Simply Christian LIFE with Bishop Michael Hunn

Michael Buerkel Hunn
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  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Simply Christian LIFE podcast is for the spiritually curious - everyone seeking God or a deeper relationship with God. It’s about living simply, loving God, and loving our neighbors. It’s about deepening the roots and broadening the reach of our faith. It’s about spiritual practices like parenting, prayer, nonviolent communication, embracing diversity and permaculture gardening. Simply Christian LIFE is hosted by Michael Buerkel Hunn, who is the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande, which includes New Mexico and the far west part of Texas.

  1. FEB 14

    A Holy Lent : A Season of Prayer, Repentance, and Renewal

    A Holy Lent: Discipleship, Confession, and Prayer Book Practices A message to the Diocese of the Rio Grande introducing Lent as a season of wilderness that prepares Christians for Holy Week and Easter by recalling Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Drawing from the Ash Wednesday liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer, it explains Lent’s purposes: training disciples (including preparing converts for baptism), and restoring those estranged by sin through penitence, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The speaker invites viewers to observe a holy Lent through self-examination and repentance, prayer, fasting and self-denial, and reading and meditating on Scripture. Practical suggestions include joining the diocesan discernment program run by the Commission on Ministry for vocational discernment (lay or ordained), and reading resources such as Living the Sabbath (Norman Wirzba), Reconciliation: Preparing for Confession in the Episcopal Church (Martin Smith) with guidance on both general and private confession, Mary Earle’s introduction to the desert mothers, The Calling of the Laity (an anthology compiled by Verna Dozier) on lay vocation, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together. The script also discusses the 1904 fictional short story The Archbishop’s Test, which imagines the Church of England canceling programs to focus on fully living the prayer book through the Daily Office, weekly Eucharist, Evensong, and catechism teaching, arguing that deeper prayer renews the Holy Spirit’s energy for ministry. Viewers are encouraged to begin Morning and Evening Prayer (or Compline) using the Book of Common Prayer, online resources like Forward Movement, or an app, and to use Lent to deepen faith, confess sins, seek reconciliation, and cultivate silence and solitude. 00:00 Welcome + What Lent Is Really About (Wilderness & Preparation) 00:56 Ash Wednesday in the Book of Common Prayer: The Church’s Invitation to a Holy Lent 02:15 Why We Keep Lent: Discipleship Training, Penance, and Reconciliation 03:53 Practical Lenten Plan: Self-Examination, Prayer, Fasting & Scripture 04:23 Go Deeper in Vocation: Diocese of the Rio Grande Discernment Program 05:20 Lenten Reading Picks: Sabbath Rest, Confession, Desert Wisdom & Lay Ministry 09:33 Bonhoeffer for Lent: The Cost of Discipleship & Life Together 12:00 A Prayer Book Reset: ‘The Archbishop’s Test’ and Returning to the Daily Office 15:47 Final Invitation: Deepen Faith, Confess, Reconcile, and Enter the Wilderness

    16 min

  2. JAN 31

    Detention Centers: A Call for Morality and Reform

    Michael Hunn, Bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande for the Episcopal Church, addresses the moral implications of the current detention practices at the US-Mexico border. He highlights the struggles faced by detainees, including many who have no criminal record, and advocates for the closure of detention centers. The video includes a clip from Border Chaplain Reza, who speaks out against the criminalization of migrants and the inhumane conditions within detention centers. Bishop Hunn calls on all people, regardless of faith, to demand that the government reflect moral values and to resist the expansion of detention facilities. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose 00:48 Current Situation at the Border 02:33 Testimony from Reza 05:04 Moral and Ethical Implications 07:10 Call to Action

    8 min

  3. JAN 25

    Counting Lives : Integrity in a Time Like This

    In this episode, we delve into the profound poem 'The Pedagogy of Conflict' by Pádraig Ó Tuama, exploring themes of integrity, hypocrisy, and the sanctity of life. Drawing connections to current social and political unrest, we urge a return to core moral values and faith-based principles. Through self-examination, prayer, and community support, we emphasize the importance of acting with integrity and love, encouraging everyone to reflect on their actions and live by their deepest beliefs. This reflective piece calls for both personal and collective responsibility in pursuit of a just and compassionate society. 00:00 Reflecting on Pádraig Ó Tuama's Poem 01:03 Counting Lives and Recent Events 02:20 Exploring Hypocrisy and Integrity 04:21 A Call to Law Enforcement and Government Agents 06:40 Lessons from the Civil Rights Movement 07:56 Actions of Faith and Integrity 10:09 Concluding Thoughts on Love and Integrity   #CountingLives #Integrity #HumanDignity #PeopleOfFaith #FaithInPublicLife #CommonGood #Nonviolence

    11 min

  4. 11/11/2025

    Honoring Veterans: A Call to Responsible Deployment and Care Veterans: A Call to Responsible Deployment and Care

    Honoring Veterans: A Call to Responsible Deployment and Care   In this video, Bishop Michael Hunn reflects on the historical and constitutional foundations of the U.S. military, emphasizing the importance of responsible deployment and comprehensive care for veterans. It advocates for accountability in the use of armed forces and highlights the need to address physical, psychological, spiritual and moral wounds of those who serve. A prayer for Veterans Day from the Book of Common Prayer concludes the commemoration.   00:00 Introduction: The History of Conflict 00:24 The Role of the Military in American Freedom 00:56 Honoring Veterans: A Call for Responsibility 02:17 The Moral and Psychological Costs of Service 03:01 A National Obligation to Care for Veterans 03:26 Prayer for Veterans Day

