In this episode, in the light of the anti-war protests erupting across the diocese and across the country on college campuses, we dig in to what it means to speak of our faith in times of conflict. Bishop DeDe emphasizes the importance of speaking about faith in ways that promote understanding, respect, and healing, rather than further division. The conversation highlights the need to engage with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to justice, acknowledging the complexities of issues and the necessity of listening before speaking. The discussion encourages listeners to consider how they can speak about faith in ways that promote peace, dignity, and solidarity with all people, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.

SummaryIn this episode, we speak of our faith by exploring the reality and concept of a calling of faith. We discuss how all of God's people - not just those who take holy orders - have a calling and bust some myths about the idea of a calling.  Having a calling is not about "getting it right," but about being in a relationship with God and growing in faith. Calls are ever-evolving, so we talk about how we always need to be tuned in to the Spirit to see where we're being called next. We conclude with encouragement and a reminder to seek and live out your calling in your community.TakeawaysEveryone has a calling, regardless of whether they are ordained or not.A calling is not about choosing the right occupation, but about being in a relationship with God and growing in faith.Repentance and change are integral parts of the calling journey.Calling is a lifelong pursuit and evolves as we grow in our relationship with God.Living out our calling involves being a source of blessing to those around us.

CW: Mention of suicidal stateSummaryIn this podcast episode, Bishop DeDe is joined by Kevin and Becky, transgender persons in our diocese, to discuss their experiences, especially as it relates to their church lives. Becky, a priest, shares her journey of transitioning and finding acceptance in her current church, while Kevin talks about the struggles he faced in a non-accepting denomination. They also discuss the impact of legislation on the transgender community, including bathroom laws and restrictions on medical care. The conversation highlights the importance of support and understanding from church communities and the need to respect the dignity of every person, as we've discussed several times on this podcast in the light of our baptismal covenant.TakeawaysThe importance of acceptance and support from church communities for transgender individualsThe impact of legislation on the transgender community, including bathroom laws and restrictions on medical careThe need to respect the dignity of every person, regardless of their gender identityThe role of allies in advocating for transgender rights and educating others

Summary In this episode, Bishop DeDe and RomComm are joined by the Rev. Canon Megan Castellan, the Canon to the Ordinary for Mission and Formation in the Diocese of Central New York. Together they discuss the “Infinite Dignity,” a document released on April 8 by the Roman Catholic Church. They explore the concept of embracing the dignity of all people and the implications it has for our world and affirm the importance of recognizing the innate value and worth of every human being. However, they also highlight a contradiction in the document's treatment of transgender and genderqueer individuals and assert that that contradiction not only undermines the message of inherent dignity, it further endangers and harms an already-vulnerable community. They emphasize the need for dialogue and understanding in addressing this issue as they assert that followers of Christ are called to engage in dialogue and share our testimonies of how we have seen the Spirit moving and present in the lives of transgender and genderqueer individuals.Read "You are Loved," the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York's written response to "Infinite Dignity."TakeawaysThe document "Infinite Dignity" released by the Roman Catholic Church affirms the inherent value and worth of every human being, but contradicts this message when it comes to transgender individuals.As followers of Jesus, we are called to honor the dignity of others and create a world where their value is upheld.The Episcopal Church welcomes and affirms transgender and genderqueer individuals, recognizing their inherent dignity and the importance of their lived experiences.We are called to engage in dialogue and share our testimonies of how we have seen the Spirit moving and present in the lives of transgender and genderqueer individuals.Our faith is a journey of constant discovery and deep knowing, and we are called to extend love, compassion, and understanding to all people.Keywords: faith, dignity, Roman Catholic Church, transgender, genderqueer, value, worth, embrace, human beings, violence, inequality, poverty, The Episcopal Church, theology, love, compassion, scripture, tradition, reason, LGBTQ+

SummaryIn this episode, Bishop DeDe and RomComm discuss the story of Thomas' encounter with the risen Christ in the Gospel of John. They explore the concept of doubt in faith and how doubt can actually deepen our engagement with our faith. They highlight Thomas' absence when the disciples were gathered in fear and his insistence on physical proof of Jesus' resurrection. They emphasize how the desire for certitude can hinder our spiritual growth. They also discuss the transformative power of doubt and the invitation it offers to explore and experience the mystery of God.Keywordsfaith, doubt, Gospel of John, Thomas, resurrection, certitude, certainty, relationship, transformation, healing, wholenessTakeawaysDoubt is not a sign of weak faith, but rather an invitation to engage more deeply with our faith.The desire for certitude can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from fully experiencing the mystery of God.Doubt is a doorway to healing and transformation, as it allows us to question, explore, and be open to new understandings of God.Resurrection is not just an end-of-life reality, but something we can experience in our lives today.Speaking about our faith is an invitation to encounter the mystery of God and share our own transformative experiences.

SummaryIn this episode, Bishop DeDe discusses the significance of Maundy Thursday and the humanity of Jesus. She explores Jesus' response to fear and anxiety and reads from John chapter 13, which focuses on the washing of the feet. Bishop DeDe emphasizes the moments of sacrifice and suffering in Jesus' life and the hope of resurrection. She also highlights the relatability of Jesus' fear and anxiety and the importance of community and God's presence in times of loss. Bishop DeDe concludes by discussing the significance of foot washing and the importance of honoring our bodies.TakeawaysMaundy Thursday is a time to reflect on the humanity of Jesus and his response to fear and anxiety.Jesus' sacrifice and suffering are central to the Easter narrative and remind us of the hope of resurrection.We can relate to Jesus' fear and anxiety and find comfort in knowing that God is always with us.Foot washing is a symbolic act that represents servitude, inclusion, and healing in our relationships.

