Épisodes

  • Grounded: Practicing Presence in Turbulent Times

    Grounded: Practicing Presence in Turbulent Times
    Jan 8 2026
    A new year and a new quarter means a new theme for Global Healing Response, and this quarter the focus is presence, and its critical importance in these trying times. We explore what being present really means, why it matters, and suggest some simple tips for staying present and grounded. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as we consider the importance of presence for establishing our grounding for the year ahead (the Global Healing Response theme for this year and quarter), we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that we will receive deep insight into what it means to be present, and through such insight and our lived experience, resolve whenever we become distracted to anchor ourselves in the present. Please join us in holding this. Prayers and intentions begin at 32 minutes 7 seconds. Global Healing Response Q1 2026 theme, Presence: https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Forthcoming Legacy Labyrinth Academy training: Contemplative Labyrinth Activism, 5 weeks 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. MST, beginning February 28.Introduction to Contemplative Labyrinth Activism, 10am MST (2 hours), January 31. Info and registration for both courses at https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/llpa. Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:03:21 The Practice of Presence 00:08:41 The Cost of Distraction 00:13:44 Resilience in Uncertain Times 00:17:31 Grounding in a Chaotic World 00:20:01 Training for Contemplative Activism 00:22:33 Practical Steps for Being Present 00:32:07 Intentions and Prayers Sources referenced in this episode: Wherever You Go, There You Are, by Jon Kabat-Zinn Coming To Our Senses: Healing Ourselves and the World Through Mindfulness, by Jon Kabat-Zinn The Art of Living: Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now, by Thich Nhat Hanh Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life, by Thich Nhat Hanh ‘Islands of Coherence,’ Future Observatory Journal, https://fojournal.org/strategy-report/islands-of-coherence/ https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1539962/full https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3679190/ https://ezracounseling.com/grounded-meaning-strategies-for-emotional-stability/ http://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-016-0168-6 https://www.onepeloton.com/blog/how-to-be-more-present https://in.yvex.de/area/grounded-energetic-presence/ https://www.headspace.com/articles/how-to-be-more-present https://therapeuticpartners.com/2025/01/24/the-benefits-of-mindfulness-cultivating-peace-and-presence-in-everyday-life/ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03057240.2022.2075837 https://sambarecovery.com/rehab-blog/why-staying-present-in-the-moment-is-essential-in-healing/ https://dharma-college.com/achieving-emotional-stability/ https://growmindfulness.com/finding-stability-and-predictability-in-times-of-uncertainty/ https://ei4change.com/mindful-resilience-in-times-of-uncertainty-navigating-challenges-with-presence-and-adaptability/ https://mentalzon.com/en/post/3801/finding-stability-in-uncertainty-simple-practices-to-ground-your-mind https://online.ucpress.edu/jvs/article/19/1/1/200072/The-Life-and-Legacies-of-Thich-Nh-t-H-nh https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17400201.2023.2246922 https://www.globalbuddhism.org/article/download/3812/5140 https://www.mdpi.com/2409-9287/6/2/50/pdf https://www.mindful.org/how-present-moment-awareness-can-make-life-more-meaningful/ https://mindfulnessbox.com/thich-nhat-hanh-quotes-on-mindfulness/ https://www.lionsroar.com/the-power-of-awareness-jon-kabat-zinn-in-conversation/ https://gomacro.com/blogs/resources/9-benefits-of-living-in-the-present-moment Join us in person for intention holding: https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer. Our websites: www.heartfulimpact.com/ Our show website. https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events. https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism. https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group. https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding. Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions. Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms. Our theme music is by Chris ...
