Sangria con Susie, me mamá. A few years ago, I did margaritas with mama. Sangria lacks alliteration but goes down good. Delicious food as well at @eatflowerchild in Atlanta.

My faith teaches me that every single person is created in the image of God with innate dignity. Therefore, we are called to dismantle systems of oppression and to create systems of governance that allow every person to flourish. That’s why I’m excited to join with other leaders from across faiths at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago on August 14-18 to talk about what our faiths teach us about defending freedom and human rights! Learn more and register to join us at @interfaithworld!

I'm now officially on Substack! Follow me over there and check out my first post about some reflections on protecting democracy from my trip to Greece last month. Subscribe at the link in my bio 🔗 https://revjenbutler.substack.com/p/apollos-gate

The Cats of Greece are the true Gods, presiding, preening pontificating.

Greece! All of my life I have wanted to come here, drawn by ancient history, the legend of the snake goddess, the colors, the people. I have finally made it. Athens, Crete, Santorini and now finally Naxos which is a stunning place. Apollos portal—which I never knew, is the most beautiful I’ve seen especially at sunset.

What gives me hope in an era of rising hate are people like these who lift up their values and reclaim their faith for Justice

I’m in Miami Florida protesting the Reawaken America tour. This is a Christian Nationalist effort. It is a heresy because it teaches the opposite of loving our neighbor. It is spreading fear and hate and harming our neighbors.

Thought I’d share my work break with you!

As the Easter season continues in the church calendar, I've been reflecting on the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Resurrection was right in front of them, but they couldn't see it. Why is resurrection so hard to spot when we are so anxious to see it? What practices can help us make sure we don't miss it? Read more at the link in my bio 🔗

See my girl fly. So proud of her. She did this three times to impress me.

My nephew, Charlie. His team won a very exciting game! Nice to be in Atlanta so I can attend these auspicious events.

Went to DC to speak to US State Department and see friends last week. So beautiful! If you’ve never been to Hillwood estate in spring time— fix that! I never new about it though I lived close by. Embarrassing what you don’t do when you live in a place. I need to take advantage of being in Atlanta as well.

Last month, I wandered into St. Mary Magdalen's Church in Oxford, England. Reflecting on Mary Magdalene's unfailing hope in the face of death and despair, I thought about what it would mean for us to witness resurrection today. Read more of my reflection at the link in my bio 🔗

This TN legislator is amazing. Listen to him speak and tune into what’s happening as children March on the TN statehouse to protest Gun laws after school shootings

Last week, I led a webinar for clergy across the country on how churches can counter white Christian nationalism. This is an opportunity for us to reclaim our faith from those who hijack it. Check out the full webinar and more resources on how to reclaim faith to counter white Christian nationalism at the link in my bio 🔗

Catching some joy at two st mary churches in Oxford. The second was a thousand year old church devoted to Mary Magdalene who was (see the sign) apostle to the apostles. The statue was carved by a Sister. I’m imagining the nonsense Mary felt with. I like the calm determination in her expression. Boulders in her way but she’s like water passing over and around.

As I talk to pastors, clergy and and other faith leaders, one question comes up over and over: What can my church do to counter white Christian nationalism? Join me on March 28 at 2pm ET for "Countering White Christian Nationalism in Churches," a webinar I'm leading with @practicalresourcesforchurches. We'll learn from how faith movements have responded to Christian nationalism in the past to get a vision for how we can reclaim our faith traditions to counter it today. Register for the Zoom webinar at the link in my bio 🔗

Catching some joy at two st mary churches in Oxford. The second was a thousand year old church devoted to Mary Magdalene who was (see the sign) apostle to the apostles. The statue was carved by a Sister. I’m imagining the nonsense Mary felt with. I like the calm determination in her expression. Boulders in her way but she’s like water passing over and around.

Hello from Oxford! Great to be here with old and new friends tackling important issues and taking in such a stunning place. A library and pub on every corner.

Trying a new meditation routine and I think my hyper pup likes it too:). My poem reading for today by Yannis Ritsos: A cessation. You’re not searching. How nice it is tonight. Two birds fell asleep in your pockets.

