Let's Talk: Faith & Justice

Elizabeth Grady-Harper & Ivy Long
  • 4.9 (7)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • SERIES

This platform is hosted by the Boston Faith & Justice Network with the intention to educate, resource and catalyze Christians to pursue justice, uplifting voices of our brothers and sisters to inspire and support living generously.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Proximity Humanizes, Distance Dehumanizes: A Conversation with Our Friend Sarah Blumenshine

    We are back with Season 4 of the Let's Talk: Faith & Justice Podcast! In this episode Elizabeth and Sarah Blumenshine, the director of Intercultural Ministries at Emanuel Gospel Center, discussed faith and justice, with Sarah sharing her background in teaching and work with immigrant communities. They explored how religious communities are responding to current political and social challenges, particularly regarding immigration, and discussed the importance of reducing distance and increasing proximity to better understand and support affected populations. The conversation concluded with discussions about immigration advocacy, reliable information sources such as Mira Coalition and the Immigrant Family Services Institute (ifsi-usa.org), and the role of faith in addressing social issues, with Sarah emphasizing the need for individuals to take action while acknowledging their limitations and relying on divine grace. “But remember that hope isn’t something we need to conjure on our own. It is a grace that God gives, allowing us to face evil and death, yet still believe that the life-affirming Spirit is always at work within and around us, bringing about good.We are the ones who must dare to believe that seeds of new possibilities, invisible to us now, have already been planted in the soil of our lives, and they are slowly taking root. New life will emerge from the ashes of what is lost. – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

    34 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Community & Courageous Living: A Conversation With Our Friend Rev. June Cooper

    In this episode, we sit down with Rev. June Cooper and Elizabeth for a powerful conversation about finding community and living a courageous and intentional life, even in challenging times. They explore how to build meaningful connections through consistent presence and service, drawing on June’s work in Roxbury and at Mass and Cass. Additionally discussing the challenge of staying informed without getting overwhelmed and the importance of "being" before "doing." Elizabeth and June also discuss learning how to cultivate inner peace and courage, navigating the challenges of social media, staying connected to their values amidst a screen-dominated world and prioritizing intentional living. Finally, they provide a fascinating look into an upcoming Civil Rights Pilgrimage, discussing how engaging with the civil rights movement can help us navigate difficult conversations about race and justice today, check out the Events page on our website for more information.

    40 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Understanding Homelessness Better: Life as an RMV Line

    In this episode we welcome our guest John Lane for a conversation on homelessness and housing. John shared his personal journey from homelessness to stable housing and recovery, highlighting the challenges of navigating the system and the importance of finding purpose and support. Additionally, John recognizes that everyone’s path into and out of homelessness is unique and describes the challenges faced by individuals in the shelter system, highlighting the lack of immediate solutions and the energy required to simply survive. Elizabeth acknowledged the importance of understanding these experiences to better assist those in need, leading into a discussion on how Christian communities can help. We hope this episode allows listeners to further understand the complexities of homelessness beyond surface-level assumptions, while also equipping us with practical ways for individuals and churches to help people experiencing homelessness.

    49 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    A Conversation Amongst Our Hosts

    Ivy and Elizabeth pull back the curtain on how they process the current state of the world. More importantly, they discuss how to turn that energy into action. Learn about our biggest event in years, "Reflecting and Reimagining," on November 15th, a night of fellowship and a fundraiser designed to deepen our understanding of housing justice through the power of storytelling and story-listening. Listen now to find out how you can support our work!

    17 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Beyond the Overwhelm: Cultivating Prophetic Imagination in 2026

    In this opening episode of 2026, Elizabeth and Ivy reflect on a challenging 2025 characterized by "overwhelmed" spirits and a "cloudy" outlook. Moving into the new year, they introduce the theme of Prophetic Imagination and explore how to "unform" the malformations of empire and capitalism through faith. The conversation centers on a series of intentional "R" words—Rootedness, Refreshing, Relinquishing, Resilience, and Resistance—as essential tools for spiritual survival and justice work. Elizabeth and Ivy also highlight upcoming BFJN events, workshops and ways to engage, including a book club study of Sabbath as Resistance, a storytelling workshop focused on listening across differences, and the March Micah weekend of service, more information is available online at www.bostonfaithjustice.org/events.

    21 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    The Cost of Practical Love: A Conversation With Our Friend Char Mansfield

    Tune in to this special podcast episode with our friend Char Mansfield, a Seattle local who believes ordinary people can do extraordinary things through Christ. Driven by the unwavering belief in the radical nature of the gospel, Char has gained seminary and social work credentials to shape a ministry that honors the holistic nature of human need. They are currently working to start an urban monastic community for folks in re-entry from prison. This is an episode you do not want to miss!

    40 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    A Conversation with Our Friends from the Anastasis Center

    Join Elizabeth Grady-Harper as she sits down with Rachel Darnall (M.A. Theological Studies) and Hayley Rose (M.A. NCC LPC) to deconstruct gender hierarchy. This episode dives into their 8-part curriculum, "It’s a Man’s World: The Genesis 3:16 Effect" which functions as a women's studies course from a unique Christian perspective. From the historical trauma of early modern witch trials to modern-day struggles with sexual agency and work compensation, Rachel and Hayley explore the causes, effects, and cure for the "Genesis 3:16 effect"—the prophecy of men ruling over women. By combining deep theological research with a vital therapeutic lens, they offer a compelling vision of restorative justice and healing. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

    28 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Pilgrimage: Moving Into Fresh & Foreign Spaces

    In this podcast episode, Rev. June Cooper and Elizabeth Grady-Harper discuss the transformative power of racial justice pilgrimages to Montgomery, Alabama, framed through June's extensive work in the field. They explore the necessity of these journeys as a means of "looking history in the eye" by traveling into fresh and foreign spaces. By being "on the move," participants are challenged to confront the legacy of slavery and its pervasive impact on our world today, effectively "thickening our stories" to gain a deeper understanding of how the past actively shapes our future. Ultimately, the conversation highlights how such intentional travel serves as a vital tool for collective healing and a more honest engagement with American history. BFJN is excited to be working in partnership with Rev. June Cooper to host a pilgrimage this upcoming October, go to www.bostonfaithjustice.org for more information.

    26 min

  9. EPISODE 9

    Understanding & Applying Jubilee: A Conversation with Author Kelly Nikondeha

    Tune into this episode where Elizabeth sits down with author Kelley Nikondeha to explore the transformative principles of her book, Jubilee Economics. Drawing from her years of grassroots work in Burundi alongside her husband Claude, Kelley shares powerful stories of resilience—from establishing a bank for the working poor to navigating the devastating aftermath of a local marketplace fire. The conversation dives deep into the ancient, archaeological roots of Jubilee practices that challenge our modern assumptions about debt, wealth, and structural inequality. By bridging the gap between personal financial responsibility and systemic justice, Kelley offers a cohesive theological framework that reframes Jesus’ teachings on money and calls on faith communities to lead more robust, practical discussions on economic liberation.

    44 min
See All Season 4 (9)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
7 Ratings

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This platform is hosted by the Boston Faith & Justice Network with the intention to educate, resource and catalyze Christians to pursue justice, uplifting voices of our brothers and sisters to inspire and support living generously.

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