All Presbyterians know that the best way to connect with your community is through a shared meal. At Rhodes College, a Presbyterian-affiliated college in Memphis, TN, the Office of the Chaplain is providing community members with the chance to share interfaith dialogue about democracy over lunch. “Food, Faith, and Free Elections” is a series of lunches designed to foster discussion among people of diverse faiths. Each week brings a Presbyterian Church (USA) leader in conversation with a leader of a different religious tradition to talk about how their faith leads them to value democracy. This lunch series is funded by the Presbyterian Mission Agency, and hosted by Rhodes College Chaplain, Rev. Beatrix Weil, who was named 2024 Chaplain of the Year by the Association for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Life in Higher Education.
More
Right before his death in the gospel of John, Jesus offers the longest prayer we have in his words. Jesus prays for his disciples--his friends who served in his lifetime--and, I have to believe, he prays for us. Jesus’ final prayer: it holds fantastic insight into the mind of Christ. In the most important hour, we know the greatest concerns of his heart. And, what are Jesus’ greatest concerns? The prayer rambles a bit; it’s full of emotion.
More
Mike Parson, the governor of Missouri has never granted clemency in a death penalty case- even amidst millions of signatures, op eds, and local and national pleas for him to save the life of an innocent man on death row, Marcellus Khaliifah Williams. But despite his self-proclaimed pro-life position, Gov. Parsons failed to act, and Williams was executed on September 24, 2024. The execution was a disappointment to many given no DNA evidence linked Williams to the crime and the prosecution’s original case against Mr. Williams was based solely on the uncredible and unreliable testimony of two incentivized witnesses. The case was so flawed that the current District Attorney, many of the original jurors, and the victims’ families all spoke out against the execution.
More
I move toward conflict; I don’t flee. My penchant for steadfastness in conflict can’t even be brushed aside as naive, try as some might, because I’m just too old and seasoned for someone to say otherwise. I speak at local Board of Education meetings in support of protections and rights for trans students. I am in the process of closing a dying church on behalf of my Presbytery. I address misconduct. I am a fiercely empathetic pastor, even when my personal reserves are low. I am a loyal friend. I raise good, stand-up-for-others kids. And, when I was in the PC(USA) ordination process, I told the truth. In my home Presbytery, seeking to move from the ‘inquiry’ to the ‘candidate’ stage, I told the truth in the essay questions that the Committee on Preparation for Ministry (
More
Unbound Social