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    38 min
  • A Year of Answered Prayer and Intention: Giving Thanks for 2025

    A Year of Answered Prayer and Intention: Giving Thanks for 2025
    Dec 30 2025
    In our annual look back at intentions we've held through the year, we give thanks for the many miracles and remarkable turnarounds seen in government actions, community resilience and Mother Nature's grace in the wake of the varied emergencies, conflicts and social and political challenges that we've highlighted. Join with us in celebrating and giving thanks for a year of answered prayer. Yes, there's much more progress we'd like to see in many areas, and new fires are starting, but there's much to be grateful for, as this heart-warming round-up shows! Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as we reflect on progress made in many areas that we’ve held intention for over the past year, we suggest holding as our main intention: We give thanks for the many intentions offered by our listeners that have been answered this year, and will that continued transformative energy will continue to flow to bring blessings for the many we held intention for during the year who are still suffering or who are responding to moments of profound change in their lives. Please join us in holding this. Mentioned in this episode: Global Healing Response 2025 Theme, Authenticity Q1, Groundedness: https://globalhealingresponse.com/ghr-2025-q1-authenticity-groundedness/ Q2, Grit: https://globalhealingresponse.com/ghr-2025-q1-authenticity-groundedness-2/ Q3, Honesty: https://globalhealingresponse.com/ghr-2025-q3-authenticity-honesty/ Q4, Integrity: https://globalhealingresponse.com/ghr-2025-q4-authenticity-integrity/ Sunrise to Sunrise: A 28-hour Silent Vigil to welcome and will light for 2026 on Insight Timer. Drop in as an when you wish on Insight Timer, or via your browser. The vigil will run sequentially over several 14 2-hour sessions. See Clive’s Insight Timer profile page for the links: https://insighttimer.com/cliverj/ (click on the Events tab), or alternatively, a webpage dedicated to the event, https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/GayatriGaiaShort.html. Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:03:15 Guest Inspirations 00:07:08 Rise of the Far Right 00:08:43 Human Rights Abuses in Central Africa 00:10:23 Peatland Restoration Efforts 00:12:09 Gang Rape 00:13:18 Misogyny in Adolescents 00:15:35 Resilience After Earthquake 00:16:37 Trans Rights 00:19:54 Student-Led Democracy in Serbia 00:21:10 India-Pakistan Ceasefire 00:22:37 Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza 00:24:03 Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes 00:25:46 Use of Religion for Exploitation 00:26:59 Air India Crash 00:29:38 Miracle Earthquake 00:31:02 Political Polarization in Spain 00:32:01 War in Ukraine 00:34:46 National Guard Deployment 00:37:19 Syria’s Humanitarian Crisis 00:39:28 Mass Shootings in the USA 00:42:08 Response to Typhoon Halong 00:43:26 Justice for Child Exploitation Survivors 00:46:11 Resistance to Christian Nationalism 00:48:51 Drought in Southern Angola 00:50:00 Intention Holding and Look Forward Sources referenced in this episode: https://www.ifaw.org/uk/news/los-angeles-wildfires-2025 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/15/cambodia-warns-displaced-people-tourist-hotspots-at-risk-from-thai-bombs https://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/acts-of-kindness-keep-bruins-and-city-connected-through-fires https://www.worldvision.org/us-work-news-stories/los-angeles-fires-hurting-healing-together https://teamrubiconusa.org/news-and-stories/la-fires-volunteer-stories-in-the-ashes/ https://www.nwd.usace.army.mil/media/news-stories/article/4251052/la-wildfire-survivors-show-resilience-embody-mythological-phoenix/ https://www.goodnewspost.co.uk/the-incredible-positive-stories-showing-la-will-defeat-the-fire-by-amelie-13-2/ https://www.americanhumane.org/blog/los-angeles-wildfire-response-and-rescue/ https://news.sky.com/story/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-makes-first-in-person-court-appearance-13482340 https://www.laanimalservices.com/city-and-county-los-angeles-animal-shelters-call-everyday-heroes-amid-ongoing-wildfires https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2025/11/03/sole-survivor-of-air-india-crash-has-painful-memories- https://www.itv.com/news/2025-12-10/first-minister-apologises-to-victim-of-grooming-gangs-in-scotland https://www.redcross.org.uk/stories/disasters-and-emergencies/world/whats-happening-in-gaza-humanitarian-crisis-grows https://www.ochaopt.org/content/humanitarian-situation-update-345-gaza-strip https://www.timesofisrael.com/...
