Episode 37: How To Treat Everyone As A Valuable Child Of God: Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford

How can we be more like Jesus in this world of pain, suffering, and evil? Is it our responsibility as Christians to care for the oppressed? The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford guides us in answering these kinds of questions with empathy and compassion. She candidly shares her upbringing in the Baptist church, her divine call to preach, and becoming a civil rights attorney. She once was given an ultimatum by her church to choose between her faith and who she is. She has tirelessly shown Christ's love by fighting for the rights of immigrants, sex trafficked victims, multiple cultures, races, and the LGBT community. She gives us practical advice on how to deal with a family member who has comes out with grace and love. Also, she explains why we shouldn't talk with loved ones about politics and religion. Our interview is filled with powerful storytelling, inspirational scripture verses, and valuable resources to change your community for Christ. A free course is offered for all the listeners! Bio: The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford is a civil rights attorney representing society’s most marginalized. An Episcopal priest, she earned her Doctor of Ministry in political theology from Pacific School of Religion. Dr. Ledford founded Political Theology Matters, LLC, to help the faithful develop public theology mission for greater social justice. She writes, speaks, teaches and preaches about how to do political theology, all while protected by the First Amendment. Links for Podcast Show Notes from Marcia Ledford Email [email protected] Website https://www.politicaltheologymatters.com Media Resources https://www.politicaltheologymatters.com/media The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford’s blog https://www.politicaltheologymatters.com/blog Harvard Implicit Bias Testing (on numerous topics) https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/education.html Civil Discourse Training offered via The Episcopal Church For Individuals: https://www.churchnext.tv/library/instruments-of-peace-a-guide-to-civil-discourse/109671/about/ For Groups: https://www.churchnext.tv/library/instruments-of-peace-a-guide-to-civil-discourse/109671/about/ A Spirituality of Resistance Great resource for the spirituality of resistance. Roger writes about creation care, but the concepts are applicable to any issue. The spirituality of resistance involves doing the inner work to discover what your passions are. Then you join with others sharing these common goals to work for justice and the greater good. https://www.amazon.com/How-Think-Theologically-Howard-Stone/dp/0800699327?asin=0800699327&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1 Be sure to get the latest (third, I think) edition of this wonderful book. It’s about understanding our “embedded” theology, that which we grew up absorbing and believing,  As we grow up and grow in faith, we often realize that what we’re taught often doesn’t relate to our life. The authors, Stone and Duke are seminary professors. They do a great job writing about how we are all theologians, whether we have a bunch of letters after our names or not. That’s because we all must navigate our society, current events, and or daily life as people of faith. This is a great book for “evangelicals” and those who are “deconstructing” their faith. Family Acceptance Project (Resources for LGBTQ youth, families, and caregivers) https://familyproject.sfsu.edu Several publications are available by giving your email address and zip code The Saint Helena Psalter (Church Publishing, 2004) Inclusive language version of the 150 Psalms found in the Bible Excellent text for LGBTQ populations Links for LGBTQ people of faith LGBTQ Resources from The Episcopal Church https://www.episcopalchurch.org/who-we-are/lgbtq/organizations/  The Human Rights Campaign (interfaith resources) https://www.hrc.org/resources/faith-resoures The National LGBTQ Task Force