Politics in the Pulpit?

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Revd Dr Jo Cox-Darling.   Joanne Cox-Darling is Superintendent of the Wolverhampton Methodist Circuit, Chair of the Mission Committee, and trustee of the Southlands Methodist Trust.  A lifelong proponent of holding the space for both justice and evangelism, Joanne continues to help the church notice what God is up to.  Author of 'Finding God in a Culture of Fear' (featured in this month's Methodist Theology Book Club) and regular on BBCR2's Pause for Thought, Joanne seeks to help folk make connections that matter: in life and in faith.  Michael and Jo discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 2nd June, which are: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)  2 Corinthians 4:5-12  Mark 2:23-3:6  Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Revd George Pitcher.   George Pitcher is a visiting fellow at the LSE and an Anglican priest. He's a journalist and writer by background, an occasional broadcaster and a former senior adviser to Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams. He recently completed 10 years of rural parish ministry in Sussex.  Michael and George discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 26th May, which are: Isaiah 6:1-8  Romans 9:12-17   John 3:1-17   Psalm 29     ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Paul Kerensa.   Paul is a British Comedy Award-winning writer, working on TV shows including Miranda, Not Going Out with Lee Mack, Top Gear, and many more. As a comedian he’s performed over 3000 gigs, from Montreal Comedy Festival to London’s Comedy Store, via countless churches and Christian festivals. He’s author of ten books, a broadcaster on Radio 2’s Pause for Thought and Radio 4’s Daily Service, a broadcasting historian, and an Occasional Preacher in his local Anglican church.  Michael and Paul discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 19th May, which are: Acts 2:1-21  Romans 8:22-27  John 15:26-26, 16:4b-15  Psalm 104:24-34, 35b    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats his brother, Revd Mark Wakelin.   Revd Mark Wakelin is a Methodist Minister in Chessington, in Greater London. Mark has been a Methodist Minister for over 40 years and was President of the Methodist Conference 2012-2013. He is currently Chair of Trustees of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. Mark enjoys gardening, singing and walking.  Michael and Mark discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 12th May, which are: Acts 1:15-17  1 John 5:9-13  John 17:6-19  Psalm 1    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Deacon Eunice Attwood.   Deacon Eunice Attwood is the Church at the Margins Officer for the Methodist Church. Eunice brings over twenty years’ experience of ordained diaconal ministry from a variety of contexts, including theological education and city- and town-centred ministry amongst marginalised and vulnerable communities, where she helped start and grow many fresh expressions of church. Building on the biblical connection between evangelism and social justice, Eunice is helping to start a movement of new Christian communities led by people experiencing economic marginalisation.  Michael and Eunice discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 5th May, which are: Acts 10:44-48  1 John 5:1-6  John 15:9-17  Psalm 98    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Revd Hayley Young.   Rev Hayley is currently the Regional Minister: co-team leader of Southern Counties Baptist Association.  In 2022-2023 she was President of Baptist Together, she has a passion for encouraging churches to out hospitality at the heart of their mission and ministry.   Michael and Hayley discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 28th April, which are: Acts 8:26-40  1 John 4:7-21  John 15:1-8  Psalm 22:25-31  ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

In this week's episode of Politics in the Pulpit, host Michael Wakelin chats to Rev Naomi Nixon.  Naomi is CEO of the Student Christian Movement which has been at the forefront of putting progressive theology into action for over a century. As an Anglican priest, in addition to parish ministry, she has worked in clergy training, college chaplaincy and is currently assistant pioneer minister at St Clare’s at Coventry Cathedral. Naomi is a qualified teacher, mediator and holds advanced degrees in theology and feminist biblical studies. She is currently working on her PhD investigating a tentative theological approach to moral and spiritual development. Michael and Naomi discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 21st April, which are: Acts 4:5-12   1 John 3:16-24   John 10:11-18 Psalm 23 ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

