In Mark 10, Jesus shares that marriage is about becoming one flesh. He does this by recentering the law of Moses around divorce. In a moment where the pharisees try to trick Jesus with a question, Jesus makes a boldy names divorce but also what God intends with marriage in becoming one flesh.
In this episode, Melissa has a conversation with Bishop Wright marriage and divorce through the lens of Mark 10. They address modern challenges and the importance of spending quality time. Listen in for the full conversation.
Before listening, read For Faith.
How do core values of interdependence and interconnectedness shape our communities?
The final guest in our series on Christian Nationalism Sister Eilis McCulloh. Bishop Wright and Sr. Eilis discuss connectedness, values, and how connection and understanding go hand in hand! Sr. Eilis McCulloh, a Catholic nun with a rich background in law and theology, shares her inspiring journey from her Irish Catholic upbringing in Youngstown, Ohio, to her impactful work in social justice and policy advocacy. Discover how her grandmother's lessons on love and relationships influenced her path and how the Sisters of the Humility of Mary inspired her to embody Catholicism through social justice. Listen in for the full conversation.
Sr. Eilis McCulloh is a Sister of the Humility of Mary currently serving as the Grassroots Education and Organizing Specialist at NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice. She’s also the cohost of Just Politics and regularly writes for Global Sisters Report. Her most recent publication, “I’m a Catholic sister. Project 2025 does not reflect my values” was published by Religion News Service.
Why is Christian Nationalism on the rise and what does Jesus think about it?
The next guest in our series on Christian Nationalism is Texas State Representative James Talarico. Bishop Wright and Rep. Talarico discuss this question and the history of corruptive power taking us all the way back to biblical times. Rep. Talarico also shares his unique perspective as a former teacher, touching on his battle against bills that mandate the Ten Commandments in public schools and replace trained counselors with religious chaplains. Listen in for the full conversation.
State Rep. James Talarico (Tx) is an American politician and former teacher. He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2018 to represent District 52, which includes the cities of Round Rock, Taylor, Hutto, and Georgetown in Williamson County. Following the 2020 redistricting cycle, Talarico announced his run for a seat in District 50 in 2022, which he won. He is a member of the Democratic Party. His sermon on Christian Nationalism preached in October 2023 but uploaded to YouTube in March 2024 has over 700k views.
What happens when faith and nationalism collide?
The next guest in our Christian Nationalism series is The Rev. Dr. Pamela Cooper-White, author of The Psychology of Christian Nationalism. Bishop Wright and Dr. Cooper-White explore this question and dissect the rise of Christian Nationalism in America. Dr. Cooper White sheds light on how this movement attempts to reshape the U.S. into a fictional Christian nation. Listen in for the full conversation.
The Rev. Pamela Cooper-White, Ph.D., is the Christiane Brooks Johnson Professor of Psychology and Religion, Emerita, and Dean and Vice President Emerita for Academic Affairs, at Union Theological Seminary, New York, also serving for 8 years as Assisting Priest at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York. Previously, she was Gautier Professor of Pastoral Theology at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA and co-director of the Atlanta Theological Association’s ThD program in pastoral counseling. She was the 2013-14 Fulbright-Freud Scholar of Psychoanalysis in Vienna, Austria. An award-winning author, she has published 10 books including Shared Wisdom: Use of the Self in Pastoral Care and Counseling (2nd ed. forthcoming 2024) and Old and Dirty Gods: Religion, Antisemitism, and the Origins of Psychoanalysis, as well as over 100 articles and book chapters. Her most recent book, The Psychology of Christian Nationalism, was awarded the INDIE independent publishers’ 2022 gold medal for social and political science. She is a frequent keynote speaker both nationally and internationally.
Christian Nationalism is an ideology that’s everywhere, masquerades as a theology that has infected our politics and seeks to guide our policies locally and nationally. The problem with Christian Nationalism is that it doesn’t have anything to do with the Jesus of the Bible. Exposing Christian Nationalism, our new series, will discuss this every Friday in September.