    4 min

  5. 11/08/2025

    Life is Changed Not Ended, Bishop’s Address to Convention 2025

    Facing the Future with Faith In this Address to the Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of the Rio Grande, Bishop Michael Hunn address the pressing challenges facing the world and our communities today—from political division and economic fragility to environmental crises and immigration issues. Within this context, the Episcopal Church stands as a beacon of hope and unity. Bishop Michael emphasizes the crucial role of clergy in guiding us through these turbulent times, urging support for the church's future through phases of spiritual renewal, financial planning, and strategic resource management. Discover how we can ensure the continued presence and mission of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of the Rio Grande for generations to come. 00:00 Introduction and Current Challenges 00:30 Political and Social Unrest 03:07 Environmental Concerns and Stewardship 04:25 Role of the Episcopal Church 05:40 The Importance of Clergy 09:09 Phases of Diocesan Renewal 15:19 Facing Financial Realities 18:13 Strategic Changes for the Future 21:18 Conclusion and Call to Action

    23 min

  6. 10/04/2025

    A New Era: Bishop Sarah Mullally Chosen 106th Archbishop of Canterbury

    Historic Election: Bishop Sarah Mullally Becomes the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury Bishop Michael Burkel Hun of the Diocese of the Rio Grande in the Episcopal Church celebrates the election of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, marking the first time in over 14 centuries this role is held by a woman. Bishop Hun discusses the importance of the Anglican Communion's bonds through common prayer, affection, and the Eucharist, emphasizing the need for healing and unity rather than governance reforms. He highlights the significance of Mullally's leadership and the inherent unity given by Christ that binds the Communion together. 00:00 Introduction and Historic Election Announcement 00:51 Current Debates in the Anglican Communion 01:37 The True Nature of the Anglican Communion 02:42 Enduring Gifts of the Anglican Communion 04:02 The Role of Bonds of Affection 06:12 The Centrality of the Eucharist 08:14 Call for Unity and Moving Forward 08:51 Conclusion and Blessings

    10 min

  7. 10/03/2025

    Sacred Journeys: The Inspirational Story of The Rev’d Dr. Hilary Borbón Smith

    Diocese of the Rio Grande Weekly Update: Special Announcements & Rev. Dr. Hilary Smith's Inspiring Journey In this week's update for the last week of September 2025, the Bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande reminds clergy about the upcoming clergy conference and announces the ordination of Gary to the Sacred Order of Deacons. Preparations for the Diocesan Convention in November are also discussed, including a presentation by the Borderlands ministry team. The Bishop encourages laity to run for diocesan positions and emphasizes the collaborative leadership between clergy and laity. The video features an in-depth interview with Rev. Dr. Hilary Smith, the new vicar of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Gallup, New Mexico. Dr. Smith shares her spiritual journey, experiences as a parish priest, spiritual director, historian, and her initial reluctance towards Christianity. She discusses her epiphany in England, which led to her baptism and service in the Diocese of Virginia before joining the Diocese of the Rio Grande. 00:00 Weekly Update Introduction 00:17 Upcoming Clergy Conference 00:55 Diocesan Convention Preview 01:40 Call for Diocesan Office Candidates 02:29 Interview with Reverend Dr. Hilary Smith 03:19 Hilary's Journey to the Diocese 05:33 Spiritual Direction and Historical Background 07:57 A Mystical Experience in England 17:17 A Life-Changing Experience 17:43 The Journey of Faith Begins 18:29 Finding Community in Church 20:11 The Power of Religious Practices 25:18 The Importance of Church Attendance 28:32 Exploring Different Ways to Pray 29:41 A New Ministry Chapter

    30 min

  8. 10/03/2025

    Erika Kirk’s Example: Forgiveness, Faith and the Way of Jesus

    A Call to Forgiveness and Compassion in Troubling Times In this powerful address, Bishop Michael Hunn explores the extreme violence and hatred currently gripping the United States and the Diocese of the Rio Grande. The murder of Charlie Kirk and his widow Erica Kirk's public act of forgiveness serve as a profound example of living out Christian faith. This episode delves into the layered meaning of forgiveness, how it parallels salvation, and the ongoing struggle to practice love and compassion in a divided society. Through personal anecdotes, including interactions with ICE agents and asylum seekers, we learn about the importance of recognizing humanity in others. Join us in reflecting on the urgent need for prayer, understanding, and living out the gospel of Jesus Christ to combat hatred and violence. 00:00 Introduction: A Nation in Turmoil 00:39 A Shining Example of Forgiveness 01:39 The Ongoing Journey of Forgiveness 02:09 Salvation: A Continuous Process 03:17 Parallel Between Forgiveness and Salvation 04:50 Practicing Faith in Daily Life 05:10 Encounter at the Courthouse 06:36 Seeing Humanity in Everyone 09:08 Imagining a World of Peace 11:06 Call to Action: Embrace Understanding and Dignity 13:11 Conclusion: Keep the Faith

    14 min
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4.9
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About

The Simply Christian LIFE podcast is for the spiritually curious - everyone seeking God or a deeper relationship with God. It’s about living simply, loving God, and loving our neighbors. It’s about deepening the roots and broadening the reach of our faith. It’s about spiritual practices like parenting, prayer, nonviolent communication, embracing diversity and permaculture gardening. Simply Christian LIFE is hosted by Michael Buerkel Hunn, who is the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande, which includes New Mexico and the far west part of Texas.

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