Episode 4: Faith or Fear?

Faith Against Stigma Episode 4In Episode Four of the Faith Against Stigma Podcast, Iya Dr. Funlayo E. Wood, and Rev. Dr. Daran H. Mitchell,  discusses faith, stigma, and fear among religious leaders. They contend that faith cannot exist with fear, and in order for the Black Church to move beyond toxic theologies they need to rise above their fears.  With an emphasis on God's power and the need for more education, Dr. Wood and Dr. Mitchell focuses on the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding HIV by talking openly about sexuality, drug use, and other factors that contribute to viral transmission. They believe that creating safe spaces for people to discuss their issues and seek help from a higher power can help combat HIV-related stigma.  Education and connection to one another is key to creating beloved community.Featured Guests:IYA DR. FUNLAYO E. WOOD  affectionately known as "Your Favorite Scholar-Priestess," is an initiated priestess,  intuitive tarot reader, meditation teacher, and South Carolina- and Virginia-descended Hoodoo whose mantra is “Scholarship, Service, and Spirit!” Spirit permeates both her scholarship and her service, and she founded Ase Ire in 2010 as a place to share her spiritual gifts and the things she has learned from her teachers with the world, especially with those new to African Spirituality. REV. DR. DARAN H. MITCHELL is Pastor of Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church in Greensboro, NC and Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology at Hood Theological Seminary. Dr. Mitchell earned the Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, in Religion/Philosophy-Liberal Studies from Bethune-Cookman College, the Master of Divinity degree from Hood Theological Seminary, and the Doctor of Ministry degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University. Dr. Mitchell has served congregations in Tennessee, North and South Carolina, New York, and is now the pastor of Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church, Greensboro, North Carolina.The COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center, at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, focuses on educating and preparing ministry and nonprofit leaders to address HIV and faith in the Southern US. Through the Center, the Black Faith & HIV Initiative is a signature program of the School of Divinity and works to empower faith communities to address HIV and other health disparities and promote whole-person wellbeing.