Justice Rising Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center

Cecilia has an impactful discussion with Angela Howard-McParland, the Justice Resource Manager for Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The sisters are part of Nuns Against Gun Violence, a coalition of Catholic Sisters and their allies that affirms the value of human life through prayer, education, and advocacy for common sense - evidence-based - gun violence prevention. Angela talks about the sisters’ ability to bring a unique perspective to justice issues, and how their work on the ground in communities has fueled a passion for advocacy and fighting for structural change.

Continuing the topic of homelessness and housing security, Cecilia has an energized and uplifting conversation with Rev. Kristin Joyner, Pastor of Community Engagement at Bothell United Methodist Church in Bothell, WA. Kristin shares the story of how her congregation's roots in community transformation have taken their organizing efforts on the issue of housing and homelessness to new heights and explains why she believes people of faith need to ensure their voices are being heard when decisions are being made about our communities. She closes us out by casting a vision of a community in which every person answers the call to move beyond individual comfort to make real sustainable change.  

Cecilia interviews Angel Mortel, Lead Community Organizer with LA Voice, about her journey into community organizing. Angel shares her recent experience organizing within the PICO CA Home is Sacred campaign, which ensures that all people have a dignified place to call home. Reflecting on her many years of service in the field of faith-inspired justice work, Angel illuminates how organizing has become her spiritual practice of planting seeds for God’s new creation. Tune in as we learn from her about the importance of making long-term commitments to achieve changes in our local communities and world! 

In this episode, Cecilia delves into environmental justice with guest Rev. AC Churchill. AC is an ordained minister within the Christian tradition who views the work of environmental justice to be intrinsically connected to anti-racism and pro-reconciliation work. Throughout the conversation, AC emphasizes the interconnectivity between all social justice issues, and the important work of helping motivate people of faith into social justice action. Their joy and passion for organizing as a pathway to repair and restore relationship is something that we can aspire to embody.

Cecilia interviews Julian Matthews, who is a Board Member and Coordinator for Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment, an organization that carries on time-honored sustainable environmental practices in the tradition of the Nimiipuu by facilitating and organizing tribal youth and adults in activities for the protection, enhancement, and promotion of mother earth and the Nimiipuu culture. Julian shares about the current work being done around dam removal, protecting salmon, and teaching new generations of young people about native practices. This episode is a great reminder of why respect and restoration of indigenous practices is important not only for the preservation of culture but of mother earth. Please note, sensitive and strong language is used during this episode. 

Cecilia interviews Sr. Cheryl Liske, OP, who has spent over three decades organizing as part of the Gamliel National Network. As a Dominican Sister of Adrian Michigan, Sister Cheryl shares stories and insights from her many years of organizing, which all speak to the importance of taking the time to build and foster deep relationships. After this episode, you’ll certainly be inspired and motivated to work for justice and to build beloved community!