Our first guest is Dr. Michael W. Austin, author of American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian. Bishop Wright and Dr. Austin have a conversation about how figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jimmy Carter have harnessed their faith to foster inclusion and the common good, challenging the exclusionary and coercive tendencies of Christian Nationalism. Dr. Austin provides a nuanced examination of how this ideology clashes with core American values and Christian principles, offering a vision for a more harmonious and inclusive form of Christian political engagement. Listen in for the full conversation.
Dr. Michael W. Austin is Foundation Professor of Philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University, Bonhoeffer Senior Fellow of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning and Leadership at Hebrew College, and current president of the Evangelical Philosophical Society. He received a B.A. in political science from Kansas State University, an M.A. in philosophy from Talbot School of Theology, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Colorado, Boulder. His research is focused on ethics and spiritual formation, especially issues related to the cultivation of character and connections between character and the common good. He’s published 15 books, including Humility and Human Flourishing (Oxford University Press, 2018) and God and Guns in America (Eerdmans, 2020). His latest book is Humility: Rediscovering the Way of Love and Life in Christ (Eerdmans, 2024). His next book, due out in October, is American Christian Nationalism: Neither American nor Christian (Eerdmans).
What if Labor Day was about more than just barbecues and a day off work? Truly honoring labor means advocating for living wages, healthcare, and quality education for all that labor.
In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright unpack the deeper meaning of Labor Day through the lens of Mark 7:1-23. Together, they challenge the superficial celebrations and call for tangible, material improvements in the lives of essential workers who keep our society running. Listen in for the full conversation.
Before listening, read For Faith.
What does it mean to be a spiritual leader for young adults? The Rev. Dr. Neichelle R. Guidry, the Dean of Sisters Chapel at Spelman College, brings her rich, ecumenical background to the table, sharing how her diverse religious experiences inform her inclusive ministry.
Dr. Guidry and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the expansive love of Jesus Christ and how it goes hand in hand with relational presence and proximity. Dr. Guidry opens up about the challenges she encounters when ministering to young adults and underscores the value of embracing a wide spectrum of spiritual beliefs in an academic setting. Listen in for the full conversation.
The Rev. Dr. Neichelle R. Guidry (she/her/hers) is a highly sought-after teacher, preacher, leader and commentator. Dr. Guidry currently serves as the Dean of the Chapel and the Director of the WISDOM Center at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. A womanist homiletician and practitioner, she is the author of Curating a World: Sermonic Words from a Young Woman Who Preaches.
She is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University (BA) and Yale Divinity School (M.Div.), where she was the 2010 recipient of the Walcott Prize for Clear and Effective Public and Pulpit Speaking, and the 2019 recipient of the William Sloane Coffin Alumni Award for Peace and Justice. She is also a graduate of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where she completed her Doctor of Philosophy (Liturgical Studies, Homiletics concentration). Her dissertation was entitled, “Towards a Womanist Homiletical Theology for Subverting Rape Culture.” She is a member of the Society for the Study of Black Religion, the MLK Jr. International Chapel Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Learn more about Dr. Guidry at www.revneichelle.com
All of us have insight. Insight is the capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing. From insight comes wisdom. Proverbs 9:1-6 invites us to consider the role of spiritual mentorship and community in cultivating true wisdom.
In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the intergenerational responsibility and timeless principles presented in Proverbs. Discover how living for God, loving others, and practicing generosity can create a more understanding and cohesive world. Listen in for the full conversation.
Before listening, read For Faith.
Support the Show.
What distinguishes being nice from being kind? Kindness is rooted in truth, boldness, and courage. The definition of nice is agreeable. Big difference.
In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about real kindness, embodying the teaching of Jesus, and the ripple effect of our actions on those around us. The conversation underscores the importance of living out Jesus's teachings through grace and forgiveness, especially during tumultuous periods like election cycles. Listen in for the full conversation.
Before listening, read For Faith.
What role does faith play when you're on the cusp of major life changes? With God, we are able to stand on firm foundation. A foundation that keeps us on solid ground during times of transition and uncertainty.
In this episode, Melissa has a conversation with Kelsey Andries of St. Simon's Conyers. Kelsey is preparing for major change as she heads to college this fall, and she shares her young wisdom of keeping her faith near during this new season. Melissa and Kelsey discuss the importance of building a strong foundation with God and practical ways to stay engaged in your faith during life transition.
