Let's Talk: Faith & Justice

A Conversation with Our Friends from Agencia ALPHA

Tune into this podcast episode as we learn more about the 23-year legacy of Agencia ALPHA [https://www.agenciaalpha.org/], a Boston-based, immigrant-led organization dedicated to providing essential services and fostering community leadership. This conversation delves into the systemic barriers of racism and xenophobia, examining how the organization works to shift the national narrative on immigration. Join us as we discuss actionable ways to engage with their mission and advocate for a more inclusive society.

It’s Okay Not to Know but It's Good to Learn

In this episode, host Elizabeth Grady-Harper sits down with board member and friend Chantelle Arentsen for a candid conversation on resisting cultural manipulation—from the industry-driven standards of beauty to the historical ties between faith and "hustle culture." Chantelle shares about her personal journey navigating racial justice, sharing how being rooted in a supportive, like-minded community has been her greatest source of strength. It’s a powerful exploration of identity and faith, reminding us that while the work of justice is hard, we don’t have to run the race alone.

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 [https://bookshop.org/p/books/jubilee-economics-the-purpose-practices-and-possibilities-for-a-better-future-kelley-nikondeha/f8d06a42c5899704?ean=9781626986350&next=t]. 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.

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.

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 [https://www.anastasiscenter.org/mansworld]" 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!