In our first episode of this new series, our new host, Michael, chats to Dave Tomlinson.  Dave is an Anglican priest and chaplain to the St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace, who holds a masters degree in modern hermeneutics. He is the author of many books including ’The Post-Evangelical’, ‘How to be a Bad Christian and a Better Human Being’, and ‘Black Sheep & Prodigals, an Antidote to Black and White Religion’. He is also a regular contributor to Pause for Thought on Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, and hosts a video podcast called The Holy Shed. Dave is married to Pat and they are passionate supporters of Liverpool FC.  Michael and Dave discuss he lectionary readings for Sunday 14th April: Acts 3:12-19  1 John 3:1-7  Luke 24:36b-48  Psalm 4    A few things Dave mentions in the episode:  Iconographer Kelly Latimore - https://kellylatimoreicons.com/  Wendell Berry's poem Manifesto: Mad Farmers Liberation ready by Evan Koons - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAiYS8m3EIE  ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Michael Wakelin. Michael will be our podcast host for the next series, beginning 9th April.  Michael is known for his work in interfaith dialogue, media production, and academic contributions. He is currently the Executive Chair of the Religion Media Centre and Executive Producer at TBI Media. His responsibilities include Radio Two’s Pause for Thought. He was previously the BBC’s Head of Religion and Ethics. Michael’s passion for interfaith collaboration has led him to engage in numerous initiatives aimed at bridging gaps between different religious groups, promoting a culture of peace and mutual respect, including developing the Senior Faith Leadership programme and the blueprint for Coexist House. His academic pursuits further extend to his role as a consultant and lecturer on religion and media.  Jacky and Michael discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 24th March: Isaiah 50:4-9a  Philippians 2: 5-11  Mark 14:1 - 15:47  Psalm 31: 9-16  Alternative readings for Palm Sunday are:  Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16  Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Chine McDonald.  Chine McDonald is director of the religion think tank Theos. She is a regular writer and media commentator on issues of religion in public life, race, and gender. She is the author of ‘God Is Not a White Man: And Other Revelations’ and the upcoming 'Unmaking Mary: The Myth of Divine Motherhood'.  Jacky and Chine discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 17th March: Jeremiah 31: 31-34  Hebrews 5: 5-10  John 12: 20-33  Psalm 51: 1-12    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Wendy Lloyd.  Wendy lives and works on a croft on the Isle of Mull on the west coast of Scotland. She is a spiritual director, pilgrim guide and retreat facilitator under the name of her own fledgling project, Mull Another Way. She creates and curates worship resources for GoHealth, GoHealth is shorthand for the Guild of Health and St. Raphael – an ecumenical Christian charity with over 100 year’s experience in holistic health and wellbeing. And she works in communications for the Iona Community – a dispersed community of people working for peace and justice, motivated by their Christian faith. She has over 15 years of experience in curating and creating worship resources, including sermon notes in her current and previous work roles. Her masters was in bible and contemporary world issues with a particular emphasis in the relationship between contemplation and activism.  Jacky and Wendy discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 10th March: Numbers 21: 4-9  Ephesians 2: 1-10  John 3: 14-21  Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001084297426200 

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Revd John Howard.  John has been a Methodist Minister for over 40 years, working in areas of social deprivation before becoming Chair of the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District. His last appointment was as a mission partner in Israel Palestine, where he has also served twice as a human rights observer. He chaired the Methodist Church's Investment Committee from 2008 to 2016.  Jacky and John discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 3rd Marche: Exodus 20: 1-17  1 Corinthians 1: 18-25  John 2: 13-22  Psalm 19    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page. 

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Bishop Olivia Graham.  Olivia began her career in teaching and international development, including a period working for Oxfam in Somalia. She was ordained in 1997 serving in Garsington, Princes Risborough, and Burnham in the Diocese of Oxford, before becoming a Parish Development Advisor, and then the Archdeacon. In 2019 Olivia became Bishop of Reading. She is passionate about social justice and the interface the Church has with the wider world. Her priorities include the climate crisis and the challenges facing young people, in particular the scourge of knife crime. She is one of three bishops who lead the national Church of England work on the environment, and she chairs the diocesan environment work. Olivia is married to Keith, and the couple have three grown-up children.  Jacky and Bishop Olivia discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 18th February: Genesis 9: 8-17 1 Peter 3: 18-22 Mark 1: 9-15 Psalm 25: 1-10    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page. 

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Revd Yousouf Gooljary, a retired Anglican priest, currently working on projects challenging racism and the legacy of slavery in Scotland. Yousouf has two boys and three grandchildren, and works as a supply teacher in Edinburgh schools teaching science. His current responsibilities include being a committee member of the Cross Party Group at Holyrood on Challenging racism and religious prejudice, and as the Moderator of the Iona Community ‘Challenging Racism’ Common Concern Network. Jacky and Yousouf discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 11 February: 2 Kings 2: 1-12 2 Corinthians 4: 3-6 Mark 9: 2-9 Psalm 50: 1-6 More on Challenging Racism: Share your resources & contact Yousouf: mailto:Ccnchallengingracism@iona.org Yousouf’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@YousoufGooljary?si=im3sen3V612X3XSQ Yousouf’s website: https://www.challengeracismscotland.co.uk/ ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Revd Dr Alex Clare-Young.  Alex is a minister in the United Reformed Church currently in a pioneering role in Cambridge city centre. A member of the Iona Community, Alex is a keen advocate for social justice, with a particular interest in LGBTQ+ theologies.  Jacky and Alex discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 4th February: Isaiah 40: 21-31  1 Corinthians 9: 16-23  Mark 1: 29-39  Psalm 147: 1-11, 20c    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page. 

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to Professor Anthony Reddie.  Anthony Reddie is the Professor of Black Theology in the University of Oxford. He is the Director of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Culture in Regent's Park college, the University of Oxford and is also an Extraordinary Professor with the University of South Africa.  Jacky and Anthony discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 28th January: Deuteronomy 18: 25-20  1 Corinthians 8: 1-13 Mark 1: 21-28  Psalm 111    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page. 

