GOOD ON WOOD

In today’s episode of Good on Wood, we are joined by the one and only Dr. Aubrey Hendricks to explore the profound life and enduring legacy of Trinity UCC’s Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. A towering figure in black theology, pastoral ministry, rooted in faith, justice, and community service … we consider together Wright’s brilliance as an orator and exegete of the scriptures, social activism, afrocentrism and deep love for his community. We also delves into his relationship with Barack Obama, the violence he endured amid the 2008 presidential campaign and the cruciform costs of prophetic ministry.ABOUT DR OBERY HENDRICK, JR.A lifelong social activist, Obery Hendricks is one of the foremost commentators on the intersection of religion and political economy in America. He is the most widely read and perhaps the most influential African American biblical scholar writing today. Cornel West calls him “one of the last few grand prophetic intellectuals.”A widely sought lecturer and media spokesperson, Dr. Hendricks’ appearances include CNN, MSNBC, CBS, Fox News, Fox Business News, the Discovery Channel, PBS, BBC, NHK Japan Television and the Bloomberg Network. He has provided running event commentary for National Public Radio, MSNBC, and the al-Jazeera and Aspire international television networks.He is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at The Democracy Collaborative in Washington, DC; has been an Affiliated Scholar at the Center for American Progress; was a Senior Fellow at The Opportunity Agenda social justice communications think tank; is on the Advisory Board of the Institute of Christian Socialism; and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI).Dr. Hendricks has been a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post and Salon.com, a former editorial advisor to the award-winning Tikkun magazine, and a contributing editor to The Encyclopedia of Politics and Religion. The Dictionary of Biblical Interpretation has called his work “the boldest post-colonial writing ever seen in Western biblical studies.”Hendricks’ bestselling book, The Politics of Jesus: Rediscovering the True Revolutionary Nature of Jesus’ Teachings and How They Have Been Corrupted (Doubleday, 2006), was declared “essential reading for Americans” by the Washington Post. Social commentator Michael Eric Dyson proclaimed it “an instant classic” that “immediately thrusts Hendricks into the front ranks of American religious thinkers.”FOLLOW US⁠@goodonwood.podcast⁠@ststephensuniversity⁠⁠@jfi_ssu⁠⁠@steveschallert⁠⁠@jarrodmckenna⁠To learn more about St Stephen’s University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.ca

In this inspiring interview, Emily Yellin, acclaimed journalist and life long friend, shares her profound journey of documenting Rev James Lawson’s life, his unwavering commitment to nonviolence, and the power of love in the struggle for justice. Rev Lawson, whom Dr Martin Luther King Jr described as "the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world" was in many ways the architect of the American Freedom Movement. For over 50 years Rev Lawson resisted, agitated and loved his way through the darkness of American racism, imperialism and state violence, paving the way for thousands to follow in his footsteps. As we explore Emily Yellin’s profound new book, “Nonviolence: A Memoir of Resistance, Agitation, and Love” which she co-authored with Lawson in the years before his passing in 2024, we traverse Lawson’s story, spirituality, philosophy of nonviolence, and enduring influence on social justice practitioners and movements today.ABOUT EMILY YELLINEmily Yellin is a journalist, writer, and producer. A longtime contributor to The New York Times and author of two other books, she produced a ten-part video series, 1,300 Men: Memphis Strike ‘68, for The Root. She first met Rev. Lawson when she was five, while attending elementary school in Memphis with his eldest son, John.ABOUT THE BOOK - NONVIOLENT: A MEMOIR OF RESISTANCE, AGITATION AND LOVE.Rev. Lawson was one of the most influential yet unheralded heroes of the civil rights era. He rose as a strategist, teacher, and organizer in pivotal campaigns on the national stage against racial and economic injustice.Lawson’s memoir spans 95 years, but it begins far from the spotlight in a large, working-class Ohio family. The son and grandson of Methodist ministers, he receives his license to preach before graduating from high school.Lawson goes on to serve time in prison for refusing the Korean War draft, and learns from independence movements during three years in India and Africa. He then fortifies the principles of a new American Revolution when he teaches nonviolent direct action centered in love and moral clarity to the Little Rock Nine, the Mississippi Freedom Summer volunteers, and countless others. He also becomes a leader in the 1960 Nashville sit-ins, the 1963 Birmingham campaign, the 1966 Meredith March Against Fear, and the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike.Nonviolent delivers an intimate self-portrait of Lawson as a man who recognized the inherent dignity of everyone, and challenged all forms of violence, including police brutality, enforced poverty, and what he called plantation capitalism. It shows his quest for justice continuing in Los Angeles well into the 21st century, as he helped foster a more inclusive labor movement and an enduring immigrant rights movement.Nonviolent is a riveting historical narrative from a central figure in global liberation and a testament to compelling a nation to live up to its founding ideals of liberty and justice for all.Buy the book!FOLLOW US⁠@goodonwood.podcast⁠@ststephensuniversity⁠⁠@jfi_ssu⁠⁠@steveschallert⁠⁠@jarrodmckenna⁠To learn more about St Stephen’s University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.ca

