Speaking of Faith with Bishop DeDe

The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York

Welcome to Speaking of Faith with Bishop DeDe where we’ll connect faith questions and insights with the everyday realities of modern life. Join us on a transformative journey as we explore key theological concepts and their relevance to our daily lives, intentionally working to partner with God in healing the world with love. Delve into the depths of religious thought in the Episcopal tradition, uncovering diverse perspectives and philosophical insights. Engage in meaningful discussions on topics like ethics, spirituality, and fighting dehumanization. Bishop DeDe and the occasional guest will demystify theological complexities (and yes, even nerd out a bit), empowering you to apply these profound principles in your life. Together, let’s dig into the deep and old mysteries of faith and foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and our world. Tune in for transformative experiences and rollicking discussions with Speaking of Faith with Bishop DeDe!

  1. 2d ago

    Listener Question Edition #2

    Send us Fan Mail What have you been wondering about faith lately? In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam turn the microphone over to the listeners and take on four questions about faith, friendship, doubt, the Eucharist, and talking about what we believe with people who may see things differently. Is it okay for our faith to change as we grow older? How can we talk honestly about our faith without becoming preachy? What do Episcopalians actually believe about the Eucharist and the “real presence” of Jesus? And what does our Christian faith have to say about making and maintaining meaningful friendships as adults? Along the way, Bishop DeDe and Adam explore the value of doubt, finding common ground with people of different beliefs, the mystery of the Eucharist, and the importance of being connected to one another. And, as always, the conversation doesn’t end with easy answers. Listeners are invited to keep asking questions, keep listening, and keep talking about what matters most. Have a question for Bishop DeDe and Adam? Send it our way through the podcast page at cnyepiscopal.org, or use the link in the episode description. Speaking of Faith is a conversation about learning to talk about what we believe—with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to listen. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

  2. Jul 20

    The Value Of Church In Our Life

    Send us Fan Mail What is the purpose of church? In a culture where many people describe themselves as "spiritual but not religious," is belonging to a church still necessary? In this season finale of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam explore why Christian community matters—not because church is perfect, but because none of us are meant to grow in faith alone. Together they discuss how worship shapes us, why healthy relationships help us become more fully ourselves, and how authentic Christian community differs from toxic or coercive expressions of faith. The conversation also wrestles with loneliness, the temptation to define faith only on our own terms, and the importance of gathering with people who challenge, encourage, forgive, and walk alongside us. Rather than asking, "What do I get out of church?" this episode invites us to consider a deeper question: How does worshiping God together transform who we are? In this episode: Why church is more than a building or a weekly obligation.The difference between being "spiritual" and growing through community.How healthy Christian relationships help shape our faith and character.Why worship is about glorifying God—not simply meeting our own needs.How to recognize the difference between authentic Christian community and harmful or toxic expressions of faith.Why disagreement, accountability, and even being wrong can become opportunities for spiritual growth.How gathering around Scripture, prayer, and worship continually forms us into the people God created us to be.As the podcast takes a short summer break, Bishop DeDe and Adam also invite listeners to spend time reflecting on their own faith journey and to send in questions and topics they'd like to explore when Speaking of Faith returns this fall. What role has church played in your life? Share your thoughts and questions—we'd love to continue the conversation when we return in September. Send us your questions and join the conversation as we continue learning how to speak of faith together. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

  3. Jul 10

    Dealing With Betrayal

    Send us Fan Mail What do we do when trust is broken? How do we tell the truth without becoming judgmental? And what does forgiveness actually look like when our hearts are still hurting? In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam explore one of the most painful parts of being human: betrayal. Whether it's a broken friendship, wounded trust, disappointment in leaders, or the grief that comes from living in a fractured world, betrayal leaves deep scars that aren't easily healed. Together, they reflect on what Scripture teaches about truth, accountability, compassion, and forgiveness. Looking to Jesus' encounters with Peter after the resurrection, they ask what it means to offer peace without abandoning healthy boundaries, and why trust remains one of the greatest gifts we can give another person. This conversation reminds us that following Christ doesn't mean pretending we aren't hurt—it means learning how to carry our wounds with grace, allowing God to transform them without letting betrayal define who we become. In this episode: Why betrayal often hurts more deeply than other kinds of grief.The difference between telling the truth and using truth to wound.Why trust is a gift—and what to do when that gift is misused.How Jesus models forgiveness while still calling people to accountability.Why compassion for ourselves is essential when we're carrying grief.What healthy boundaries look like after trust has been broken.How faith helps us move forward without becoming hardened by our pain. Where have you experienced betrayal, and what would it look like to seek God's peace without allowing that betrayal to define your future? If this conversation encouraged you, share it with someone who may be carrying grief or struggling to rebuild trust. Send us your questions and join the conversation as we continue learning how to speak of faith together. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

  4. Jul 2

    Being Self-Defined

    Send us Fan Mail Who defines who you are? In a world driven by comparison, constant opinions, and endless pressure to keep up, it can be easy to lose sight of who God created us to be. This episode on Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam explore what it really means to be self-defined—not in a self-centered way, but by living with intentionality, agency, and an identity rooted in God rather than the expectations of others. Together they discuss: What it means to be self-defined in a healthy, Christian wayWhy comparison steals our peace and our identityHow faith helps us reconnect with our deepest selvesThe difference between living intentionally and simply reacting to the world around usWhy saying "I don't know" can be an act of wisdomThe relationship between personal agency and Christian communityHow people-pleasing, guilt, and "shoulds" can keep us from living authenticallyWhy loving your neighbor also requires learning to love yourselfPractical ways to slow down, reconnect with God, and discover what truly mattersRather than offering easy answers, this episode invites you into an honest conversation about identity, purpose, and living faithfully in an increasingly noisy world. What helps you stay grounded in who God created you to be? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Share your reflections in the comments or send us your questions for a future episode. Send us your questions and join the conversation as we continue learning how to speak of faith together. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

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About

Welcome to Speaking of Faith with Bishop DeDe where we’ll connect faith questions and insights with the everyday realities of modern life. Join us on a transformative journey as we explore key theological concepts and their relevance to our daily lives, intentionally working to partner with God in healing the world with love. Delve into the depths of religious thought in the Episcopal tradition, uncovering diverse perspectives and philosophical insights. Engage in meaningful discussions on topics like ethics, spirituality, and fighting dehumanization. Bishop DeDe and the occasional guest will demystify theological complexities (and yes, even nerd out a bit), empowering you to apply these profound principles in your life. Together, let’s dig into the deep and old mysteries of faith and foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and our world. Tune in for transformative experiences and rollicking discussions with Speaking of Faith with Bishop DeDe!

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