Thank you @sojogram for including me in your list of 8 Christian Women Shaping the Church in 2023 for #WomensHistoryMonth! Honored to be featured alongside so many women whose work I admire so deeply 🙌 Read the profile of all eight women at the link in my bio 🔗

Many of us see the impact of rising support for Christian nationalism and QAnon as people we know get pulled into these dangerous belief systems. How can we help when friends, family or co-workers have been drawn to such beliefs? We have more power than we know to influence the people in our lives away from these destructive ideologies. Read more about how we can "pull people out" of extremist ideologies in my latest blog post: Loving our “Enemies” in an age of Conspiracy Theories and Christian Nationalism. Link in bio 🔗

Loving New York City with my girlfriends. Good Friends are everything!

Join me tonight at 7 pm CT at First Baptist Church in Madison, WI for a conversation on American Democracy and the Role of Faith! The event will also be live streamed. #FaithinDemocracyTour Get more info on how to join in person or online at the link in my bio 🔗

Join me tonight at 7 pm CT at Unitarian Universalist Church West in Brookfield, WI for a conversation on the Rise of the Christian Right and White Christian Nationalism! The event will also be live streamed. #FaithinDemocracyTour Get more info on how to join in person or online at the link in my bio 🔗

Join me today from 2-4 pm CT at First Baptist Church in Waukesha, WI for a workshop on Talking to Friends and Loved Ones Caught up in Conspiracy Theories and Christian Nationalism! We're going to discuss practices and tools to use when talking to loved ones who have been influenced by disinformation from QAnon and other conspiracy theories. #FaithinDemocracyTour Get more info and RSVP at the link in my bio 🔗

This week, I'll be in Wisconsin for the Faith in Democracy Tour! I'm looking forward to having these important conversations about how our multi-faith coalition can reclaim our faith traditions and counter the dangerous ideology of white Christian nationalism. From February 5-7, there will be in person events (masks encouraged) and opportunities to join online if you're not in Wisconsin! Get more info about all the events at the link in my bio 🔗

White Christian nationalism is still a threat to our democracy. As people of faith, we must condemn this dangerous heresy and offer a new vision for our country where everyone can thrive. Join me Feb 5-7 in Wisconsin (or online) for the #FaithinDemocracyTour Swipe ➡️ for individual events and learn more at the link in my bio 🔗

Two years ago today, white Christian nationalist symbols were visible throughout the crowd that attacked the Capitol. Christian nationalism is not a path to religious freedom. My colleagues with Auburn Senior Fellows shared our thoughts with @redletterxians. Read more at the link in my bio 🔗

A little Ponce de Leon market fun over the holidays. Great to be back in Atlanta enjoying some of the new developments. I used to drive by this old Sears and roebucks warehouse when it was totally abandoned. Now it’s a redeveloped park, shopping area and residences.

Recently I've been reflecting on Advent and what it teaches us about holding onto hope in the midst of chaos. Our culture, focused on the commercialization of this holiday season, has once again numbed us to deep spiritual truths in these stories. When we immerse ourselves in the pain of these stories we can better find our way into the hope, joy and peace also celebrated in this season. Advent can help us find God’s gift of hope in the midst of our communal and individual wilderness journeys full of unknowns, threats and adversity. Read more here at the link in my bio 🔗

A progressive Black pastor has just been elected US Senator at a critical moment in American history holding a window open in our nation’s journey toward more realized democracy. There’s lots to be angry about but I’m going to bask in hope tonight. Hope is not wishful thinking, it’s a commitment to make justice a reality despite the odds, to keep on no matter how impossible it may seem. To remain faithful to the vision. The people made it happen because they committed; organizers did not stop or throw their hands up in despair. This is a turning point in Georgia and in American history.

For the second week of #Advent, I wrote a piece for Word and Way about how Advent begs us to notice how God’s power shows up most for people in the wilderness. #UnsettlingAdvent Read more at the link in my bio 🔗

Been hanging out with my Peace Corps friends this weekend in Arizona and Mexico. These dazzling colors in Nogales say how I feel about journeying with these folks through life. They’ve changed so much about how I move in the world and made me wiser. Love and acceptance. Embracing difference. A big tent and big heart. Not sweating the small stuff. Having fun and lightening up. Next pic is us at end of service in Belize. Not everyone could make it but one of us had reconnected for the first time sense end of service. A lost sheep. Glad to have her back!!

Been hanging out with my Peace Corps friends this weekend in Arizona and Mexico. These dazzling colors in Nogales say how I feel about journeying with these folks through life. They’ve changed so much about how I move in the world and made me wiser. Love and acceptance. Embracing difference. A big tent and big heart. Not sweating the small stuff. Having fun and lightening up. Next pic is us at end of service in Belize. Not everyone could make it but one of us had reconnected for the first time sense end of service. A lost sheep. Glad to have her back!!