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    56 min
  • America First: A Strategy to Shape the World

    America First: A Strategy to Shape the World
    Dec 23 2025
    This week we turn our attention to one of the most important policy documents of recent years, the U.S. 2025 National Security Strategy, released earlier this month. As the USA approaches its 250th birthday, we unpack the MAGA worldview and its profound implications both for the US and the world, having influence in a wide range of areas, including the most pressing concerns of our times. The Strategy's America‑First, hemispheric focus, and the policy shifts on migration, trade, defence, and climate that have unsettled allies and highlighted what may really be in the minds of not only the power in the White House regarding geopolitics and the world order, but other major powers too. The likely global impacts are profound. As always, we look where our prayers and intentions may be most needed. Note: we do take an editorial approach for this episode, being ready to offer our own takes (though we keep these brief). Intentions and prayers begin at 31 minutes 15 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as we digest the profound implications of the USA’s newly published National Security Strategy, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that, whatever the US believes about the importance of national sovereignty, its leadership, ambassadors and policy makers will be moved to value cooperation with, and remain open to proposals made by, international partners in those areas that require global agreement, including the ever-pressing issues relating to migration, combating crime and climate change. Please join us in holding this. Note: The Monroe Doctrine is a longstanding key pillar of U.S. foreign policy, first declared by President James Monroe in 1823 to warn European powers against further colonization or interference in the newly independent nations of the Western Hemisphere. It essentially declares the Americas as being a U.S. sphere of influence and pledges U.S. non-interference in European affairs. The policy evolved to justify U.S. intervention in Latin America with the so-called ‘Roosevelt Corollary,’ asserting U.S. leadership and opposing foreign dominance in the region. Read or download the Strategy document: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:26 Understanding the National Security Strategy 00:05:37 Key Points of the Strategy 00:13:49 Regional Focus and Priorities 00:15:39 Reactions to the Strategy 00:19:19 Implications for the U.S. and Allies 00:23:14 Concerns and Economic Considerations 00:24:07 Europe’s Response 00:25:27 Reflections on the Strategy 00:31:15 Prayers and Intentions Sources referenced in this episode: https://tnsr.org/2023/09/understanding-national-security-strategies-through-time/ https://history.defense.gov/Historical-Sources/National-Security-Strategy/ https://history.state.gov/milestones/1801-1829/monroe https://www.bhfs.com/insight/white-house-releases-2025-national-security-strategy/ https://www.brookings.edu/articles/breaking-down-trumps-2025-national-security-strategy/ https://securitybriefing.com/news/u.s.-national-security-strategy-2025-sparks-global-reaction-as-policy-shifts-emerge https://www.cfr.org/article/new-us-national-security-strategy-prioritizes-western-hemisphere https://www.workingimmigrants.com/2025/12/7936/ https://nationalsecuritynews.com/2025/08/us-outlines-spending-plan-for-the-175bn-golden-dome-missile-defence-system/ https://www.executivegov.com/articles/national-security-strategy-china-golden-dome https://diplomacy.berlin/beyond-atlas-a-critical-analysis-of-the-2025-u-s-national-security-strategy/ https://odessa-journal.com/trump-administration-unveils-national-security-strategy-prioritizing-end-to-russias-war-in-ukraine https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/national-security-strategy-nss-trump-russia-china-nato-20251210.html https://www.eurasiantimes.com/japan-or-south-korea-trumps-national-security-strategy/ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/a-national-security-strategy-of-retreat-leaves-asia-to-manage-the-consequences/ https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2025/10/new-national-security-strategy-could-redefine-homeland-defense-experts/409024/ https://www.cato.org/blog/immigration-national-security-strategy https://www.dw.com/en/donald-trump-us-security-strategy-paper-calls-for-europe-to-correct-trajectory-sparking-alarm-in-eu/a-75078193 https://en.rua.gr/2025/12/06/trump-changes-course-how-the-us-national-security-doctrine-affects-the-war-in-ukraine/ https://www.newsweek.com/...