Kelsey Andries is a member of St. Simon’s Conyers. She has been involved with the EYCDIOATL Youth Program for the past several years. Kelsey also had the opportunity to lead Happening 79 this past spring. She is excited for everything to come with this next chapter as she starts college at Kennesaw State University in the fall where she will double major in broadcast journalism and environmental science.
Have you ever wondered how even the smallest acts can ripple out and create significant impacts?
In this episode, Melissa has a conversation with Marycelis Otero, a candidate for Holy Orders to the Priesthood in The Diocese of Atlanta. Marycelis shares how viewing life through a faith-based lens can transform our seemingly minor contributions into monumental movements. By drawing parallels to the biblical story of the feeding of the 5,000, she reveals how each of us possesses unique gifts that can be harnessed to serve a greater purpose in God's plan. Listen in for the full conversation.
Marycelis Otero is a Candidate for the Holy Orders to the Priesthood in The Diocese of Atlanta. Originally from the Islands of Puerto Rico, Marycelis is in the final year of her Masters in Divinity for the Episcopal and Anglican Studies Program at Emory's Candler School of Theology. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Science in Mass Communications Technologies with a minor in Strategic Communications. In her career, Marycelis has worked as Associate Producer for Day1, a ministry of the Alliance for Christian Media. She has supported the Office of Ethnic Ministries of The Episcopal Church, and she is the translator for the For Faith Devotional. Currently, Marycelis serves as a seminarian at Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church, where she supports both the English and Spanish-speaking populations. Marycelis enjoys listening to audiobooks, watching movies, and especially investing her time creating experiences with her husband and their sons.
Ever wonder how to keep your spiritual roots strong amidst life's storms? The balance between spiritual renewal and daily demands can actually be a divine opportunity. What might happen when we slow down daily to open ourselves up to God?
In this episode, Melissa and a conversation with The Rev. Bonnie Underwood, Rector of All Saints Warner Robins. Melissa and Bonnie discuss spiritual practices, what gets in the way, and how sitting with God in the morning sets up to live our faith out in the world. Listen in for the full conversation.
The Rev. Bonnie Underwood joined All Saints in 2018. Prior to becoming a priest, Mother Bonnie had a diverse business career including 20+ years as a business executive; experience as a small business owner; and service in the United States Marine Corps, as both an officer and enlisted Marine. Bonnie enjoys reading, movies, and travel with her husband Jess, and especially spending time with their 6 adult children and 5 grandchildren.
This July, we are featuring special guests from across The Diocese of Atlanta for Summer Shorts!
How can you live fully into the spiritual reality of being "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by God? Join us as we welcome The Rev. Rhett Solomon, Associate Rector at Holy Trinity Parish in Decatur, Georgia. to share his inspiring journey from the Baptist Church to The Episcopal Church.
In this episode, Melissa has a conversation with Rhett about Ephesians 1:3-14. They discuss St. Paul's letter offering profound insights on God's enduring covenant and presence, and provide practical guidance on embodying this truth through prayer, faith, and community. This episode isn't just about theology; it's about finding ways to stay deeply connected with God and others, even amidst life's challenges. Listen in for the full conversation.
A native of New Jersey, Rhett Solomon traveled to Atlanta in the fall of 1999 to attend Morehouse College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2003. After graduating Morehouse, he discerned whether to pursue doctoral work in Political Science or a call to ministry. After much prayer and consultation, he pursued active ministry. A licensed and ordained Baptist minister, Rhett served at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, from 2005 – 2008, during which time he was admitted to the MDiv program at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, a program he completed in 2009.
In the summer of 2020, Rhett earned his ThM (Master of Theology) from Candler School of Theology. He was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons on December 19, 2020 and was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests on June 26, 2021.
Rhett currently serves as Associate Rector at Holy Trinity Parish, where he oversees Children, Youth, and Adult Formation.
Can faith like David's still conquer the giants of our modern world? The story of David and Goliath is a story that reminds us of the giants we battle today, such as hate, poverty, and scarcity. These struggles are rooted in spiritual wickedness, and spiritual practices taught by Jesus can help us defeat these modern-day giants.