This year we came together to protect people’s freedom to make decisions on their families, futures and bodies and to protect our democracy. I watched as our community put our faith into action as we marched in the streets of DC, FL, GA and OH alongside people of all faith traditions rallying in support of abortion access and reproductive justice. I joined faith leaders as a peacekeeper in Georgia to ensure a fair, free and safe election and to protect our right to vote. And I saw firsthand that there is power in the people. Your contribution on #GivingTuesday is the foundation needed to continue to resource, train and mobilize faith leaders in 2023. We want to ensure that our communities can thrive in our pews, at the polls and in our communities. Give today at the link in my bio! 🔗

Early voting has started in Georgia! Don’t forget to vote in this all important senate election.

Yesterday I joined @faithfulamerica and other colleagues for a conversation about “Countering Christian Nationalism: What comes after the ballots are cast”. I shared about what gives me hope in this moment. #whiteChristiannationalism #midtermelections #Christiannationalism #democracy #counteveryvote #progressivechristian

As votes continue to be counted and election results continue to come in, I will be joining @faithfulamerica today at 1:30pm ET for a conversation on Countering Christian Nationalism: What comes after the ballots are cast. Register for the webinar at the link in my bio 🔗 #whiteChristiannationalism #MidtermElections #CountEveryVote

I’m on the ground at polling places in Georgia today with our @FaithPublicLife peacekeepers. If you see a problem at your polling place, call or text (866) OUR-VOTE to report it and keep our elections free from intimidation or interference! #ElectionDay

How should we respond when our democracy is being torn asunder in the name of our Christian faith? Make the vision plain on November 8. Vote to save our democracy. Read my latest piece at the link in my bio 🔗

Tranquility. I found a place for meditation in Georgia!

To big bits of news. 1. I have moved to Georgia where I grew up and 2. I early voted and that felt great. Got registered to vote just in time for this historic election. I’ve felt the tug to move back here since 2014 when I started Faith in Public Life’s Faithful Voter program and launched our efforts to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ people in the name of religious freedom. Today we work with hundreds of religious leaders all over the state. If you live here I am eager to grab coffee so sent me a note.!🥰❤️🙏🎈

The ReAwaken America Tour is currently working its way across America to reawaken Christian nationalism. Communities are being intentionally manipulated, divided and conquered along lines of race, religion and inequality in Christ’s name. This is not what Jesus stood for. Read my latest op ed for @phillyinquirer at the link in my bio 🔗

I'm joining @lisasharper and other faith leaders on the #AllyTour on 10/3 to discuss what's at stake in our democracy with the tidal wave of voter suppression & election deniers running to compete for seats up and down the ticket in 2022. Register at the link in my bio 🔗

Reverend Jen Butler on what Democracy means to her and her thoughts on the current state of Democracy in America. Join us for this conversation and more October 3, 10, 17, and 24. DM “ally2022” for your tickets to this year’s Ally Tour. #democracy #faith #america #politics #religion #ally #allytour #allies @lisasharper @gracejisunkim @christenacleveland @sharonsaysso @oshetamoore @revjenbutler @bigchaff

White Christian nationalism is a threat to our democracy and to our faith. But people of faith are pushing back. I'm visiting key states where democracy is most threatened to inspire and equip communities to reclaim their faith and protect our democracy, grounded in spiritual disciplines that have strengthened justice-centered communities for centuries. Together we can build a true multiracial, multi-faith democracy where every person can thrive. Join me for the Faith in Democracy Tour. Link in bio for more information 🔗 ------- Upcoming Events Sunday, October 2 - Tempe, AZ Sunday, October 9 - Tucson, AZ

Dropping Eli off in Tucson to attend University of Arizona this week. He chose a great school and beautiful setting! Not feeling sad yet—more proud and excited for him. And if he thinks he’s getting rid of me, well, he should not have chosen such a magical location LOL.

Honored to stand with local clergy and our partners at @FaithfulAmerica this morning in Batavia, NY to denounce the heretical and dangerous white Christian nationalism being spread through the ReAwaken America Tour.

