Shows
The Temple ForumHonoring a Legend: A Special Episode on the Life of Edith Renfrow SmithThis January, we said a heartbreaking goodbye to a giant of our community, Edith Renfrow Smith, who passed away at the age of 111. To honor her incredible legacy, the Temple Forum is releasing a very special conversation.
Last summer, shortly after Edith’s 111th birthday, we sat down with womanist sociologist Dr. Tamara Beauboeuf-Lafontant (“Dr. B”) to discuss Edith’s story—a narrative that spans the very arc of American history. While this recording was held for some time, we believe there is no better moment than now to share these insights into her life, her family’s "willful m...
2026-02-0620 min
The Temple ForumGenerosity That Builds the Church: Insights from the Midwest Methodist Foundation🎙️ New Temple Forum Podcast Episode! 🎙️
We’re excited to share our latest episode featuring Rev. Chris Walters, President & CEO of the Midwest Methodist Foundation, as we explore the connection between faith, generosity, and financial stewardship in today’s church.
Rev. Walters—an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church—leads a foundation that manages over $100 million in assets, supporting more than 120 local churches and nonprofits across the Midwest.
🌟 Special shout-out! During the interview, Rev. Walters warmly celebrates Lyn Ridgeway, a member of Chicago Temple, as an inspiring example of faithful generosity. We’re so proud to have Lyn in ou...
2025-06-0221 min
The Temple ForumFaith and Conflict: How Religion Shapes the War Between Russia and UkraineDr. John P. Burgess is the James Henry Snowden Professor of Systematic Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), he has served in various congregations and theological roles. His research focuses on Eastern Orthodoxy, particularly in Russia, and he has authored several books, including Holy Rus': The Rebirth of Orthodoxy in the New Russia. A respected scholar and teacher, Dr. Burgess continues to explore the intersection of theology, church, and culture.
Dr. John Burgess’s Temple Forum interview took place on the same day Ukrainian President Zelensky visited the Wh...
2025-03-0426 min