In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about systemic evils and how radical inclusion and nonviolent activism can dismantle societal giants. They emphasize the need for bipartisan collaboration to achieve real progress. Listen in for the full conversation.
Before listening, read For Faith.
Have you ever wondered how asking the right questions can transform your faith journey? In The Episcopal Church, having questions of faith and not always having the answers is a part of common life together.
In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation inspired by Howard Thurman's Sermons on the Parables and the Collect of the sixth Sunday of Pentecost in The Episcopal Church. Together, they uncover how faith isn't about having all the answers, but about the ongoing process of believing, belonging, and becoming. Listen in for the full conversation.
Before listening, read For Faith.
Ever wondered how grace can act as the very grit that sustains us through life’s toughest storms? Grace is a tangible force that builds and strengthens communities, encouraging us to live fully in faith. In a world often divided by politics and ideology, how do we extend grace and kindness to those who anger or baffle us?
In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the grace of God, having a Kingdom perspective, and how grace brings forth resolve in life's hardest seasons. Listen in for the full conversation.
Before listening, read For Faith.
What if your family had to choose between paying for groceries or healthcare? For many in the US, this painful dilemma is a harsh reality. In today's episode, we're joined by Kyle Waide, President and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, to unpack the staggering 50 percent increase in demand for food assistance over the past two years. Rising inflation and financial strain have left countless families, even those juggling multiple jobs, struggling to put food on the table.
Bishop Wright and Kyle have a conversation about the broader economic landscape of the US, the unwavering support of volunteers, and the faith based organization that stand alongside the growing work of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Listen in for the full conversation.
Learn more about the Atlanta Community Food Bank here.
As President and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Kyle Waide leads one of the largest hunger relief organizations in the U.S. Working with a network of 700 community-based nonprofit organizations across 29 Georgia counties, Kyle and his team facilitate the distribution of $250 million in food and resources each year to approximately 700,000 neighbors facing food insecurity. During his tenure, Kyle has led the Food Bank through a decade of dramatic growth and expansion, quadrupling its annual output while launching multiple innovative initiatives to expand food access and increase food security.
Prior to joining the Food Bank, Kyle held several management roles at The Home Depot Inc. in disaster relief, corporate responsibility, community affairs and store operations. He also previously served as a founding member of the team that created and launched Charity Navigator, the nation's premier charity evaluation service. Kyle is a graduate of Harvard University and an alumnus of Teach For America. Kyle and his family attend All Saints' Episcopal Church in Atlanta.
Dismantling racism is holy and life-giving work. It is hard work, especially in a society divided on the issues of racism, power, and privilege. We thank God for The Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing, a unique and powerful expression of our commitment to becoming Beloved Community.
In this episode, Bishop Wright has a conversation with The Rev. Greg Warren, Interim Executive Director of The Center for Racial Healing. They discuss Greg's purpose for stepping into his new call, new partnerships, and the work ahead. Listen in for the full conversation.
The Rev. Greg Warren most recently served as the Rector at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Conway, Arkansas, while also being chair of the Board of The Diocese’s Camp Mitchell. He also was part of The Diocesan Executive Committee for four years. Greg serves on the Board of the Seminary of the Southwest.
Prior to ordination, Greg worked many years in corporate settings, developing strategic communications and advertising for some of the largest brands in the US and globally. His work also included work in marketing and diversity and inclusion. Immediately before beginning seminary, he served as Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion for Walmart.
If we start to see the way God sees, we start to look at how we handle the planet, conversations with others, money, and so many other spaces in life. For many of us, we've come to a settled sense on a lot of these things which limits what we allow in our consciousness. Freedom is deciding not to oppress seeing the world in a new way - this is divine!
In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about Martin L. Smith's address to the House of Bishops in 1997. They discuss spiritual practices, various faith traditions, and how sacred awareness of the world around us leads to freedom. Listen in for the full conversation.
Before listening, read For Faith.
We should be losing some arguments with Jesus! If we are losing arguments with Jesus, we are being led by The Spirit.
In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about St. Paul's letter to the Romans. They discuss Paul's revelation that to follow God is to be led by Spirit, and that all are welcome into a relationship with Christ. Listen in for the full conversation.