This morning I was on @morningjoe with Serene Jones from @unionseminary to talk about how the majority of people of faith support access to legal abortion care and my latest op ed for @RedLetterXians about why white Christian nationalism is dangerous to Christians. Watch the clip and read my op ed at the link in my bio! 🔗

"More Christians must step up. We must do more than just watch the January 6th hearings aghast. We cannot allow our faith to continue to be hijacked by white supremacists covered in religious language. For the sake of our faith and our democracy, we must denounce Christian nationalism and reclaim a faith that values and affirms the human dignity of all people. Including our own." Read more from @revjenbutler's latest in @redletterxians by clicking the link in our bio!

Got to join these awesome dudes at Corolla beach this week. Eli has awesome friends. I’m now a proud beach week survivor and thriver. Much needed downtime.

ABC News interviewed me about how my faith informs my support for access to abortion care. "I'm an advocate for human dignity and justice," Butler said. "And that means everybody is created in the image of God and everyone has moral agency and should have access to choosing politicians and choosing health care decisions that impact their daily lives." Read the full interview at the link in my bio 🔗

Eli’s graduating but aunt Jill and I are too cool for school

So proud of Eli who is graduating Highschool today. He is independent, smart, kind, a great debater, artistic and adventurous. He’s off to University of Arizona so I look forward to seeing all of you who live in Tucson!

Adventures in New York City this weekend with my sister and family. I highly recommend the Met’s rooftop. Strongest cocktail I have had in quite awhile. Exhibits are good too.

A lament for the children and teacher who were killed in Uvalde: “How long, O Lord?” How long, O Lord, will our children be murdered? How long, O Lord, will our politicians refuse to take action? How long, O Lord, will they defend guns over lives? How long, O Lord, will they hide behind thoughts and prayers?

This morning I joined @FaithPublicLife and partners at Meta headquarters to #MakeMarkListen. "Disinformation is a threat to our lives and to our freedom. It flourishes on Meta platforms because of the policies that Mark Zuckerberg is implementing and refusing to put restrictions and regulations on. We can and have to make better decisions. My faith tradition teaches me that 'You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.' We have an obligation to confront leaders like Mark Zuckerberg. We have an obligation to create a society where truth and fact flourish and disinformation is held in check. If we recognize this truth and help set social media free from white supremacist tyranny that would spread hate online resulting in what happened in Buffalo last week, then we will all be free. My son's generation and vulnerable communities everywhere across this country need you, Mark, to do the right thing."

Journaling and listening to the birds carrying on. Grateful for a slow morning!

A diverse group of faith leaders joined together to mourn the victims of the Buffalo shooting, discuss and condemn the rise of White Christian Nationalism and call on lawmakers and media to immediately stop using and repeating rhetoric that leads to violence. Our communities have suffered enough. Over and over again we have all witnessed the horror of too many lives lost to violent attacks on people because of their identity as Black, Latinx, Asian-American and Pacific Islander, Arab, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, immigrants and LGBTQ people. As a multi-faith and multiracial coalition of faith leaders, we all commit to joining together in solidarity, centering the voices and experiences of those most impacted, and working together to eradicate the ideology of white Christian nationalism. Sign by clicking the link in our bio!🔗

Books expand our moral imagination and open doors to new futures. I'm looking forward to being in conversation with so many authors and leaders I admire through #BooksForABetterWorld! (Also, there will be a giveaway of signed books from the authors!) Join us on Tuesday, May 10 at 7pm ET ➡️ https://www.middlechurch.org/books (Link in bio 🔗) Thanks to @FaithPublicLife, @middlechurch, @AuburnSeminary & @strandbookstore for sponsoring.

I have accompanied women through abortion and through adoption. What I have learned is that I can trust women to make moral decisions about the most intimate and important areas of their lives. I've also learned that all of us know someone who has needed or will need an abortion. People of faith must answer the call to justice in this moment of moral crisis. See my full statement on the leaked draft Supreme Court opinion from earlier this week at the link in my bio 🔗

Touring University of Arizona! Proud of my son for managing his whole college Application process.

On June 1, 2022, Jeanné Lewis (@msjeannelewis) will become interim CEO of Faith in Public Life (FPL). Lewis serves as Vice Chair of FPL’s Board of Directors, which she joined in 2016. She currently works as Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer at the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP), where she connects social justice organizations to the funding networks they’ve traditionally lacked access to so that they can increase their impact and she persuades funders to improve their practice. She will resign her role on FPL’s Board on May 31, before officially beginning as interim CEO. As interim CEO, Lewis will work with FPL’s coalition of faith leaders, board, staff, organizational allies, donors and other supporters to promote religious values and voices in support of justice, equity and the common good. She will take over for founding CEO, @revjenbutler. Rev. Butler will transition into the position of Founder in Residence. In this new position, she will continue to advise the Board and FPL’s leadership team while increasing her focus on building partnerships and amplifying progressive faith values through writing, teaching and speaking about faith, culture and politics. To learn more about Jeanné and on this transition visit 🔗 link in bio!

