Justice, Mission, And Peace Episodes

Even as air quality warnings have been issues as a result of raging fires in the Western USA, we once again find ourselves in the midst of camping season, So, while campgrounds are on our minds, why not think creatively about how to sustain those resources while contributing to environmental justice? As you’ll hear in this episode in the Climate Brewing Series that originally aired in July of 2024, there are several things we can do. Join host Susan Oxley, as she sits down with fellow Climate Ju...

The wait is over! In this episode of Grounds for Peace, host Blake Smith sits down with Joelle Wight, director of the upcoming 2026 Peace Forum, to talk about the highly anticipated return of the church's flagship peace event. Joelle shares how we can embrace "faithful disagreement" with wonder, what to expect from the brand-new Creative Reuse Pop-Up, and the incredibly inclusive ways for adults, youth, and global online congregations to participate. Secure your early bird registration before S...

What happens when a congregation stops trying to do everything on its own and starts partnering with its community? In this inspiring episode of What's Brewing, Robin Linkhart talks with Ruth Richardson about how the Kirkwood Community of Christ congregation transformed a simple outreach effort into a thriving ministry of dignity, generosity, and relationship. Through partnerships with Kirk Care and countless community volunteers, Ruth shares how taking a faithful risk created ripple effects of ...

Courageous compassion, prophetic witness, and faithful engagement in a hurting world are all a part of being a disciple of Jesus, the Peaceful One. Join Blake Smith and Linda Stanbridge in a conversation that explores difficult questions surrounding advocacy, empathy, media attention, and the call to stand with vulnerable communities while affirming the worth and dignity of all people. Grounded in Christian discipleship and peacemaking, the discussion offers practical ways to move beyond awarene...

How can we work for Peace in Israel/Palestine? This series is co-sponsored by the Community of Christ World Peace and Justice Team. Andrew Bolton and Steve Kellogg are members of the Israel/Palestine sub-team of the World Church Peace and Justice Committee. The Peace and Justice Team is working for a just peace in Israel/Palestine guided by Community of Christ’s Enduring Principles and the World Conference resolution on Israel/Palestine of 2016: Resolved, That Community of Christ specifically ...

What happens when people of faith move beyond conversation and step into advocacy? In this episode of Grounds for Peace, participants from the Churches for Middle East Peace Joint Advocacy Summit reflect on lobbying in Washington, DC, interfaith partnerships, Palestinian and Israeli human rights, and the call to pursue justice rooted in faith. Through stories of difficult conversations, unexpected hope, and encounters with lawmakers, they wrestle with what it means to “plant seeds” for peace in ...

Several members of Community of Christ recently attended the Churches for Middle East Peace Conference, and we're going to run a set of episodes covering the topic ... some looking back and some looking forward. We're setting the stage by reposting this episode from April of 2025. There’s way more to the conflict in Israel/Palestine than is covered in the daily news cycle. The real truth is eye-opening and gut-wrenching. In this episode of Grounds for Peace, host Robin Linkhart sits down with m...

If loving nature and the environment makes us “tree huggers,” then so be it! In this episode of Climate Brewing, host Susan Oxley sits down with Lorrie Long, whose lifelong love of the natural world has grown into a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community action. From her early experiences sensing the Spirit of God in the rugged landscapes of Wyoming to her current work with the Lamoni Area Green Team, Lorrie shares how faith, responsibility, and grassroots collaboration inter...

Something new is brewing at Faith Unfiltered, and this is it... Reclaim with host Jessica Pycior. In this premier episode of Reclaim, Jessica invites listeners into a deeply embodied and expansive vision of faith through the life and witness of Pastor Jenny Lowndes—artist, athlete, spiritual leader, and advocate. In a rich and honest conversation, Jenny reflects on what it means to live with authenticity, embracing every facet of her identity as a sacred expression of God’s work within her. From...

What does it really mean to be religious—and who gets hurt when belief goes unexamined? In this thought-provoking episode, Jack and Shannon dive into big, uncomfortable questions about faith, power, and the real-world impact of theology. From challenging harmful interpretations of suffering to exploring whether “faithful disagreement” has limits, the conversation pushes beyond easy answers into the messy, human reality of belief. It’s honest, nuanced, and an invitation to wrestle with faith in w...

In this meaningful second half of the conversation between host Robin Linkhart and her guest, Mary Cusack, Mary shares a deeply personal journey through grief, faith, and the search for belonging—ultimately discovering a spiritual home that celebrates her fully. From wrestling with exclusion and institutional barriers to experiencing profound connection through communion and community, her story is both honest and transformative. With courage and vulnerability, Mary reflects on finding purpose l...

Grab a beverage and settle in at The Cafe, part of the Brewed Awakenings series, where panelists Nicole Sherer and Mary Cusack explore what it truly means to pursue peace in today’s polarized world. Drawing from different generations and life experiences, they reflect on how peace is practiced not only through public action like nonviolent protest, but also through everyday choices, courageous conversations, and personal transformation. From college classrooms to community activism, the discussi...

