Podcast by Elizabeth Grady-Harper & Ivy Long
25 June 2025
In this special podcast episode we get an introduction to our amazing summer intern, Sarah Adegbite, a a master of theological studies candidate at Harvard Divinity School. In this conversation Sarah and Elizabeth delve into the intricate relationship between Decolonial Christianity and slavery, with Sarah sharing her academic insights on how Christian theology both justified and, surprisingly, offered liberation to enslaved people, while highlighting the challenges of documenting these histories through biased archives. She also discusses the vital work of churches acknowledging their historical complicity in slavery, a necessary step for healing and understanding. The conversation then moves to the concept of decolonial lament, emphasizing that it's not a one-time apology but a continuous process of acknowledging historical truths and the profound damage caused, resisting the urge to quickly "fix" things. Finally, Sarah introduces her exciting initiative: a housing justice database for Massachusetts, designed to connect churches and Christians with resources for education, volunteering, and advocacy to address housing insecurity, a project Elizabeth enthusiastically supports for its potential to systematize knowledge and mobilize communities. This database will be presented to our community and we encourage listeners to check out the Housing Justice page on our website in the coming weeks for more information and resources.
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19:48
11 June 2025
In this episode of "Let's Talk Faith and Justice," hosts Elizabeth and Ivy delve into the challenging task of navigating current world events through the lens of faith, emphasizing the grace of taking each moment as it comes. Ivy shares how the comforting words of Proverbs 3:5-6, especially in "The Message" translation, have offered solace and grounding by lovingly guiding her to trust in God and lean not on her own understanding, acknowledging Him not just in her actions but also in her thoughts and mindset. The discussion highlights the vital role of community, exemplified by their "Lament, Learn and Act" cohort, as a space for vulnerability and shared burdens, echoing the communal roots of Christianity. Together Elizabeth and Ivy reflect on the painful impact of events like ICE raids and cuts to global health funding, leading to a deeper, more compassionate exploration of how faith traditions and disciplines, much like the reading of scripture such as the Psalms of David, tenderly offer strength and guidance for enduring and acting with love in an uncertain future. Listeners are warmly invited to share their own experiences of finding comfort and enacting change within their spiritual journeys.
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18:39
28 May 2025
From an English degree at Holy Cross to foreign exchange trading and even culinary arts in Paris, Carrie Coughlin's varied career ultimately led her to her true calling: nonprofit work. Now the Executive Director of Friends of Boston's Homeless, Carrie discusses the organization's mission, and wide array of programming and services, Carrie also discusses how listeners can engage with their community. A key part of the conversation centers on providing a deeper understanding of what unhoused individuals face, defining terms such as "wraparound services" and the severe impact of federal funding cuts on "Friends," which has resulted in a surge of requests from families and a pressing need for more resources, like beds for children. Carrie also shares about a $25,000 matching challenge for their Family Support Fund and upcoming events, all aimed at fostering greater compassion and empathy for those experiencing homelessness.
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39:55
14 May 2025
Tune in to this special podcast episode with Brandy Brooks, a new friend of Ivy's through our "When We Walk By" book group, but a longtime friend of BFJN! In this discussion Brandy and Ivy discuss their faith journeys, what brought them to BFJN, the importance of aligning one's actions with God's teachings, and the need for Christians today to live out their faith authentically. They explored the disconnect between Christian values and actions, emphasizing the importance of repentance, community building, and understanding God's nature through His word, making reference to various passages throughout both the Old and New Testament. Brandy expresses hope and praise for God's truth shining through despite human error, distortions and failures and proposes a vision for faith leaders in Massachusetts coming together to lament, confess, and recommit to living out God's word with a deep focus on justice.
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54:34
30 April 2025
Tune in to this podcast episode with special guest Jennifer Frye, Executive Director of WARM (Welcoming Refugee Alliance Ministry). shared her life story, highlighting her early experiences with God and how they shaped her sensitivity to the marginalized and underprivileged. She discussed her decision to become a nurse, her desire to use her skills to help those with limited access to medical care, and her realization of never having read the Bible cover-to-cover. This led her to take a class called Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, which inspired her to form the nonprofit, WARM, who seeks to see the Church welcome and care for every refugee God has brought to our cities.
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35:16
09 April 2025
Join Elizabeth and Ivy for a time of reflection after finishing BFJN's book club reading of "When We Walk By: Forgotten Humanity, Broken Systems, and the Role We Can Each Play in Ending Homelessness in America".
This book, written by Kevin F. Adler and Donald W. Burnes recasts chronic homelessness as a byproduct of twin crises: the failure of both our social services systems and our humanity. The book also uses social analyses, economic and political histories, and the real stories of our unhoused neighbors to demonstrate what we stand to gain when we embrace our humanity and move toward evidence-based people-first, community-driven solutions.
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