Before listening, read For Faith.
What kind of offer can we make to the world as Christians? Have you ever considered the ripple effect of a simple invitation?
In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the power behind extending a hand of faith, inspired by the transformative encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian. In it they discuss offering ourselves to God through sharing our faith with others and Bishop Wright's own story of being a new bishop and extending the invitation of baptism to anyone and everyone! Their discussion ventures beyond the act of invitation to the core of authenticity, examining our own hesitations and encouraging a faithful, courageous approach to sharing Jesus's message. Listen in for the full conversation.
Before listening, read For Faith.
Lots of things give us a quick and cheap energy hit have adverse side effects. Growing closer to a loving God that welcomes all brings no adverse side effects! Instead of an energy supplement, taking up a spiritual practice revives not only our own self but also how we serve a loving God in our world.
In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the psalmist's words in Psalm 23:3 “God revives my soul…” They discuss the busy and fast-paced world we all face and what can happen when we rely on God instead of other things for revitalization. Listen in for the full conversation.
Before listening, read For Faith.
Peace be with you! These are the 4 words Jesus says when he enters the room to see the disciples for the first time since his death and resurrection. Jesus enters the space with grace. He says look. He says touch. And then He breaks bread. He shares peace over a meal.
In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about this first gathering with Jesus and his disciples after his resurrection. They draw parallels to the peace Jesus brings and how it is the peace we must seek to share with others in our world today. A peace that sees other, strive to touch/understand other, and gathers community - because to take up peace as Jesus did is to be in close proximity to neighbor. Listen in for the full conversation.
Before listening, read For Faith.
Happy Easter! As we reach the milestone of our 200th episode, we are taking a moment to reflect on the journey that started as an experiment during COVID. And three years later, For People has reached all 50 states, over 100 countries, and 6,000 cities, It has been downloaded 300,000 times. This podcast has become a beacon of insight on following the teachings of Jesus in the real world.
In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about how Mary Magdalene's story of steadfast faith in the resurrection narrative can inspire our lives. It's about the small but mighty acts of love that can echo through our existence, shaping our approach to challenges and darkness, just as she did outside the tomb. They discuss our own Good Fridays, how God uses evil for good, and steps we can take to grow in our faith during the 50 Days of Easter. Listen in for the full conversation.
Before listening, read For Faith.
Have we fashioned a Jesus who mirrors our own ideologies, unwittingly reshaping God to endorse our political agendas? On Palm Sunday, the same people that would shout "Hosanna", an exclamation of praise, and the same mob that should shout "crucify him!" a few days later.
In this episode Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about Palm Sunday, it's relevancy to our world today, and how it keeps us honests as people of faith. They dissect the story of Palm Sunday, drawing parallels between the fickleness of ancient crowds and today's volatile public opinion. As we peel back the layers of our own convictions, we confront the unsettling reality that true discipleship may be at odds with the allure of making Christ into our own image. Listen in for the full conversation.
Before listening, read For Faith.
Recenter
22:01
.png)
Exposing Christian Nationalism with Sister Eilis McCulloh
24:34
Exposing Christian Nationalism with State Rep. James Talarico
25:47
.png)
Exposing Christian Nationalism with The Rev. Dr. Pamela Cooper-White
24:52
Exposing Christian Nationalism with Dr. Michael W. Austin
26:56
Honor
19:34
Spiritual Leadership and Young Adults with The Rev Dr. Neichelle R. Guidry
25:27
Insight
20:40
Imitators
18:12
Foundation with Kelsey Andries
20:54
Gifts with Marycelis Otero
21:47
Choose with The Rev. Bonnie Underwood
18:36
Signed, Sealed, Delivered with The Rev. Rhett Solomon
17:09
Defeating Giants
23:06
Questions
21:29
Grace-grit
21:22
Fighting Hunger with Atlanta Community Food Bank CEO Kyle Waide
24:11
The Work of Dismantling Racism with The Rev. Greg Warren
26:52
Freedom
22:48
Led
25:08
Offer
20:57
Revives
23:18
Look, Touch, Lunch
21:56
Easter Gift
21:26
King of Palms and Curses
22:42