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    37 min
  • Holding Light for our Jewish Friends: Prayers and Intentions

    Holding Light for our Jewish Friends: Prayers and Intentions
    Dec 16 2025
    In a brief episode this week, we stand in solidarity and deeply honour the many affected by the horror of the atrocity at Sydney’s Bondi Beach this past weekend, and with all Jewish people who are now suffering abuse, attack or fear of attack simply for being Jewish. We move quickly to offering our prayers and intentions. Please join us in holding space and standing against antisemitic lies and prejudice. Prayers and intentions begin at 11 minutes 40 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as a terrifying escalation in a global climate of hostility toward Jewish people in the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in Australia in nearly 30 years, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that educators, political leaders, social media influencers and respected figures in the public eye will be moved where they are able to use their platforms and influence to challenge the automatic conflation made by some that to be Jewish equates with a declared support for the Israeli government. Please join us in holding this. Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:50 Prayers for Solidarity 00:04:45 The Global Jewish Community’s Response 00:09:06 Reflections on Vulnerability 00:11:40 Intentions and Prayers Sources referenced in this episode: https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/bondi-beach-attack https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/16/australian-police-say-bondi-beach-attackers-inspired-by-isil https://abcnews.go.com/International/man-disarmed-alleged-shooter-australias-bondi-beach/story?id=128414348 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-15/bondi-beach-shooting-fruit-shop-gunman-hero-parents-speak/106143864 https://www.timesofisrael.com/major-cities-around-world-ramp-up-security-for-hanukkah-events-after-bondi-attack/ https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/hanukkah-security-ramped-up-around-world-after-bondi-shootings-2025-12-14/ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/14/world/australia/hanukkah-shooting-bondi-reaction.html https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/14/us/hanukkah-jewish-antisemitism-australia-shooting https://studyfinds.org/bondi-beach-attack-antisemitism-online/ https://abc7ny.com/post/australia-shooting-security-stepped-jewish-locations-new-york-city-bondi-beach-massacre/18289122/ https://time.com/7340731/anti-semitism-australia-bondi-attack/ https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/15/australia/australia-bondi-beach-shooting-intl-hnk image.jpg https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-14/bondi-beach-shooting-terrorist-attack-12-dead/106141580 https://theconversation.com/bondi-attack-came-after-huge-increase-in-online-antisemitism-research-272045 https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/attack-on-hannukah-celebration-at-bondi-beach-follows-rising-antisemitism-in-australia https://abcnews.go.com/International/man-disarmed-alleged-shooter-australias-bondi-beach/story?id=128414348 https://www.npr.org/2025/12/14/nx-s1-5644092/sydney-bondi-beach-hanukkah-shooting-bystander-video-hero https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2025/12/16/french-jewish-community-worries-after-sydney-attack-we-always-know-that-something-can-happen_6748553_7.html https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/shock-and-grief-matched-by-anger-after-antisemitic-attack-in-australia https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/14/world-condemns-mass-shooting-at-jewish-festival-in-sydneys-bondi-beach https://www.worldjewishcongress.org/en/news/world-jewish-congress-reacts-to-antisemitic-attack-in-sydney https://www.wusf.org/courts-law/2025-12-15/local-jewish-leaders-say-security-measures-will-be-increased-after-hanukkah-shootings-australia Join us in person for intention holding: https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer. Our websites: www.heartfulimpact.com/ Our show website. https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events. https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism. https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group. https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding. Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions. Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms. Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com. Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock). Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the ...
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    17 min
  • The World's Least Reported Climate Emergency: Angola's Hidden Drought

    The World's Least Reported Climate Emergency: Angola's Hidden Drought
    Dec 11 2025
    This week we turn attention to Angola, whose southern provinces are facing severe drought in a crisis the media monitoring NGO CARE says is the world's least reported climate emergency. We seek to understand the human impact of the drought, and the reasons for the strained and inadequate humanitarian response. We also take a look at where practical aid and adaptation measures are and can be taken. As always, we suggest intention-based prayers to support the affected communities. Intentions and prayers begin at 23 minutes 30 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as millions face severe food poverty in Angola owing to drought, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that timely, adequate rainfall will come to southern Angola to replenish the country’s rivers, refill water points, enable planting, and provide pasture for livestock. Please join us in holding this. Charities and NGO’s accepting financial donations to support their response to the drought in Angola: World Food Programme https://wfpusa.org UNICEF https://help.unicef.org/esaro/give-the-gift-of-life-public-health-emergencies The UN Population Fund has provided emergency funds to support 1 million women affected by drought in southern Angola.