In today’s episode of Good on Wood we speak with Martha & Kate Hennessy about their grandmother, Dorothy Day.Join us in this rich conversation as we delve into Dorothy’s life and witness, her spiritual evolution, the birth of the Catholic Worker Movement and her lasting impact upon the world. This episode explores her unwavering commitment to nonviolence, hospitality, and radical love, inspiring a new generation to live the works of mercy against the works of war.“We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” - Dorothy DayABOUT MARTHA HENNESSYMartha Hennessy, seventh grandchild of Dorothy Day divides her time between the family farm in Vermont and practicing the works of mercy at Maryhouse Catholic Worker in New York City.She is 70, a retired occupational therapist, and grandmother of nine. She has been imprisoned protesting war and nuclear power/weapons, the use of drones, and the torture of prisoners in Guantanamo and US prisons.She has traveled to Russia, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Korea, and Palestine to understand the impact of United States foreign military policy and the effects on countries and families around the world.Martha travels and speaks on the topics of her Catholic faith, her grandmother Dorothy Day’s life, work in community, Catholic Social Teaching, war and peace, nuclear abolition, and peacemaking efforts in the tradition of the Catholic Worker movement.ABOUT KATE HENNESSYKate Hennessy is a writer and the youngest of Dorothy Day’s nine grandchildren. Her work has been included in Best American Travel Writing. She is the author of Dorothy Day: The World Will Be Saved By Beauty and, in collaboration with the photographer Vivian Cherry, Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker: The Miracle of our Continuance. Kate divides her time between Ireland and Vermont.RESOURCESDorothy Day: Selected WritingsCatholic Worker MovementEncyclicals on Social JusticeThe Dorothy Day GuildThe Long Lullaby by Dorothy DayFOLLOW US⁠@goodonwood.podcast⁠@ststephensuniversity⁠⁠@jfi_ssu⁠⁠@steveschallert⁠⁠@jarrodmckenna⁠To learn more about St Stephen’s University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.caMusic for this episode provided by John & David from ⁠The Brilliance⁠ and our own Steve Schallert.

In today’s episode of Good on Wood we speak with Dr Laurens van Esch, the Assistant Professor of Political Philosophy and Associate Coordinator of Reconciliation Studies at St Stephen’s University, about the radical life and profound contributions of Adam Curle, a significant figure in peace studies and Quakerism. Together we explore Curle’s influence on analyzing and naming the power dynamics present in conflict, the integration of spirituality in activism, and the importance of awareness in peacemaking. Adam Curle’s legacy and relevance in today’s complex social landscape and his emphasis of the interconnectedness of all beings and the need to cultivate silence and internal reflection amid violence is age old wisdom which needs to be resurfaced again for todays fight against authoritarianism.ABOUT DR LAURENS VAN ESCHLaurens van Esch received a Bachelor’s degree in History (2006) and Master’s degrees in History (2007) and in Philosophy (2011) from Utrecht University. In 2023, he completed his PhD in Philosophy, also at Utrecht University. In 2015, he started teaching at St. Stephen’s University, where he currently serves as Assistant Professor of Political Philosophy as well as Associate Coordinator of Reconciliation Studies.Laurens’ research and teaching interests straddle the boundary between the disciplines of cultural history and political philosophy. He loves to reflect on how the study of the past relates to the pursuit of justice in the present, and is particularly interested in the power of story, religion, and commemorative practices within emancipatory social movements.Out of the classroom, Laurens has participated in various forms of Indigenous solidarity efforts, mainly through and in partnership with Community Peacemaker Teams, Mennonite Church Canada and the German Mennonite Peace Committee. This included advocacy work in support of the Grassy Narrows First Nation (2012-2013), a 500 km ‘Honour Walk’ to honour the survivors of Residential Schools (2014), a short stint at Standing Rock (2016) and a 600 km ‘Pilgrimage for Indigenous Rights’ to Ottawa (2017).FOLLOW US⁠@goodonwood.podcast⁠@ststephensuniversity⁠⁠@jfi_ssu⁠⁠@steveschallert⁠⁠@jarrodmckenna⁠To learn more about St Stephen’s University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.caMusic for this episode provided by John & David from ⁠The Brilliance⁠ and our own Steve Schallert.

In today’s episode of Good on Wood we speak with Kevin Clarke, Senior Editor and Chief Corespondent for America Magazine and author of “Oscar Romero: Love Must Win Out,” about the profound life and death of Oscar Romero. Together we explore his story, the turbulent political context of his time, the history of El Salvador and the prophetic courage he displayed in the face of oppression and state violence. The lessons we can learn from Romero’s commitment to love and justice are of incredible importance to our own political climate and the demands of the Gospel upon our lives to speak truth to power.GOOD ON WOOD IS NOW ON SUBSTACK!COME JOIN THE COMMUNITY - goodonwoodpodcast.substack.comABOUT KEVIN CLARKEKevin Clarke is chief correspondent for America Media, the author of Oscar Romero: Love Must Win Out (Liturgical Press) and a columnist for U.S. Catholic magazine.FOLLOW US⁠@goodonwood.podcast⁠@ststephensuniversity⁠⁠@jfi_ssu⁠⁠@steveschallert⁠⁠@jarrodmckenna⁠To learn more about St Stephen’s University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.caMusic for this episode provided by John & David from ⁠The Brilliance⁠, our own Steve Schallert, Peter, Paul and Mary, and The Martyrs Project.

In today’s episode of Good on Wood we speak with Frida Berrigan, Clare Grady & Jackie Allen about the profound impact of Elizabeth McAlister's life, teachings and half a century of activism. Together we reflect on personal stories, letters exchanged, and the significance of Liz's activism within the Catholic Worker Movement and the Plowshares Movement. They discuss her early life, the challenges she faced, and the importance of community and spirituality in her resistance to the Vietnam War and Nuclear Weapons. The dialogue emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal experiences and political activism, highlighting Liz's legacy as a symbol of light and hope for the world. About Frida Berrigan Frida Berrigan lives in New London, CT with her husband and three kids. She is an urban farmer and community activist, organizing around affordable home ownership with the Southeastern Connecticut Community Land Trust, and against the ever stretching shadow of militarism with the Connecticut Committee on Nuclear Prohibition. She serves on the board of Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center in PA and organizes locally with the People’s Budget Coalition. She writes periodically for WagingNonviolence, TomDispatch.Com and In These Times, and is the author of the 2015 book “It Runs In The Family: On Being Raised By Radicals And Growing Into Rebellious Motherhood” (OR Books). Last year, she authored Our Fast Matters, a booklet of 40 Lenten reflections for Pax Christi USA. About Clare Grady Clare Grady is an American peace activist and a member of the Catholic Worker and the Plowshares movements. She advocated against use of cruise missiles for first-strike capability in the 1983 Griffiss Plowshares action. In 2003, she and three others made up The Saint Patrick's Day Four, who conducted a protest action at a military recruiting centre in Lansing, New York against the impending Iraq War. She participated in the Kings Bay Plowshares action on April 4, 2018, which resulted in a conviction and sentence of one year and a day. A mother and grandmother, Clare spent two decades working at Loaves & Fishes, an Ithaca-based kitchen which provides free meals, hospitality, companionship and advocates for those in need. About Jackie AllenJackie Allen Doucot is a life long Plowshares activist, artist, Water Protector, Catholic Worker, Spiritual Companion and a member of the Atlantic Life Community. She can be reached at - hartfordcatholicworker.orgRESOURCES:The Berrigan - McAlister Archives (DePaul University)Nuclear Weapons Ruined My Life by. Frida Berrigan Frida’s Book - “It Runs in the Family”Hit & Stay DocumentaryFOLLOW [email protected]@ststephensuniversity@jfi_ssu@steveschallert@jarrodmckennaTo learn more about St Stephen's University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.caMusic for this episode provided by John & David from The Brilliance,  and our own Steve Schallert

In today’s episode of Good on Wood we speak with the TOWER of Black Theology in South Africa, Prof. Itumeleng Mosala and the Director of Urban African Solidarity at Iziko Lamaqabane, Nkosi Gola about the life and legacy of Steven Bantu Biko. The conversation delves deep into the profound impact of Black Consciousness and Black Theology on the struggle for liberation in South Africa, particularly through the lens of Biko's life and work. Together we reflect on Biko's spirituality, his role in student movements, and the impact of his death on the political landscape. We also address the misrepresentation of Biko in popular culture and emphasize the importance of understanding his contributions to human dignity and revolutionary politics. About Dr. Itumeleng Mosala Prof Mosala is one of the most outstanding South African academics and public intellectuals in the country. His outstanding influence in the academic and public domains has distinguished him as a significant contributor to the academic field of theology (especially Old Testament Studies), tertiary education, politics and public life.Prof Mosala’s career as a lecturer in Theology stems from his service as a minister in the Methodist Church (1972 to 1977). Thereafter, he taught Theology and Biblical Hermeneutics at some of the finest universities in the world over a period of 15 years (1980 to 1995). Between 1980 to 1982, he taught Biblical Studies, Theology of Liberation, African Traditional Religions and Hebrew at the University of Botswana. From 1983 to 1994, he had tenure at the University of Cape Town, where he held the positions of lecturer, senior lecturer, associate professor, professor and head of department, teaching Black Theology, African Religion and Biblical Studies. Between 1991 and 1993, he was a visiting lecturer at Wesley House College at the University of Cambridge (UK). Together with other great black leaders and theologians, Prof Mosala established South African Black Theology. In this regard, his book Biblical Hermeneutics and Black Theology in South Africa (1987) remains one of the definitive statements of South African Black Theology.His career in the public service started as a Chief Director for Higher Education in the National Department of Education during the presidency of Nelson Mandela, 1995 to 1998. After a stint as Vice Chancellor and Principal at the Technikon North West, 1998 to 2003, he returned to the public service as the Director-General for the National Department of Arts and Culture.The President of the Republic, Cyril M. Ramaphosa, appointed Prof. Itumeleng Mosala a Commissioner of the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers on 15 November 2019.He holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Cape Town, M.A from University of Manchester, UK, and an MBA from The Open University, UK.About Nkosi GolaComrade Gola serves as the Director of Urban African Solidarity, Black Church & Black Theology Engagement, and Programs Manager for Iziko Lamaqabane. Iziko Lamaqabane is on a pilgrimage to heal colonial wounds, disrupt systemic violence, and cultivate faith formed by and expressed in liberative praxis. By working in relational solidarity with urban peace and justice practitioners throughout Africa, Iziko serves those active at the site of struggle by facilitating spaces of retreat, exchange and collective learning grounded at the intersection of anabaptism, black liberation theology & critical consciousness.FOLLOW US⁠@goodonwood.podcast⁠@ststephensuniversity⁠⁠@jfi_ssu⁠⁠@steveschallert⁠⁠@jarrodmckenna⁠To learn more about St Stephen's University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.caMusic for this episode provided by John & David from ⁠The Brilliance⁠, Playing for Change, and our own Steve Schallert

In today's episode of Good on Wood (*part two of two) we continue our conversation with Robert Ellsberg & Nancy Forest about the life and legacy of Jim Forest, lifelong peace activist, contemplative and prolific writer. We also spend some time in dialog with Dr Andrew Klager from the Jim Forest Institute for Religion, Peace & Justice, exploring the significant impact Jim had on his life and the the ways in which JFI continues Jim’s work by training a new generation of peacebuilding. About Robert EllsbergRobert Ellsberg is the editor-in-chief and publisher of Orbis Books, where he has worked for 38 years. His friendship with Jim Forest endured for fifty years, including his work editing twelve of Jim's books for Orbis. In his youth, he served (like Jim) as managing editor of The Catholic Worker, and went on to edit six volumes of Dorothy Day's writings, including her diaries and letters. He has also written many books on saints and moral witnesses, including All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets and Witnesses for Our Time and Blessed Among Us (drawn from his daily contributions to Give Us This Day. About Nancy Forest Nancy Forest is a Dutch-English literary translator living in Alkmaar, the Netherlands. She and Jim Forest were married in 1982, although their friendship started in 1974 when they were both working at the Fellowship of Reconciliation in Nyack, New York. In 1989 they became partners in a business they called Forest-Flier Editorial Services, but their partnership extended far beyond that and included raising children, prayer, reading books and poetry together, editing each other’s work, travel, and trying to make sense of it all. In 2004 Jim was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure and began kidney dialysis. In 2007 Nancy donated a kidney to him. As Jim wrote in his dedication to Nancy in his last book, Eyes of Compassion: Learning from Thich Nhat Hanh, they were “collaborators in just about everything.”jimandnancyforest.comAbout Andrew Phillip KlagerDr. Andrew Phillip Klager is the Provost & Vice-Chancellor of St. Stephen's University; founding Director of The Jim Forest Institute for Religion, Peace & Justice; and Professor of Religion and Peace Studies. He lives in Yarrow, British Columbia with his wife of 22+ years and three children, with another who has already flown the coop and lives nearby in Aldergrove, and is an avid Red Sox fan, loves to read, and has a deep appreciation for art, poetry, and music, especially as they intersect with theology and peacebuilding. Andrew earned a PhD in Religious Studies and History from the University of Glasgow focusing on Anabaptist-Mennonite history and theology including the 16th-century Anabaptist peace tradition(s) and has completed continuing studies in Interfaith Conflict Resolution and Conflict Analysis from the United States Institute of Peace. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Nancy’s obituary for Jim:https://incommunion.org/2023/04/09/no-borders-remembering-jim-by-nancy-forest/Robert’s obituary for Jim in the National Catholic Reporter:https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/author-jim-forest-chronicler-giants-day-and-berrigan-strengthened-manyOrbis Books Jim Forest Page:https://orbisbooks.com/search?q=Jim+Forest&options%5Bprefix%5D=lastRobert’s reflection on his lifelong friendship with Jim: https://incommunion.org/2023/05/03/jim-forest-a-pilgrimage-of-friendship-by-robert-ellsberg/Jim's Flickr page:https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimforest/FOLLOW US⁠@goodonwood.podcast⁠@ststephensuniversity⁠⁠@jfi_ssu⁠⁠@steveschallert⁠⁠@jarrodmckenna⁠To learn more about St Stephen's University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.caMusic for this episode provided by John & David from ⁠The Brilliance⁠ & our own Steve Schallert

In today's episode of Good on Wood (*part one of two) we speak to Robert Ellsberg & Nancy Forest about the life and legacy of Jim Forest, lifelong peace activist, contemplative and prolific writer. Our conversation weaves through his early years, his conversion to Catholicism and later to Russian Orthodoxy, his formative relationships with Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day, and Dan Berrigan and his participation in the Milwaukee 14 plowshares action for which he spent 13 months in prison. We also discuss Jim’s inner life and his struggle for meaning amid the movement.  About Robert EllsbergRobert Ellsberg is the editor-in-chief and publisher of Orbis Books, where he has worked for 38 years. His friendship with Jim Forest endured for fifty years, including his work editing twelve of Jim's books for Orbis. In his youth, he served (like Jim) as managing editor of The Catholic Worker, and went on to edit six volumes of Dorothy Day's writings, including her diaries and letters. He has also written many books on saints and moral witnesses, including All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets and Witnesses for Our Time and Blessed Among Us (drawn from his daily contributions to Give Us This Day. About Nancy Forest Nancy Forest is a Dutch-English literary translator living in Alkmaar, the Netherlands. She and Jim Forest were married in 1982, although their friendship started in 1974 when they were both working at the Fellowship of Reconciliation in Nyack, New York. In 1989 they became partners in a business they called Forest-Flier Editorial Services, but their partnership extended far beyond that and included raising children, prayer, reading books and poetry together, editing each other’s work, travel, and trying to make sense of it all. In 2004 Jim was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure and began kidney dialysis. In 2007 Nancy donated a kidney to him. As Jim wrote in his dedication to Nancy in his last book, Eyes of Compassion: Learning from Thich Nhat Hanh, they were “collaborators in just about everything.”Nancy’s most recently translated books include The Burgundians: A Vanished Empire by Bart Van Loo, and several children’s books: the Popcorn Bob series by Maranke Rinck, Mishka by Edward van de Vendel and Anoush Elman, and My Presentation Today is About the Anaconda by Bibi Dumon. Mishka is a story about a family of refugees, and Anaconda is a book by animals, about animals. Both these books received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist.jimandnancyforest.comADDITIONAL RESOURCES Nancy’s obituary for Jim:https://incommunion.org/2023/04/09/no-borders-remembering-jim-by-nancy-forest/Robert’s obituary for Jim in the National Catholic Reporter:https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/author-jim-forest-chronicler-giants-day-and-berrigan-strengthened-manyOrbis Books Jim Forest Page:https://orbisbooks.com/search?q=Jim+Forest&options%5Bprefix%5D=lastRobert’s reflection on his lifelong friendship with Jim: https://incommunion.org/2023/05/03/jim-forest-a-pilgrimage-of-friendship-by-robert-ellsberg/Jim's Flickr page:https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimforest/FOLLOW US⁠@goodonwood.podcast⁠@ststephensuniversity⁠⁠@jfi_ssu⁠⁠@steveschallert⁠⁠@jarrodmckenna⁠To learn more about St Stephen's University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.caMusic for this episode provided by John & David from ⁠The Brilliance⁠ & our own Steve Schallert

In today's episode of Good on Wood we speak to Dr Jeanne Theoharis about the life and legacy of Rosa Parks, exploring her role as a pivotal figure in the civil rights and black power movement in America. The conversation highlights her early activism, the impact of her faith, and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the movement both during and after the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The discussion also addresses the myths surrounding her legacy and emphasizes the importance of understanding her contributions within the broader context of social justice and global vision. Together we move "beyond the bus" to give the Mother of the Movement the honour she deserves. About Dr. Jeanne TheoharisJeanne Theoharis is Distinguished Professor of Political Science and History at Brooklyn College and the CUNY Graduate Center and the author or co-author of thirteen books and numerous articles on the civil rights and Black Power movements and the contemporary politics of race in the United States. Her new book King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life of Struggle Outside the South received starred reviews from both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly .  Her New York Times-bestselling biography The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks  won a 2014 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work Biography/Autobiography and the Letitia Woods Brown Award from the Association of Black Women Historians. It has been adapted into a documentary of the same name, directed by Johanna Hamilton and Yoruba Richen and executive produced by Soledad O’Brien for NBC-Peacock, where she served as a consulting producer.  The film won a Peabody Award, a Television Academy Honor Award, a Gracie Award for Historical Documentary, and the Eric Barnouw Award from the Organization of American Historians. Her book A More Beautiful and Terrible History: The Uses and Misuses of Civil Rights History won the 2018 Brooklyn Public Library Literary Prize in Nonfiction. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, MSNBC, Democracy Now, The Nation, TIME Magazine, the Atlantic, Boston Review, Salon, the Intercept, and the Chronicle of Higher Education.  FOLLOW US -⁠@goodonwood.podcast⁠@ststephensuniversity⁠⁠@jfi_ssu⁠⁠@steveschallert⁠⁠@jarrodmckenna⁠To learn more about St Stephen's University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.caMusic provided by John & David from ⁠The Brilliance⁠Additional music for this episode provided by Sweet Honey in the Rock & The Golden Gospel Singers

In today's episode of Good on Wood we speak to Rev. Ken Newell, Jonny Clark & Ed Petersen about the life and witness of the late Irish catholic priest and peacemaker Father Gerry Reynolds and his work to heal the wounds of North Ireland. Our conversation explores the complexities of "The Troubles," the historical context of British colonialism in Ireland, the importance of cultivating prophetic friendships across sectarian divides, and the ongoing struggle for justice and healing in Ireland. Together, the speakers emphasise the need for a nuanced understanding of the Irish identity and the significance of nonviolence in the pursuit of peace.About Reverend Ken NewellReverend Doctor Ken Newell is a minister and former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Ordained in 1968, he taught New Testament Studies in the Evangelical Church of Timor, Indonesia (1972 - 1975). In 1976 he received a call to Fitzroy Presbyterian Church in Belfast and served there until his retirement in 2008. The Christian spirituality nurtured in Fitzroy during the Troubles found expression in a peace-building engagement within the city that was often seething with anger. In 1999, Ken's friendship with Father Gerry Reynolds of Clonard Monastery was recognised in the award of the Pax Christi International Peace Prize.About Jonny Clark Jonny Clark is the Public Theology Programme Manager for Corrymeela, Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation organisation. A facilitator and mediator, Jonny has been working for faith-based organisations for two decades. In addition, he has produced over 40 podcasts and a documentary by the same name: Guardians of the Flame. Jonny has devoted significant energy to the development of peace-building organisations around the world in post-conflict societies.FOLLOW US -⁠@goodonwood.podcast⁠@ststephensuniversity⁠⁠@jfi_ssu⁠⁠@steveschallert⁠⁠@jarrodmckenna⁠To learn more about St Stephen's University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.caMusic provided by John & David from ⁠The Brilliance⁠Opening music provided by Tommy Sands

In today's episode of Good on Wood we speak to Reverend René August & Reverend Edwin Arrison about the life and legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Focusing on their personal relationships to the Bishop and his early influences, spirituality, radical action, and the profound impact Tutu had on the fight against Apartheid in South Africa. Together we reflect on Tutu's teachings about joy, forgiveness, and the importance of doing “our little but of good” which when put together can overwhelm the world. May Desmond Tutu’s witness serve as a model for contemporary struggles against apartheid, fascism and injustice.About Rev. René August -René August was baptised in the United Congregational Church, confirmed Methodist and ordained Anglican. Born into a black Christian family in Apartheid South Africa meant that holding paradox, ambiguity, suspicion, survival with the ability for quick thinking, running fast and careful listening were some of the things you had to master if you were going to get through school. If you wanted to get through life with any kind of faith then you needed a few more tools in your belt. Growing up in Mitchell’s Plain meant early days of ministry happened there. Her first job was in an inner city church, where she discovered God’s love for cities, and her love for cities too. She has always worked in ecumenical contexts and enjoys variety.There are many things René loves and a few things she hates. She hates conflict enough to get involved in conflict transformation. She hates injustices enough to want to be involved in as many ways as are necessary to bring about justice in as many ways as possible. She hates the exploitation of our planet enough to want to work for its restoration. She loves the local church, she loves cricket, she loves food and people and being outside. She loves learning, but hates studying. She loves working in a team. In working at The Warehouse, René spends a lot of time with church leaders. She is passionate about finding new ways and tools to read our sacred texts in ways that help us connect it to our historical and contemporary contexts, so that we find new ways to live more faithfully in God’s story of love and recreation.About Rev. Edwin Arrison -Edwin Arrison is an Anglican priest who was ordained by Archbishop Tutu in 1992. He is the Chairperson of the Centre for Christian Spirituality and Development Officer for the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town, as well as the Director of the Volmoed Youth Leadership Training programme, of which Tutu was the patron.FOLLOW US -⁠@goodonwood.podcast⁠@ststephensuniversity⁠⁠@jfi_ssu⁠⁠@steveschallert⁠⁠@jarrodmckenna⁠To learn more about St Stephen's University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.caMusic provided by John & David from ⁠The Brilliance⁠A special thanks to the Tutu Legacy Foundation for audio archives and additional music used in this episode. 

In today's episode of Good on Wood we speak to Sami Awad (Co-Director of Nonviolence International & Founder of The Holy Land Trust) about the life and legacy of his uncle Mubarak Awad (oft referred to as “the Gandhi of Palestine”). In our conversation, Sami Awad shares personal anecdotes and historical context, highlighting the profound teachings of his grandmother, the impact of the Nakba on all Palestinian families, and the principles of nonviolent action which has shaped his uncle's activism until this day. The discussion also explores the challenge of promoting nonviolence in deeply traumatised societies, the importance of building complex relationships across divides, and the tension between academic theories of peace and the lived realities of grassroots activists. Through it all, Awad highlights the resilience and steadfastness required in the face of adversity, advocating for mercy, humility and costly collective action as essential components of effective resistance.About Sami AwadSami Awad is Co-Director of Nonviolence International, the organization founded by Mubarak Awad after he was deported by the Israeli government in 1988. Sami is also the Founder and the former Executive Director of Holy Land Trust in Bethlehem. Born in the United States to Palestinian parents; his father (originally from Jerusalem) became a refugee at the age of nine following his father’s death in the 1948 war leaving behind his wife and seven children. Sami’s mother is from the Gaza Strip where members of his family are still living. Growing up in a violent situation, at a young age Sami was influenced deeply by the teaching of his uncle Mubarak, the Palestinian activist who promoted and engaged in nonviolent resistance to the occupation during the first Intifadah. From a young age Sami was introduced to and influenced by great leaders and visionaries of peace and non-violence, from Jesus to Gandhi to Martin Luther King Jr.Sami holds a Doctoral Degree in Divinity from the Chicago Theological Seminary, a master's degree in international relations from the American University in Washington D.C. and an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Kansas.Today Sami is active both locally in Palestine and globally; promoting, teaching, and practicing nonviolent resistance, collective trauma healing, and conflict transformation. Join our⁠ 'Good on Wood' Learning Community on PATREON⁠ to grab early access to future episodes and participate in live interview recordings.FOLLOW US -⁠@goodonwood.podcast⁠@ststephensuniversity⁠⁠@jfi_ssu⁠⁠@steveschallert⁠⁠@jarrodmckenna⁠To learn more about St Stephen's University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.caMusic provided by John & David from ⁠The Brilliance⁠