In this episode, we delve into the complex and often overlooked topic of the Doctrine of Discovery. Join Bishop DeDe and guests Bishop Douglas Lucia of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse and Bishop Lee Miller II of the Upstate New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as they uncover the historical origins and far-reaching implications of this legal principle founded in previous church teaching, which has profoundly shaped the course of history and continues to impact Indigenous communities worldwide.Our hope is to shed light on this critical aspect of history and its relevance in contemporary issues of social justice, human rights, and reconciliation. Whether you're familiar with the topic or hearing about it for the first time, this episode promises to provoke thought and ignite conversations about the enduring impact of the Doctrine of Discovery. Join us on this journey of understanding and reflection as we confront the past and strive for a more equitable future.

In this conversation, Bishop DeDe and RomComm discuss the meaning and practices of Lent. They explore the historical and contemporary practices of fasting, prayer, and supplication during Lent and emphasize the importance of living intentionally and facing the fear of imperfection. They also discuss the significance of time and the invitation to live fully and authentically in the time we've been given. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability and courage during Lent and to utilize this season as a time of deep reflection and connection with God. The season of Lent invites us to live beyond fear, embrace vulnerability, and make the most of our time.

SummaryThis conversation explores the concept of liturgy and its role in leading us to address social issues, particularly the historical and contemporary realities of the slave trade. The episode previews the Province II Slave Trade Lament and Repentance liturgy which we be live on February 14, Ash Wednesday, at 10 a.m. EST. That service aims to lead us to lament and repent for the evils of the slave trade as we follow the journey of Jesus to the Cross through the Stations of the Cross service. The importance of living out one's faith and actively engaging with the world is emphasized. Listeners are invited to participate in the liturgy and find healing and redemption in the journey with Jesus. TakeawaysLiturgy is a way for individuals and communities to worship and engage in a meaningful relationship with God.Addressing social issues and seeking healing and redemption can begin through liturgical practices.Acknowledging the historical and contemporary realities of the slave trade and working to heal the harms cause by it and our individual and societal complicity with it is essential for truth and integrity in living out our faith.Living out one's faith involves actively loving and caring for others, as well as speaking truth and seeking restoration.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:58 Understanding Liturgy02:21 The Importance of Liturgy in Addressing Social Issues03:48 Unspoken Realities and Historical Context05:14 Living Out Our Faith06:11 The Way of the Cross07:10 The Slave Trade Lament Liturgy08:08 Invitation to Participate09:20 Christ's Identification with the Hurting09:59 Living Lives of Joy10:27 Acknowledging Brokenness and Seeking Restoration12:20 Vulnerability and Imperfection in the Liturgy13:08 The Work of Absolution14:01 The Invitation to All15:02 Encountering the Love of God15:44 Closing Blessing

This podcast episode focuses on the need for conversations about addiction and sobriety, particularly in light of a recent incident of driving while intoxicated. Deacon Kay, a bivocational deacon and licensed clinician, shares her insights and experiences in the field of social work. The conversation covers important considerations in discussing substance abuse and addiction, understanding substance abuse as a mental health condition, surprising facts about addiction, harm reduction approaches, warning signs of substance abuse, creating safer spaces in parishes, prevention and managing substance use, and the power of community in supporting those struggling with addiction. The episode concludes with a message of hope and encouragement to seek help and make positive decisions.TakeawaysSubstance abuse should be approached as a mental health condition rather than a moral failing.Harm reduction approaches, such as setting reasonable goals and providing resources, can be effective in supporting individuals in recovery.Warning signs of substance abuse include isolation, changes in behavior or mood, and physical symptoms.Parishes can create safer spaces by hosting support groups and providing resources like Narcan kits.It is important to move away from all-or-nothing thinking and embrace hope, focusing on health-oriented decisions and supporting one another in the journey towards recovery.

Welcome to Season 2 of Speaking of Faith! In this first quarter of the year, we're focusing on racial healing and we're beginning by focusing locally on our relationships with indigenous peoples. In this first episode, we explore land acknowledgements and how they can do more harm than healing when they happen outside of true relationships.

In our final episode of our first season and of 2023, Bishop DeDe talks about how we can create more sacred space to create room for God during this season of Christmastide.

In this final episode of our Baptismal Covenant series, we explore the last bidding in the Baptismal Covenant: "Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?"

In our penultimate episode in our Baptismal Covenant Series, we explore the next bidding: "Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?"

As a continuance of our series on the Baptismal Covenant, we jump in to the next bidding: "Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?"

In this episode, Bishop DeDe shares some practical tips for how to live out and Speak Faith in ways that bring people close together, instead of leaving us further divided, over this holiday season.

In this episode, we revisit the grounding of our Baptismal Covenant - the Being with whom we're covenanting - by reminding ourselves that in our relationship with the Creator of All, we witness the love, beauty, and majesty of the creator in all God's people being their full selves. During this Trans Awareness Week and ahead of Trans Day of Remembrance on November 20, we root our discussion in honoring the beauty of our trans siblings living as their full selves, disarm some of the "clobber passages," and remind ourselves of the need to repent of harm caused to Trans people, especially harm caused in the name of the God who Created and loves us all.

As we continue our series exploring the Baptismal Covenant, we continue building on the "so what" biddings with the next up: "Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?"

So far in our series exploring the Baptismal Covenant, we've dug in to who it is we're covenanting with: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. This week, we get into the first of the "so what" biddings: "Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers?"

As we continue our series on the Baptismal Covenant, this week we explore the next bidding: "Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?"