What happens when the place meant to heal you becomes the source of harm? This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation on spiritual trauma and the role of faith communities in social justice. In this month's episode, five people of faith come together to unpack church hurt and what repair actually requires from communities that claim love. While white Christian nationalism continues to weaponize faith to police belonging, justify exclusion, and reinforce supremacy culture, many people are still searching for spiritual community, accountability, and healing. This conversation goes deep into conversion therapy, queer faith journeys, liberation theology, forgiveness, and the difficult work of building spaces rooted in dignity, belonging, and becoming. The message? Bad theology harms. But healing is still possible. ABOUT THE PANEL Adonis Lewis II is a Black/Mexican queer organizer, strategist, and movement leader whose work centers healing, justice, and collective liberation. With nearly two decades of experience supporting grassroots movements and historically marginalized communities, Adonis has led work spanning disaster recovery, restorative justice, digital equity, and queer and trans youth advocacy. He currently serves as Director of Strategy and Impact at the Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville (RSAA), leading with radical empathy, accountability, and a deep commitment to collective freedom. Rev. Claudia Jiménez is a Unitarian Universalist community minister based in Asheville, NC, whose work centers collective liberation, racial equity, immigration justice, and faith-rooted community building. A longtime educator, minister, and leader in faith formation, she is also part of the Racial Equity Collective, which organizes Racial Equity Institute trainings in Asheville. Claudia brings a deeply relational approach to justice work grounded in collaboration, belonging, and thriving for all. Malachi Gasaway is a native of Asheville, NC, a Christian, and a queer man whose journey through faith and identity continues to shape his commitment to justice-centered spirituality and authentic belonging. He currently serves as a ruling elder at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. Rev. Sara Wilcox is the founding and sole pastor of Land of the Sky United Church of Christ in Asheville, NC, where she works to build faith communities rooted in justice, belonging, and abundant love. Grounded in progressive Christian theology and a deep commitment to collective liberation, Sara’s work bridges pastoral care, community organizing, sanctuary work, and faith-based justice movements. She believes deeply in the power of relationship, collaboration, and courageous community to transform both the church and the world. Rev. Sean Hasker Palmer is Executive Director of the historic YMI Cultural Center in Asheville, NC, and a nationally recognized leader in Black cultural and educational spaces. An ordained minister, educator, and cultural strategist, Sean’s work weaves Black faith traditions, community leadership, activism, and collective liberation. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at NC A&T and working on a forthcoming book of poetry and preaching titled Black and Therefore Beautiful: Meditations for My People. 🎧 Press play to hear courageous faith in action. We'll see you same time, same place next month. Until then, peace.