The Easter story gives me hope in our current moment. When faced with coordinated attacks on human dignity and freedom, it is easy to grow cynical or weary, to despair and doubt that we can govern in such a way as to bring about the human flourishing God wants for us. In these moments when I am desperate for hope, I return to the empty tomb. The mystery of that empty tomb on the first Easter teaches me to embrace hope even when the radical, all embracing love of Jesus seems too small to counter the powers and principalities of this world. Read more at the link in my bio 🔗

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has been confirmed to the Supreme Court #faithinjackson

I learned so much last night from my conversation with Dr. Maha Hilal about her new book, "Innocent Until Proven Muslim". If you missed our Book Club, you can watch the whole thing at the link in my bio! Our sacred season continues! Join me today for a multi-faith roundtable discussion at 12 pm ET that celebrates the convergence of our sacred celebrations. Link in bio 🔗

I am so excited for this Virtual Book Club conversation with @dr_maha_hilal on Wednesday, April 6 about her new book "Innocent Until Proven Muslim"! We'll be discussing the implications of the last two decades of the War on Terror and Islamophobia. RSVP at the link in my bio to get a reminder when we're live! 🔗

Thank you @americanprogress for including me in your list of 2022 #FaithLeadersToWatch! I am honored to be in such great company with other faithful leaders whose work I admire so much. Check out the full list at the link in my bio 🔗

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, a law that prohibits teachers from leading classroom lessons on gender identity or sexual orientation for students in kindergarten through third grade. People of faith believe all people are created in the image of God and deserve protection from bigotry; especially LGBTQ youth. Read the full statements from faith leaders condemning the bill and sharing why it is harmful to LGBTQ youth and their families at the link in my bio 🔗

Lent began earlier this week, and I've been meditating on the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. Through resisting the temptations, Jesus rejects the traditional path of hoarding and wielding power. Instead, he chooses a different path of collective liberation and flourishing. In the same way, our Lenten practices can be a spiritual discipline to resist the temptations of individual power and choose collective flourishing. Read more at the link in my bio 🔗 #Lent #Lent2022 #spiritualpractice

I commend President Biden for the historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Everyone, no matter our race, faith or zip-code, deserves equal justice under the law. Confirming Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice will uphold these principles. Her nomination is a long overdue step toward a court that honors and reflects the dignity of all – including those who have been oppressed rather than protected by the law throughout our nation’s history. All too often in recent years, the Court has diluted rather than defended Americans’ equal dignity and equal protections. Americans of all faiths and no faith need a Court that will uphold our imperiled freedom to vote, our access to reproductive care, and our equality under the law. With her experience as a public defender and a judge on the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, I have no doubt that Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson will defend these freedoms for our generation and generations to come. ------ Full statement at the link in my bio 🔗

Trans kids are created in the image of God with inherent dignity and worth. They deserve to grow up in communities where they are loved, protected and able to access the healthcare they need. It’s shameful that a handful of Texas politicians are abusing their power to harm trans kids and their families. This is a deeply immoral, dehumanizing attempt to stoke fear and division to score political points. People of faith must honor the sacredness of trans kids by joining together in solidarity against every attack.

Last week I spoke to @lisasharper about her new book, Fortune. She cast a vision for how we can repair what race broke in the world through truth-telling and reparation. Now we have an opportunity to take action. Join Lisa and partners on Monday, February 28 for a #BlackFortuneMonth Day of Advocacy and Action! Check out the toolkit at ➡️ BlackFortuneMonth.com (link in my bio)

Today's the day! I'll be going live with @lisasharper tonight at 7pm ET to talk all about her new book, Fortune! You won't want to miss this.

My friend @lisasharper's book comes out today! Get your copy of Fortune now and then join me on Instagram Live on February 15 for a conversation with Lisa about her book, her story, and how we can repair the world together. Find more info about all the Black Fortune Month events at the link in my bio 🔗 #BlackFortuneMonth

On Friday, @nomikikonst interviewed me all about Christian Nationalism and the history of the religious right. Check it out at the link in my bio 🔗 and let me know what you think!

