divinity in Global and Community Engagement at Boston University in 2019, with certificates in Religion and Conflict Transformation as well as International Mi...2023-09-2033 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeEducation MattersAs the summer nears an end and children around the world return to the classroom, what better time than to talk about education! Tune into this episode as our co-host Ivy has the opportunity to interview her husband Jonathan Long. Jonathan talks about his journey in the field of education, his passion, and how his faith informs the work that he does. In this episode we also touch upon the “school-to-prison pipeline”, culturally responsive practices and the importance of social emotional learning. 2023-09-0628 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeLiving Without WasteIn this episode, Maeve interviewed Sabrina Auclair, the owner of Unpacked Living located in Danvers and Beverly, MA. They discussed the problem with plastic, the zero waste movement, and how to live more sustainably in everyday life. To learn more about living without waste and to check out zero waste products, visit Sabrina's store either online at https://www.unpackedliving.com/ or in person at either of her locations. We hope that this episode will convict and encourage everyone to be conscious consumers and to work towards a life without waste. 2023-08-2341 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeClimate Change = An Existential ThreatTune into this episode as we discuss all things climate change with Reverend Vernon K. Walker, Program Director of CREW – Communities Responding to Extreme Weather. As an organization CREW equips community-based teams of volunteer leaders with the training, local and regional organizational structures, and technological support needed to build climate resilience. CREW teams engage in education, service, and planning to advance actionable, collaborative, and equitable solutions at the individual, community, and state levels. What an honor and privilege it was to collaborate with Vernon uplifting the importance of environmental justice and stewardship.2023-08-0937 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeClimate Change: Stewardship and ReconciliationIn this episode, we had the opportunity to listen and learn from Dr. Dorothy Boorse about the issue of climate change. Dr. Boorse is a professor of biology at Gordon College and is the lead author of “Loving the Least of These: Addressing a Changing Environment” among numerous other publications. Through an understanding of the environmental issues at hand and the obligations of Christians in response, Dr. Boorse encourages us to pursue stewardship and reconciliation in our collective action of caring for the earth.2023-07-2635 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeJasmine Grace Outreach - A Dedicated Team of SurvivorsTune in to this conversation with Jasmine and Anita of Jasmine Grace Outreach (JGO) beloved partners of BFJN's Micah 6:8 Service-Learning Program. An organization that helps individuals break free from drug addiction, sexual exploitation, and a hopeless way of life. A dedicated team of survivors and those in recovery who are available to help guide those who are ready and need help. JGO offers addiction support and exit strategies, recovery groups, mentoring and coaching, and many paths to help bring awareness to all. Bags Of Hope was founded by JGO as a way to reach out to vulnerable women in...2023-07-1235 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticePower in the People: Calling On Our VillageTune in to this episode with special guest Angelica Fontes of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence. A second-generation Cape Verdean American who grew up in Brockton, Angelica serves as a Community Organizer. She developed an interest in civic engagement during early adolescense, and has been driven by the pursuit of social justice and equity for BIPOC communities. Her work focuses on centering, supporting, and empowering community voices that have been doing the work and living in the realities for decades. Angelica states "trauma doesn't stop where the bullet hits", we need to build a village and operate...2023-06-2835 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeHomelessness: Stigmas, Stereotypes, and SolutionsTune in to this special interview and conversation with Amanda Grant-Rose, the Executive Director of Common Cathedral, a faith-based organization and outdoor church with programs and care for people experiencing homelessness as well as meaningful opportunities for housed and unhoused individuals to come together. Amanda is also a board member for the Winter Walk, and helps rally communities far and wide to walk together, in which BFJN has been so grateful to participate in over the years.2023-06-1439 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeConnecting Faith and Action with Rev. Bonnie J. GatchellJoin in on this conversation with Rev. Bonnie J. Gatchell of Route One Ministry, an organization that serves sexually exploited and trafficked women by entering strip clubs and building relationships. Also striving to equip the local church, and community leaders with the tools they need to understand trafficking, identify vulnerable people, and respond in the most healthy ways to those who have experienced sexual abuse.2023-05-3136 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeIf You Know Her, You're Going to Know ChristAs the Director of Religious & Spiritual Life, Denicia Ratley supports various faith communities on campus, oversees a team of Chaplains and the daily operations of the Glavin Family Chapel. With a pastoral heart and passion for justice, she is intentional about creating spaces for religious diversity and tolerance. In her spare time, Denicia enjoys reading historical and current research around mass incarceration and racial disparities within the Black community as well as helping women find confidence in themselves by deconstructing beauty standards and apprehensions around makeup and natural hair.
Tune in to this episode to hear more...2023-05-1736 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticePeaceful DwellingsIn this episode we have the priviledge to hear from one of BFJN's committed board members, Dira, and her housemate, Saranya. The two of them share authentic truths and wisdom as it pertains to the homebuying process for women of color in the Boston area. Both Dira and Saranya not only wanted to purchase a home, but believed strongly in being able intentional to provide quality and affordable housing and hospitality to others. Having a community, they share, is a primary resource and Peaceful Dwellings is how they carry forth their vision of peace and purpose.2023-05-0341 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeSustainability and Corporate ResponsibilityAs KPMG’s ESG Audit Leader, a mom of two, and an active member in many local communities, Maura Hodge is fortunate to live out her values daily throughout her professional and personal life. She is passionate about protecting the capital markets, particularly in providing reliable and timely information on companies’ sustainability and social initiatives. Tune into this episode to hear more about Maura's journey and how her faith informs the work she does.2023-04-1926 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeImpact Investing from a Social Justice PerspectiveAliana Pineiro, Impact Director of the Boston Impact Initiative (BII) shares with us how their nonprofit impact fund invests in entrepreneurs of color to help close the racial wealth divide. To emphasize the importance of their social justice mission, BII recently launched Fund II, a $20 million integrated capital fund with a focus on equity capital for entrepreneurs of color and community-owned or controlled real estate in Massachusetts and the Northeast. Tune in to this episode to hear more about Aliana, her values, and calling to this field!2023-04-0533 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeCRECHE: Living in Intentional CommunityIn this episode we have the fortunate opportunity to lift up the voices and mission of our network partners at CRECHE (the Charles River Episcopal Co-Housing Endeavor). An organization that creates and supports a network of mixed-income, inter-generational co-housing communities in partnership with The Episcopal Church. Tune in to hear more from Isaac and Sabrina on the how, the why, and the ways in which we can engage.2023-03-2236 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeA Conversation on Housing JusticeAn introductory conversation between Elizabeth, Ivy and BFJN's fabulous intern, Maeve on housing justice. Sharing how we've became aware of/interested in the issue, important things we have learned and seek to understand and resources we have benefitted from and recommend for others!2023-03-0822 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeAsh Wednesday: An Introduction to LentJoin us in a discussion about lent as Elizabeth and Ivy share their personal experiences and how it has shaped them in their walk with God. 2023-02-2218 minLet's Talk: Faith & JusticeIntro to Boston Faith & Justice NetworkWelcome to the Let's Talk: Faith and Justice Podcast! We are so excited to be launching this new initiative and welcome you to tune in as we share about the history of BFJN, how we got to where we are today and our vision for the future. 2023-02-1622 min