In this episode, in the light of the anti-war protests erupting across the diocese and across the country on college campuses, we dig in to what it means to speak of our faith in times of conflict. Bishop DeDe emphasizes the importance of speaking about faith in ways that promote understanding, respect, and healing, rather than further division. The conversation highlights the need to engage with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to justice, acknowledging the complexities of issues and the necessity of listening before speaking. The discussion encourages listeners to consider how they can speak about faith in ways that promote peace, dignity, and solidarity with all people, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.

Summary

In this episode, we speak of our faith by exploring the reality and concept of a calling of faith. We discuss how all of God's people - not just those who take holy orders - have a calling and bust some myths about the idea of a calling. Having a calling is not about "getting it right," but about being in a relationship with God and growing in faith. Calls are ever-evolving, so we talk about how we always need to be tuned in to the Spirit to see where we're being called next. We conclude with encouragement and a reminder to seek and live out your calling in your community.

Takeaways

• Everyone has a calling, regardless of whether they are ordained or not.
• A calling is not about choosing the right occupation, but about being in a relationship with God and growing in faith.
• Repentance and change are integral parts of the calling journey.
• Calling is a lifelong pursuit and evolves as we grow in our relationship with God.
• Living out our calling involves being a source of blessing to those around us.

CW: Mention of suicidal state
Summary
In this podcast episode, Bishop DeDe is joined by Kevin and Becky, transgender persons in our diocese, to discuss their experiences, especially as it relates to their church lives. Becky, a priest, shares her journey of transitioning and finding acceptance in her current church, while Kevin talks about the struggles he faced in a non-accepting denomination. They also discuss the impact of legislation on the transgender community, including bathroom laws and restrictions on medical care. The conversation highlights the importance of support and understanding from church communities and the need to respect the dignity of every person, as we've discussed several times on this podcast in the light of our baptismal covenant.

Takeaways

• The importance of acceptance and support from church communities for transgender individuals
• The impact of legislation on the transgender community, including bathroom laws and restrictions on medical care
• The need to respect the dignity of every person, regardless of their gender identity
• The role of allies in advocating for transgender rights and educating others