We can't wait any longer. Tomorrow, join us to demand that the Senate honors the #MLKLegacy and protects the freedom to vote. #WeWantVotingRights #DeliverForVotingRights www.deliverforvotingrights.com

The freedom to vote is sacred. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Freedom to Vote: John R Lewis Act. Now the bill is going back to the Senate. Read our full statement below 👇 ----------------------------------------- "Our freedom to vote is the foundation of every other freedom we have, and the Senate majority has a moral duty to defend it right now by passing the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. God granted all people dignity, which means we all deserve an equal voice in choosing our leaders – no matter our race, religion or ZIP code. But Republican politicians in 19 states have attacked our freedom and our dignity by putting up new barriers to voting that deliberately target Black, Brown, Asian and Native voters. In some states, they’ve even given partisan politicians the power to sabotage election results. Every Senator took an oath to defend the constitution. Senators must now use their majority to uphold that oath, rather than allowing arcane rules that have been used to uphold white supremacist policies for centuries to stand in the way of our sacred freedom to vote. History will judge every Senator’s actions at this moment of moral truth. The right choice couldn’t be any clearer. The Senate must pass the Freedom to Vote: John R Lewis Act now." -Rev. Jen Butler, CEO Faith in Public Life Action #VotingRightsNow #DeliverForVotingRights #FreedomToVoteAct #JohnLewis

This MLK Day, we will not accept empty promises in pursuit of Dr. King’s dream. On Jan. 17 we honor the #MLKLegacy by turning out in Washington, D.C. to call on President Biden & the Senate to eliminate the filibuster and pass the voting rights legislation our democracy needs. No celebration without legislation. #DeliverForVotingRights ➡️ deliverforvotingrights.com #VotingRightsNow

Much has been written about the horrific political violence that took place on January 6, 2021. However, it was also an act of religious violence. The insurrection was fueled by white Christian Nationalism rooted in heresies. In my most recent blog, I unpack three heresies at the core of Christian Nationalism and the antidotes we find in Scripture. As Christians, we must reclaim our faith and defend our democracy by countering the lies of Christian Nationalism. Link in bio to read more 🔗

One year ago today, white Christian nationalists attacked the US Capitol in a violent attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The terror unleashed on #January6 was stopped, but our democracy remains endangered. Today, people of faith are joining together and demanding that those responsible for the planning and execution of the attempted coup be held accountable and that Congress passes the #FreedomtoVoteAct to ensure that voters continue to decide election outcomes.

Since January 6 those who attacked our country continue to attack our elections and our votes. We can't stay silent. We are the flame of democracy. Join us. Click the link in my bio to read the full op-ed authored by the Auburn Senior Fellows and find ways to take action 🔗

Good morning DC!!

Happy snow day DC!

As we begin this new year, 2022, I have been reflecting on these words of the prophet Isaiah. It’s easy to dwell on the pain and tragedies of 2021. There is much to mourn, and it’s easy to become cynical in the face of it all. It’s harder to believe the promise found in Isaiah’s words. Even still, I am holding onto this radical vision that God, working in us, will lead us to a new earth, where justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an everlasting stream. It’s not by might as the world gives. And it is not done in certainty, but by having faith in the hope God has given us in Scripture. It’s done by all of us, contributing in the ways God has called us to. All of us, doing our work. God is making a way in the wilderness–and it’s happening through the cries and footsteps of those calling for a reckoning with democracy. The question for us is not: Will it happen? The question at hand for us is this: Can we see it? My prayer for us all in this new year is that we would see the new thing God is doing and would know the spiritual power we have to work with him to do it.

Is one of your New Year's resolutions to read more? Check out my book, "Who Stole my Bible? Reclaiming Scripture as a Handbook for Resisting Tyranny" 📚 (It's also available as an audiobook!) Links to purchase in my bio! 🔗 #WhoStoleMyBible

As I've been reflecting on 2021, I'm so grateful for the @FaithPublicLife team who I get to do this work with every day. [Note: This picture was taken at our holiday party a few weeks ago and everyone in it was vaccinated and had tested negative before attending.]

Merry Christmas! Today I'm reflecting on Howard Thurman's "When the Song of the Angels Is Stilled". As we remember and celebrate the birth of Christ, let's begin the work of Christmas together ❤️ "When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and the princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among people, To make music in the heart."

