Marlena Graves: The dangers of money, power and influence Season 1. Episode 9 of Messy Jesus Business, hosted by Sister Julia Walsh IN THIS EPISODE: In episode nine, Sister Julia speaks with Marlena Graves the author of The Way Up Is Down. They discussed her new book and its message about downward mobility and discipleship, how justiceContinue reading “Marlena Graves: The dangers of money, power and influence”
Tag Archives: power
Outsiders help the church grow
The 2015 movie Spotlight shows the painful and vital role of the outsider in exposing the systemic sex abuse perpetrated by clergy throughout Boston, and the U.S. Key outsiders, including the Jewish editor of the Boston Globe, the Armenian attorney representing survivors of abuse, and, most importantly, the survivors themselves, unlocked this horrific cover-up. OneContinue reading “Outsiders help the church grow”
Serving up accountability this holiday season
Thanksgiving in the United States is often a time to come together with family, friends and whomever else we call community. My favorite memories of Thanksgiving are around the table sharing food, memories full of warmth, comfort and a feeling of belonging. But as I grew up, I also learned about the real history behindContinue reading “Serving up accountability this holiday season”
Toward the fire
In 2002, during the months in which the The Boston Globe released the findings of its investigation into wrong doing on behalf of the Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Boston, I was a high school junior preparing for confirmation. The investigation exposed a widespread pattern of sexual abuse from several Catholic priests, five ofContinue reading “Toward the fire”
Being part of a Church broken by sex abuse and lies
Imagine you were violently attacked and dropped off a balcony into a dark alley, and somehow you survived. Your body is broken, bloody, mangled; you are twisted and contorted into a mess upon cracked asphalt. Your arms and legs are shattered. The most private parts of you have been violated. All of your muscles acheContinue reading “Being part of a Church broken by sex abuse and lies”
A litany for the teens in Parkland, FL
Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. –2 Corinthians 6:2 Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. For our failure to protect children, God, have mercy. For our failure to elect leaders who protect lives, God, have mercy. For our failure toContinue reading “A litany for the teens in Parkland, FL”
MLK Day and choosing white discomfort
I don’t believe that remembering Martin Luther King Jr. and the movement that he represented is supposed to be comfortable for us white folks. And I wonder what we might learn if, on this national holiday created in his honor, we were to sit with his speeches that most challenge — not affirm — ourContinue reading “MLK Day and choosing white discomfort”
#MeToo, #ChurchToo and the hope in breaking the silence
The courage and resilience of survivors of sexual assault choosing to share their stories gives me hope. The wave of very public accounts of sexual assault and misconduct sweeping the United States, for many, has made what once seemed safe and certain seem suddenly dangerous and frightening. For those recently opening their eyes to theContinue reading “#MeToo, #ChurchToo and the hope in breaking the silence”
The wonderful inconvenience of love
Happy Valentine’s Day!! I love this day so much because this is a day when we can celebrate and praise God for the gift of the strongest force in the universe: love! Love is the foundation of Christian living. Love is what drives us disciples to do what the world may not ever understand. LoveContinue reading “The wonderful inconvenience of love”
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. meditation: “Peace on Earth” is a call to action
Happy Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day to all of you! What are you doing to honor the legacy of Dr. King today? Please, let us allow ourselves to be disturbed and transformed on this national holiday. This is not a day for sentimental history lessons. It is not a day to rest norContinue reading “Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. meditation: “Peace on Earth” is a call to action”