Jennifer Webb (D) and Kurt Kelly (R): The Politics of Proximity and Peace

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] does it actually take to cool down American politics without compromising your convictions? In this episode, former Florida state representatives Jennifer Webb (D) and Kurt Kelly (R) join Faithful Politics to share how their unlikely partnership is helping Floridians rebuild trust and truth through Sunshine 100—a cross-partisan network supported by The Carter Center.They unpack what “truth in politics” really means, why facts alone aren’t enough, and how small acts of proximity—like serving at a food pantry or walking a neighbor to an immigration hearing—can do more to prevent political violence than any debate ever will. This conversation isn’t about kumbaya civility; it’s about hard, disciplined empathy and courage in the public square.Whether you’re a pastor, teacher, or just someone tired of shouting matches, this episode gives you a practical blueprint for reclaiming democracy from the ground up.Guests Bio:Jennifer WebbJennifer Webb is a former Florida state representative who made history as the first out lesbian elected to the Florida legislature. Trained as a cultural anthropologist, she has spent her career bridging divides between faith, politics, and community life. Webb now co-leads Sunshine 100, a Carter Center–supported, cross-partisan network that helps Floridians strengthen truth in politics and prevent political violence. Her work focuses on fostering dialogue, civic education, and practical collaboration across ideological lines.Kurt KellyKurt Kelly is a former Florida state representative and CEO of the Florida Coalition for Children. A lifelong Republican and ordained minister, Kelly has dedicated decades to public service, education, and child advocacy. As co-leader of Sunshine 100, he partners with Democrats, independents, and faith leaders to lower the temperature of political discourse and promote evidence-based, nonviolent engagement. His approach combines conviction, compassion, and a deep belief in the redemptive power of community service. Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: [email protected] Wright, Political Host: [email protected] Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast