Amar D. Peterman is an author and constructive theologian working around faith and public life, including his work at Interfaith America . Amar has a regular column in Sojourners , including this article on Good Friday as well as a newsletter This Common Life . How do we understand the cross today? Why does Jesus call us to take up our cross and follow Him? How should activists spend Good Friday? Some rich and provoking theology in this special episode for Good Friday....
Apr 07, 2023•23 min•Ep. 108
Is prayer a form of activism? Can we pray in hope when we are feeling weighed down or weary of injustice? What can other cultures teach us about how to pray? Abi spoke to Philip Powell from The Justice Conference and Lynne Paterson from Tearfund . They share their journeys of prayer and give us a practical and theological guide of how to pray, listen and remain hopeful in a world of injustice. Tearfund prayer guide . The Justice Conference is on tour! Book your tickets now. You can donate to Tea...
Feb 10, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 107
Abi is joined by Elaine Storkey , philosopher, sociologist and theologian and author of “ Meeting God in Matthew ”. Also Helen Syrop , founder of Hope Housing and homelessness expert and Jen, an adoptive parent and currently researching faith group responses to hardship in the UK. We take a beautiful walk through Matthew and along the way talk about that John Lewis advert , the sentimentality around Homelessness at Christmas and how to find beauty in the mess. A HUGE thank you to Dr J for allowi...
Dec 16, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 106
Can churches really change communities? Where is Jesus in the permacrisis? Where are the signs of hope? Abi had a special treat a few weeks ago...to visit the Jubilee+ Churches That Change Communities Conference. Abi interviewed several of the contributors to the conference and you can find the full interviews on the Jubilee Plus Podcast , but here at The Hopeful Activists we get to hear some highlights from: Kat Osborne is the CEO of Safe Families . Sam Ward is the Directory of Ministry at The ...
Dec 09, 2022•24 min•Ep. 105
Questioning allegiance outside St Paul's Cathedral and worship that changes a government: powerful interviews today from Jon Swales and Andy Flannagan and we hear about Rich's work with waste pickers: Fair Circularity Initiative . Jon Swales shares his liturgy for the climate crisis and tells us about Lighthouse , a church for people "battered and bruised by the storms of life". We also hear why he was re-affirming people's baptismal vows in a paddling pool at a protest outside St Paul's Cathedr...
Nov 25, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 104
Straight from COP27, the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt this week two climate campaigners help us to pray for good outcomes: Jessica Bwali , climate campaigner at Tearfund Laura Young , climate campaigner and Tearfund AmbassadorThey have taken some time out to give us some things to pray about this week.
Nov 11, 2022•6 min•Ep. 103
We'd love you to join us on our next Praxis Labs 1 . You can hear the experience of two people who have done Praxis Labs 1 in this episode and then sign up here ! Thanks to Lau Ciocan and Jen Horne ! Lau Ciocan is the Director of Mentoring Advocacy Network (MAN), a platform raising awareness on men's issues and mental health, shaping the conversation on masculinity. For MAN, Lau hosted several webinars and published numerous blog posts. Recently he launched the Mentality Podcast as a place to ex...
Sep 30, 2022•17 min•Ep. 102
Hi everyone and welcome to the 101st episode of The Hopeful Activists’ Podcast! Thanks for being with us on our journey of learning, worship, prayer and action, it’s been an absolute privilege to hear your stories and to bring you the stories of others over the last 100 episodes. We have decided to use this episode to do what we are constantly recommended to do by the amazing activists we get to speak to on the podcast, to recenter ourselves on God, to worship, to be honest before him and to pra...
Sep 16, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 101
Episode 100!!! Our planned worship centred episode will be with you shortly, but in the meantime Abi and Rich share what they have learnt from interviewing over 100 Christian Activists on healthy and sustainable activism. STOP: Natalie Collins , speaker, writer, campaigner, leader on issues of abuse, exploitation and gender. Natalie's interview is here . Rev Edwin Arrison Anti-apartheid campaigner and friend of Desmond Tutu. Rev Edwin's interview is here . LOOK: Ben Lindsay Author , CEO of “ Pow...
Jul 29, 2022•38 min•Ep. 100
We are hearing more about the Cost of Living Crisis every day, but what can churches do now and to prepare for the difficult winter ahead? How do we read the Bible in the context of poverty and how can the church act prophetically? Natalie Williams from Jubilee Plus is seeing the impact of the cost of living crisis now and gives amazing practical tips for churches to prepare now for the winter ahead. The TLG training that Natalie mentioned can be found here . To explore becoming a Jubilee Plus p...
Jun 24, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 99
What do the penguins of Robben Island have to do with peacebuilding? The full, deep and challenging interview with Rene August on peacebuilding and reading the Bible in locations that have painful histories. You can join the Hopeful Activists' community here .
May 20, 2022•39 min•Ep. 98
If reconciliation is core to our faith, what does that mean for peacemakers? How do we deal with the tension between pursuing justice and truth as well as peace and mercy? And in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, how do we act for peace? Abi hosts with Billie Anderson from Tearfund and member of the Praxis team. With thanks to: Jonny Clark from Corrymeela and Guardians of the Flame . Robi Damelin from Parents Circle Family Forum Mariam Tadros from International Alert Alex Evans from L...
May 13, 2022•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 97
With the UK government's "Homes for Ukraine" launching Rich and Abi explore how to best support refugees from all over the world. We hear from refugees about what they need now they are in the UK, and from an experienced host, and founder of Hope at Home, Helen Hodgson about her misgivings about the government scheme, racism, how to spot signs of trafficking and the simplicity and blessing of opening your home. For more information: Hosting: Hope at Home Full episode with Helen and Jared Family ...
Apr 01, 2022•54 min•Ep. 96
Abi and Rachel take an epic journey through the ethics and practical challenges of giving and fundraising. What's wrong with giving money to orphanages? What about racism in fundraising? Why is our gut compassionate reaction not always right? How do we move from charity to justice? With grateful thanks to: Daniel Jones from Stewardship . Information on the Stewardship Giving Account here . The article mentioned by Rachel is here . Genelle Aldred from GA Consultancy . Buy her book here . Email Ab...
Feb 18, 2022•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 95
Rev. Edwin Arrison, an anti-apartheid activist and close friend of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, tells us about the life of The Arch, and his own life of activism and hope. Edwin now works for the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation and is Director of the Volmoed Youth Leadership Training Programme .
Feb 04, 2022•31 min•Ep. 94
Beth and Abi look at the Arms Trade, and activists who are fighting for peace, including Mary Sprunger-Frose who has spilled her own blood at nuclear weapons facilities, and Mike Martin, who turns guns into garden tools with the help people impacted by gun violence. Grateful thanks to: Alan Storkey Alan Storkey Guardian Investigative Article Mariam Tadros International Alert Community Score Card information Mary Sprunger-Frose Strength in Community Mike Martin RawTools Beating Guns Buy the book ...
Dec 17, 2021•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 93
Amongst the mixed responses to COP26, how do we carry on with action for climate justice and keep hope alive? Abi Thomas and Rich Gower find out. If you would like to look at Emma Major's climate justice art during the programme click here . Thanks so much to all our contributors, in order of appearance: Promise Salawu Renew Our World Tearfund Rachel Mander A Rocha Faith for the Climate Young Christian Climate Network Sue Willsher Writing here on campaigning for Tearfund Emma Major See more of h...
Nov 19, 2021•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 92
What does justice for refugees look like? Isabel Pedro joins Abi Thomas as we speak to asylum seekers, refugees and other advocates for justice for people seeking sanctuary in the UK. With thanks to: Neelam Banaris from the Snowdrop Project Benafsha Yaqoobi and Mehdi Salami from Rahyab Sonia Hicks from the Methodist Conference and Together With Refugees Billie Anderson from Tearfund Women for Refugee Women [Sign up to our prayer text message service and do get involved with the Day of Action on ...
Oct 22, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 91
This week you get to meet the rest of the Praxis Team on our day away in Birmingham, and Abi also spoke to poet, beatboxer, MC and writer Testament about the power of words, the meaning of "woke" and he performs his rap Eclipse exclusively for us. Find out more from Testament here: https://www.testamenthomecut.com And buy his album here: https://homecut.bandcamp.com/album/no-freedom-without-sacrifice [grateful thanks for the permission to use "Breakdown" in this episode] To join the bookclub con...
Jul 23, 2021•35 min•Ep. 90
Can poetry make a difference? Bruce Gulland and Laura Darrell have used their skill with words to share their perspectives and shift other people's. They share how the arts can be a great tool to communicate and bring healing. For more work from Bruce: https://brucegulland.com Twitter @brucegulland And for more of Laura Darrall's work: Insta and Facebook: @lauradarrallwriting Twitter: @lauradarrall #itaffectsme campaign Insta, Facebook and Twitter: @itaffectsme Huge thanks to Bruce and Laura for...
Jul 16, 2021•32 min•Ep. 89
Jo Musker-Sherwood led the climate lobbying specialist organisation, Hope for the Future, until she couldn't anymore. The urgency of the climate crisis is putting pressure on many people in the environmental sector. Jo's experience of burnout, and her recovery has led her to research and resource others with emotional resilience strategies. Jo explores how re-connecting with nature, her faith and her daily strategies for dealing with eco-anxiety have been key in her recovery. Jo's blog is here: ...
Jul 09, 2021•27 min•Ep. 88
Chris Lane shares lessons on the transformative effect of hospitality and ordinary miracles (plus some extraordinary ones too). Chris has lived in Salford 43 years. The church that founded centres around eating together and experiencing community with people from a huge variety of backgrounds. Everyone is welcome, and it's there that change happens. We hear stories of miracles, transformation and keeping going for the long haul. To buy Chris' book visit: https://hopefulactivists.captivate.fm/ord...
Jul 02, 2021•27 min•Ep. 87
Today we hear from some children whose activism took them to Britain’s Got Talent, and has led to children all over the world singing their music and learning about Climate Action. I also speak to Paul Kerensa about his new book, Planet Protectors, written with Ruth Valerio. With thanks to Freemantle and Britains Got Talent for permission to use their audio. And thanks to SOS From The Kids Choir for permission to use their music and for being brilliant. Find the music from SOS from the Kids on S...
Jun 25, 2021•42 min•Ep. 86
After a disappointing G7 what should activists do next, Sarah Wiggins from Tearfund and the Young Christian Climate Network call us to action. With a special appearance from G7 leaders underwear. More on the Wave of Hope and Crack The Crises here: https://crackthecrises.org More on the YCCN Relay here: yccn.net Watch the whole service from Truro Cathedral here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-baE9iwzOt0 With thanks to Truro Cathedral and YCCN for permission to use audio from their service and f...
Jun 18, 2021•26 min•Ep. 85
Ben Lindsay runs his charity "Power the Fight" like a record label. Hear about his unique approach to helping communities end youth violence. Find out more and donate here .
Jun 04, 2021•20 min•Ep. 84
There is snow in Africa. Author of "God is not a white man and other revelations" Chine McDonald talks to Abi about racism in international development and fundraising. They may also ruin your favourite Christmas album...sorry. Buy Chine's book here
May 28, 2021•22 min•Ep. 83
Author of “We Need To Talk About Race: understanding the black experience in white majority churches” Ben Lindsay and Abi speak about race and the church - it’s time for the rubber to hit the road. Buy Ben's brilliant book here Find out more about Power the Fight here
May 21, 2021•39 min•Ep. 82
How has the past year affected us, the way we live, our walk with God and our activism? Abi dives back into the archive to find out what resources these 3 incredible activists on their activism journey, and how this can help us now. The episode with Natalie Collins can be heard here . The episode with Athena Stevens can be heard here . The episode with Shane Claiborne can be heard here . Get in touch for more support here ....
May 14, 2021•15 min•Ep. 81
As Britain prepares to host COP26 the Young Christian Climate Network are going beyond individual decisions for the climate to acting on a collective basis. Find out about their incredible relay from Cornwall to Scotland, how to get involved, and the importance of the UK hosting and owning this conference. More about the relay here
May 07, 2021•16 min•Ep. 80
Alastair McIntosh loves surprising people in board meetings by quoting the Bible. He speaks about the importance of connecting the outer and inner life, healthy leadership and the influence of the quakers on his activism. This episodes includes some excellent belly laughs. Alastair has been described as “one of the world’s leading environmental campaigners.” He is a pioneer of modern land reform in Scotland, helping to bring the Isle of Egg into community ownership and negotiating the withdrawal...
Apr 30, 2021•22 min•Ep. 79
