The Politics of Jesus Podcast

Israel, Palestine, and the Black Church: A Discussion with Marc Lamont Hill

This conversation explores the intersection of theology, justice, and global solidarity by examining how the Black Church engages (or avoids) the realities of Israel and Palestine. Dr. Marc Lamont Hill joins Rev. LaKesha Womack and Dr. Obery Hendricks to unpack the historical, political, and theological dimensions of the conflict and consider the Church’s moral responsibility in confronting systems of apartheid, occupation, and oppression.

How We Defeated the Proud Boys: Strategies for Countering Extremism Against Our Communities featuring Rev. William H. Lamar IV

In December 2020, members of the violent extremist group, the Proud Boys, trespassed on the grounds of Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, D.C., to tear down its Black Lives Matter banner, an act echoing generations of white supremacist attacks on Black sacred spaces. In February 2025, Metropolitan AME won a legal victory against the racist group, but the deeper struggle for dignity, safety, and justice in Black faith communities continues. In this powerful episode of The Politics of Jesus Podcast, hosts Dr. Obery Hendricks and Rev. LaKesha Womack sit down with Rev. William H. Lamar IV, pastor of the historic Metropolitan AME Church, to discuss the rise of white supremacist violence, the prophetic response of the Black church, and the spiritual and civic courage required to confront hate with truth and power. Together, they explore: * The story behind the Proud Boys’ attack and the church’s pursuit of justice * Why white supremacist movements continue to target Black communities * How faith can fuel resistance, restoration, and radical hope This conversation reminds us that our churches are not just places of worship; they are fortresses of faith, freedom, and prophetic resistance. 🕊️ Listen, reflect, and share. #PoliticsOfJesus #FaithInAction #BlackChurch #Justice #WilliamHLamarIV #PropheticFaith #MetropolitanAME

Black Women's Fight for Justice in the Church and Body Politic

In this thought-provoking episode of The Politics of Jesus Podcast, Dr. Renita J. Weems—renowned biblical scholar, minister, and author—joins Dr. Obery Hendricks and Rev. LaKesha Womack for an unflinching discussion of Black women’s ongoing struggle for justice within both the church and the broader political landscape. Dr. Weems sheds light on the double burden of racism and sexism Black women confront, examining how faith traditions, sacred texts, and political systems are used to both oppress and empower black women. The discussion unpacks the prophetic role Black women have played in movements for justice, the cost of their leadership, and the urgent need to dismantle patriarchal structures that silence women’s voices in church and society.

Advocating for Your Neighbors When They Don't Love You Back

What does it mean to live out the commandment to “love your neighbor” in a society marked by division, hostility, and indifference? In this powerful episode of The Politics of Jesus Podcast, Dr. Obery Hendricks and Rev. LaKesha Womack have a timely conversation on the radical call to advocacy and love in action. This episode challenges listeners to consider the cost of authentic discipleship and the transformative power of advocating for those who may never return the love.

Sacred Shifts: Embracing Change and Culture in Faithful Churches with Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown

This episode, hosted by Dr. Obery Hendricks and Rev. LaKesha Womack, examines how the church can faithfully navigate change faithfully in a rapidly shifting cultural, political, and spiritual landscape. Rev. Dr. Theresa Fry Brown will share insights on “sacred shifts”—the ways congregations, clergy, and communities of faith can embrace transformation without losing sight of their spiritual grounding.