In today's episode of Good on Wood we speak to Dr Bradley Jersak (SSU's Principle & Dean of Theology & Culture) about the profound life and philosophy of Simone Weil. Exploring together her political philosophy and anti-fascist radicalism, her mysticism and theological insights and ultimately revealing in her "praxis of incarnation." Simone Weil's insights into suffering and affliction, solidarity and attention, de-creation and kenotic love, along with her advocacy for rootedness make her witness deeply contemporary for our time. About Dr Bradley JersakDr. Bradley Jersak is the Principal of St. Stephen's University, Director of SSU School of Theology & Culture, and Professor of Religious Studies with the Jim Forest Institute. He lives in Abbotsford, British Columbia with his Eden, who co-pastors the Bridge Church. Finally empty nesters of three, they are now smitten with three grandchildren. After earning an MA and MDiv with concentrations in Biblical Studies, he spent twenty years serving in pastoral ministry. In 2009, Bradley commenced his studies and earned PhD in Theology from Bangor University in Wales, focusing on the Political Theology of George P. Grant and Simone Weil. He was also a visiting scholar at the University of Nottingham, where he focused on Patristic Christology. In 2012, he joined the New Testament faculty of Westminster Theological Centre (Cheltenham), where he taught for five years. Bradley began his relationship with St. Stephen’s in 2013 as adjunct faculty, eventually becoming faculty, Assoc. Dean of the Ministry Program, then Dean of Theology & Culture. Beginning May 1, 2023, he was appointed Principal of the university.  He is also author of over twenty books, including academic works in theology and philosophy, popular books including the “More Christlike” trilogy, along with two children’s books and a novel co-written with Wm. Paul Young (The Shack guy). Bradley was co-founder of Fresh Wind Press and its current successor, St. Macrina Press, edits for CWRmagazine, and is a co-founder and contributor at Clarion-Journal.ca.Join our 'Good on Wood' Learning Community on PATREON to grab early access to future episodes and participate in live interview recordings.FOLLOW US [email protected]@ststephensuniversity@jfi_ssu@steveschallert@jarrodmckennaTo learn more about St Stephen's University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.caMusic provided by John & David from The Brilliance

In today's episode of Good on Wood we speak to Dr Reggie Williams about the life and theological legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, exploring together his early years, the impact of the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Church tradition upon his spiritual and political journey, and the relevance of his witness in today's world of rising fascisms. Through the brilliance of Dr Williams, we examine Bonhoeffer's revolutionary protest against oppression, his transformative experiences in Harlem, and both the challenges and limitations of his theological contribution which remains.About Dr Reggie WilliamsReggie Williams is Associate Professor of Black Theology and African American Studies at St Louis University in St Louis, Missouri. He is the author of Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus: Harlem Renaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance, which was selected as a Choice Outstanding Title in theology, in 2014 (revised edition, 2021). He is also co-producer of a new documentary "The Cloud of Witnesses: Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Harlem 1930/30. "Dr. Williams’ research interests include arts, Black theology, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Christian ethics. He is a board member of the English Language section of the International Dietrich Bonhoeffer Society, former board member of the Society for the Study of Black Religion, and the Society for Christian Ethics.Reggie's Book - "Bonhoeffer's Black Jesus: Harlem Renaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance"Reggie's Documentary - "The Cloud of Witnesses: Bonhoeffer in Harlem"Join our 'Good on Wood' Learning Community on PATREON to grab early access to future episodes and participate in live interview recordings.FOLLOW US [email protected]@ststephensuniversity@jfi_ssu@steveschallert@jarrodmckennaTo learn more about St Stephen's University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.caMusic provided by The Brilliance

In this teaser episode, hosts Steve Schallert (Cape Town based community organiser and kingian nonviolence specialist)  and Jarrod McKenna (award winning peace activist and pastor) explore the themes of faithful radicalism, the legacy of influential figures like Daniel Berrigan and Dorothy Day, and the need to root strong social engagement in a deep spirituality. They discuss the call for saints in contemporary society, share personal stories of connections with historic peacebuilders, and introduce the 'Good On Wood' podcast, which aims to inspire a new generation of Jesus followers to get up, get out, and get into some good trouble.Join our 'Good on Wood' learning community on PATREON to grab early access to future episodes and participate in live interview recordings.Follow us - @goodonwood.podcast@ststephensuniversity @jfi_ssu@steveschallert@jarrodmckennaTo learn more about St Stephen's University and all of our program offerings in Theology & Culture, Peace & Justice, or Reconciliation Studies visit us at - ssu.caMusic provided by The Brilliance