Home for the holidays and my mom just pulled this photo out for me. Here I am with my baby sister getting my start in ministry LOL. Every year I drafted worship services and pageants. I was lucky to have three young Siblings willing to cast. I had never seen a woman minister so it was decades before I could name this as a calling. By then I had to reconcile my faith with my growing feminism. I wrote some about this in my book. Like the shepherds, we are all on a journey and often surprised where we end up. We get lost along the way. My early passions often tell me who I really am.

This verdict is a step towards accountability. However, true justice would be Daunte Wright still alive today. #BlackLivesMatter #BlackLivesAreSacred

My own spiritual practice of Advent has recently brought me back to Mary’s song in Luke 1, also known as the Magnificat. In the midst of so much political chaos, I long for the confidence that Mary projects in this song. When confronted with authoritarian leaders and a lack of accountability for those who propped them up, I want to believe that God will cast the powerful from their thrones and lift up the lowly. I wonder how long we must wait to catch a glimpse of this ultimate justice. In the midst of the waiting, there is still reason to hope. It is God in us that allows us to participate in his great liberation work. Link in bio for my full reflection 🔗

We refuse to wait any longer for our elected officials to #DeliverForVotingRights. Join me to honor the #MLKLegacy by demanding Congress eliminate the filibuster to pass voting rights legislation now. Link in bio 🔗

I had the privilege to contribute to Word&Way's Unsettling Advent series about Advent in a time of insurrection. Read the whole reflection at the link in my bio 🔗 ------------------------ "Jesus modeled a life of self-sacrificial love and promoted the human dignity of all people. He didn’t overthrow empires by invading capitols but subverted autocracy through radical love and humility. The way of Jesus is marked not by insurrection but resurrection."

I'll be with @poorpeoplescampaign tomorrow at 12pm ET for a Moral Monday March on Washington, DC to tell Congress: Get It Done in 2021! It's time to protect the freedom to vote and have a #HolyRecovery. Click the link in my bio to join us 🔗

Yesterday we sent a letter urging Congress to pass #BuildBackBetter without adding any harmful amendments.  Members of Congress must not delay in passing what would be the most crucial, human dignity supportive legislation we’ve seen for the average American in quite some time. The provisions in this bill would advance us towards a society where every person can live with dignity.  Click the link in my bio to read the full statement and to email your Senator to tell them to pass Build Back Better! 🔗

As faith leaders we celebrate with folks in times of joy and remembrance. And we tear down the barriers that prevent our neighbors from flourishing. We combat misinformation and white supremacist repression, so everyone can vote, everyone can get vaccinated, and everyone can protect their communities from conspiracy theories. We’ve watched faith be weaponized in an effort to uproot democracy, rob people of color of their freedom to vote, discriminate against LGBTQ+ people and disrupt the COVID vaccine rollout. In these hard moments, our faith leaders don’t turn their backs. We sit with our communities in the mess, we build trust, and we pull through by pulling together. We counter white Christian nationalist violence, we advance morally just policies and we empower people to provide a secure future for us all! LINK IN BIO - Join us on #GivingTuesday as we look forward to building a strong powerful community in 2022!

TODAY at 4pm ET, I will be joining @faithpubliclife organizers for our virtual fundraising event “Sitting in the Mess”. Come hear how we ground our work and commitment to human dignity and justice in the sacred. Join us to learn how we can pull through by pulling together. RSVP now with the link in my bio 🔗

Today as I’m surrounded by reminders to give thanks, I’m wrestling with the painful history of this holiday. Giving thanks is an integral part of many faith traditions. It is an act of worship and a practice of humility -- to recognize that the good things in our lives are not earned but are gifts from God. However, for many today is not a day of thanksgiving but a day of lament. As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 calls me to give thanks in all circumstances, Romans 12:15 calls me to mourn with those who mourn. As people of faith we must do both. Today I mourn for the genocide of Native Americans perpetrated by white colonizers (often in the name of Jesus) which was foundational to the formation of this country and the root of this holiday. I mourn for the ongoing violence perpetrated against Native communities. I lament with those who lament today and humbly repent for the ways I too have been complicit in their continued oppression. As families gather around tables across the country to give thanks, I pray that we would be reminded of how precious all our neighbors are, created in the image of God. May we create a nation where the dignity of each person is honored and every person can thrive. #thanksgiving