This week on Faith Unfiltered Podcast, host Karin Peter sits down with Phil Caswell, Andrew Bolton, and Jewell Bolton to dive into the life of Apostle Kisuke Sekine, a true pioneer who helped transform Community of Christ into a global movement. From janitorial service for Boy Scouts to the Council of Twelve, Sekine’s legacy is a masterclass in humility and cultural bridge-building. The original lecture can be found here. Listen to more episodes in the Cuppa Joe series. Download the Transcrip...

From its very beginning, Community of Christ has looked to continuing revelation for guidance and direction for the path ahead. And, we have not been disappointed. Surprised at times...yes. Disappointed … no. As those called to be a prophetic people, it is important for us to discern … to patiently listen to God’s leadings as we seek to fulfill Christ’s mission in the world. Join host Wendy Brian as she leads us in patient listening through the practice of centering prayer. Original post date: ...

Beware all carnivores... and yes, that includes all of us at Faith Unfiltered Podcast. Climate Brewing host, Susan Oxley sits down with Sally Eales to explore the connection between plant-based eating and the climate crisis. Moving beyond headlines about methane and “cow burps,” Sally unpacks the deeper environmental impact of industrial meat production—from land use to rainforest clearing—while grounding the conversation in faith, stewardship, and personal responsibility. This is not an all-or-...

Welcome to The Cafe, the latest addition to the Faith Unfiltered Podcast family and the Brewed Awakening series. Grab your coffee or tea, or whatever makes you feel most grateful and kick back for a casual conversation among friends. In this episode of The Cafe, you’ll hear about serviceberries, generosity, and reciprocity. Panelists Nick Keehler and Linda Stanbridge are joined by guest Blake Smith to talk about gift economies and how they can change the world one relationship, one life, and one...

The climate emergency is not going away and neither are host Susan Oxley and guest Bill McClain. In this episode of Climate Brewing, Susan and Bill McClain explore how smart climate policy can drive both environmental and economic progress. From electric school buses and wildfire mitigation to salmon restoration and EV infrastructure, the conversation highlights how climate action is already improving lives across Washington state. Bill also explains how Clean and Prosperous America is working n...

Capitalism is in the spotlight again! In this follow up to Part 1 of Climate Brewing: On the Road to a Sustainable Capitalism, host Susan Oxley continues her conversation with Bill McClain, exploring how capitalism might evolve into a more just and sustainable system. Through discussions of the “triple bottom line,” stakeholder capitalism, waste and circular economies, and the limits of short-term profit thinking, Bill argues that what we measure in business truly shapes what we value. Together,...

February is a month that has been established as Black History Month. Wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t need a month dedicated to persons and voices that have not otherwise been acknowledged for their incredible contributions to our shared history? Join host Blake Smith for this time of meditation meant to focus our attention on the forgotten and/or silenced voices that are equally important in the telling of our story. Pause for a few minutes to consider the choices each of us needs to make so ...

Is capitalism driving the climate crisis—or could it help save us? In this episode of Climate Brewing, host Susan Oxley talks with Bill McClain, University of Washington instructor, about why business may hold the greatest power for real climate action. Together, they challenge common assumptions about profit, corporate ownership, and the so-called “free market.” Bill introduces the idea of shifting from shareholder capitalism to stakeholder capitalism, where workers, communities, and even the p...

It’s time to meet the rest of the panel for the new Brewed Awakenings panel series. From extroverts with lots to say to introverts trying to find a voice and fill up space, there is room for everyone at this table. Join host Blake Smith in a sit-down with the other half of the panel, Nick Keehler, Mary Cusack, and Linda Stanbridge, who will be bringing hard conversations about important topics to the forefront. Listen in to find out why they agreed to be on the panel and what areas of social jus...

Ever wished the church would talk about a topic that mattered to you, but didn’t because it was too edgy or too politically charged or just not “appropriate” to discuss in public? You are not alone. In this new series, Brewed Awakenings, you're sure to hear conversations that will get you thinking. In this introductory episode, you’ll meet and hear from some of the panelists who are passionate about social justice and they’re not afraid to talk about it. Find out why they’re here and allow their...

Robin Linkhart is back with Nancy Ross and Larissa Kanno Kindred for part two of their conversation about their book, Mormon Garments: Sacred and Secret. We often take for granted the clothes that we and others wear, but when what one wears is closely tied to their experience of religion and belief, it can be either comforting or deeply destructive. In this No Filter episode (Rated PG; may not be suitable for all audiences), say more about what they found as they did the research for the book al...

When what one wears is closely tied to their experience of religion and belief, it can be either comforting or deeply destructive. In this No Filter episode (Rated PG; may not be suitable for all audiences), host Robin Linkhart sits down Nancy Ross and Larissa Kanno-Kindred to talk about their new book, Mormon Garments: Sacred and Secret, in which they explore the impact of Mormon garments on believers' lives, focusing on the intersection of belief, gender, and social regulation. The conversatio...