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Jacky is chatting to JPIT's newest member, Nathan McGuire.    Nathan has long demonstrated a deep care for others and expresses his faith through loving action. Born and raised in South London, he came to faith during sixth form college before working as a Domestic Violence Prevention Practitioner at London’s leading charity, the Domestic Violence Intervention Project, from 2009 to 2017. In 2017, Nathan made the transition to become a Baptist Minister. He joined the ministry team at Streatham Baptist Church and achieved accreditation in 2019. Nathan actively engages in seeking justice, providing support to migrants, and has volunteered with Peaceful Borders in Calais. He seeks to empower and assist local communities in advocating for marginalized people. He also continues to contribute as a Trustee and consultant at Restored, a Christian charity committed to eradicating violence against women within Christian communities. Nathan also has a passion for the well-being and spirituality of activists and justice warriors. It is this passion that led him to the JPIT team as their Campaigns and Church Engagement Officer in November of last year. In his spare time, Nathan writes and shares his photography under the handle @thegodlyirritant.   Jacky and Nathan discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 14th January: 1 Samuel 3: 1-10  1 Corinthians 6: 12-20  John 1: 43-51  Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-18    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page. 

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, our new host, Jacky, is chatting to Alison Phipps.  Alison is UNESCO Chair for Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts and Professor of Languages and Intercultural Studies at the University of Glasgow. She is a Member of the Iona Community.  Jacky and Alison discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 14th January: 1 Samuel 3: 1-10  1 Corinthians 6: 12-20  John 1: 43-51  Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-18    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @publicissues or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page. 

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Chris is chatting to Rev Jacky Embrey.  Jacky is a newly retired URC minister, just arrived in Kendal from Bolton. She has served the URC as Moderator in Mersey Synod, as a partnership minister in Bolton and Salford, and in Birmingham as Area Minister, and minister in five very different churches. Jacky will be our host for the next season of Politics in the Pulpit, starting on 9th January.    Chris and Jacky discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 26th November: Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24 Ephesians 1: 15-23 Matthew 25: 31-46 Psalm 95: 1-7 or Psalm 100    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page. 

On this week’s episode of Politics in the Pulpit, Chris is chatting to Rev Simon Ruth de Voil.  Simon is an ordained interfaith/interspiritual minister, trained to be a sacred presence outside the conventions of traditional religion. As a sacred musician, spiritual mentor and worship leader he incorporates chant, storytelling and mindful practice to create a space for profound connection and sacred witness. Simon provides music for worship, ceremony, and prayer in a wide variety of churches and non-religious spiritual communities.  Simon is also an experienced workshop and retreat leader, drawing on 15 years of study, training, and practice that grew from his time living and working in Iona Abbey. Although influenced by many traditions, Simon's spiritual path and teaching is deeply rooted in Celtic Christianity, the wisdom of the earth, and in the Scottish land where he's spent most of his life.  Chris and Simon discuss preaching on the lectionary readings for Sunday 19th November: Judges 4: 1-7  1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11  Matthew 25: 14-30  Psalm 123    Some further resources from Simon, following on from this episode:  The 2 songs Simon sings in the episode: Deep Peace by Bill Douglas (adapted by Simon) https://simondevoil.com/track/976529/deep-peace Open my heart by Alexa Sunshine Rose  https://alexasunshinerose.bandcamp.com/track/open-my-heart Transgender day of remembrance prayers and resources: https://enfleshed.com/liturgy-library/ A simple informal ritual I do with my folks each year is to take one of the names of a trans person who was murdered this year and I write a remembrance card to her and pray for her/them/him and their community for a year.  I invite my parishioners to join me and always one or two do.   This is a beautiful act of solidarity with my community as we remember the names and light candles on the 20th Nov of each year.   Heart breaking song to pray with https://youtu.be/ouizOWFxuQI?si=_3mMRZnWGSNMLavg Transgender Day of Remembrance scripture suggestion = Acts 8:26-40 which is the story of Philip and the Egyptian Eunuch. And example of one of Rev Simon Ruth's TGDR Sunday services https://youtu.be/WggAp3p3vfM?si=0OjUEoCKkeLbBP_W Bad ass amazing speech by Dr Lourdes Ashley Hunter  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HnnpRa2Ov8 You can find Simon's website here: www.simondevoil.com and his Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdBWe_jkzH4nqPUY3_pQA8w    ‘Politics in the Pulpit’ is JPIT’s weekly lectionary resource, helping to equip preachers, ministers and worship leaders to unpack justice and peace issues in the pulpit. You can join in the conversation on Twitter/X at @pulpit_politics or using #PoliticsInThePulpit, or on our Facebook community – find the group here or from the Joint Public Issues Team’s Facebook page.