​ Website: https://angola.unfpa.org Food and Agriculture Organization https://www.fao.org/angola/en World Vision International: Donations (Ireland): https://www.worldvision.ie/about/how-donations-are-spent Donations (US): https://www.wvi.org/ENOUGH/Donate Médecins Sans Frontières / Medair https://www.medair.org/donate Catholic Relief Services https://www.crs.org/where-we-work/africa/angola Oxfam: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/donate/extreme-drought-appeal/ Save the Children https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/donate People in Need https://www.peopleinneed.net/what-we-do/humanitarian-aid-and-development/angola Donations: https://www.peopleinneed.net/donate ACT Alliance https://actalliance.org/how-to-donate/ Lutheran World Federation https://donate.lutheranworld.org Norwegian Church Aid https://www.kirkensnodhjelp.no/en/give-one-time-donation Caritas Angola www.caritasangola.org International Red Cross https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/africa-food-crisis-appeal START Network https://startnetwork.org Angola Hunger Relief https://angolahungerrelief.org/fundraising GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/angola-hunger-relief Feed My Starving Children https://give.fmsc.org/give/76206/ Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:04:40 Focus on Angola’s Drought 00:06:53 Consequences of the Drought 00:10:51 Government Responses and Initiatives 00:15:21 International Aid and Challenges 00:18:28 Long-term Impacts of Climate Change 00:19:45 Urgent Needs and Solutions 00:23:30 Intentions and Prayers for Angola Sources referenced in this episode: https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/sri-lanka-indonesia-thailand-floods-deaths-storm-cyclone-b2877788.html https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2025/12/more-than-1400-dead-across-asia-after-rare-cyclone-typhoons-converge/ https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/somalia-2025-drought-emergency-situation-report-no-1-27-november-2025 https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/infographics/2025-11-17-kenyas-acute-food-insecurity-outlook https://www.care.org/media-and-press/ten-humanitarian-disasters-that-were-barely-reported-in-2024/ https://refugees.org/rising-starvation-fading-attention-the-hunger-crisis-in-east-africa/ https://www.careinternational.org.uk https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/plea-for-aid-as-kenya-suffers-latest-climate-driven-drought/ https://www.careinternational.org.uk/what-we-do/crisis-response/forgotten-humanitarian-crises/crisis-in-angola/ https://practicalaction.org/news-stories/flooding-fire-and-drought-indigenous-communities-in-bolivia-hit-by-extreme-weather/ https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/bolivia-plurinational-state/latin-america-caribbean-weekly-situation-update-2-may-2025 https://reliefweb.int/report/angola/10-crises-look-out-2025 https://adore.ifrc.org/Download.aspx?FileId=532576 https://www.careinternational.org.uk/what-we-do/crisis-response/forgotten-humanitarian-crises/crisis-in-angola/ https://www.wfp.org/emergencies/southern-africa-drought https://cerf.un.org/sites/default/files/resources/24-RR-AGO-64769_Angola_CERF_Report.pdf https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099150012022242096/pdf/P1769171f457c3010198d31b375aaddd937.pdf https://www.waterlinepublication.org.uk/where-drinking-water-is-a-90-minute-walk-away/ https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2025/country-chapters/angola https://www.wvi.org/stories/global-hunger-crisis/unicef-visits-emergency-response-project-southern-angola-progress-and https://www.peopleinneed.net/anticipatory-action-in-angola-supporting-communities-to-reduce-crisis-impacts...
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    29 min
  • Responding to Child Grooming and Exploitation (Part 2)

    Responding to Child Grooming and Exploitation (Part 2)
    Dec 4 2025
    In the second part of a special focus on child sexual exploitation and grooming by the rich and powerful, we turn attention to how our societies and each of us as individuals (especially men) can respond. We discuss the psychological, social, and possible evolutionary drivers for predatory male behaviour, why so many seem reluctant to challenge powerful perpetrators, and take a look at helpful suggestions offered by White Ribbon and other survivor-centred organisations who are working to prevent abuse and equip men to call out predatory attitudes in their peer groups and organisations. The episode closes with practical calls to action — urging men to speak out and policymakers to listen to survivors. As always, we consider where our intentions and prayers may be needed. Please note this episode contains descriptions that some listeners may find disturbing. Prayers and intentions start at 23 minutes 36 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as we reflect upon our societies’ response to child exploitation and grooming, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that all men have the courage to educate themselves about, and call out, the effect of misogynistic and sexually abusive language, attitudes and behaviours. Please join us in holding this. Referenced in this edition: Read Ellen’s blog entry for Sacred Feminist, ‘Why is there a market for sexual slavery?’ at http://sacredfeminist.com/why-is-there-a-market-for-sexual-slavery/ NOTE: Your browser may flag the blog as being “insecure” as it’s now some years old and has an http: rather than https: flag. Rest assured, it’s safe to access and won’t collect any data that you might not want to share! Listen to part 1 of this special two-part series at https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-bchci-19d4507 . White Ribbon: advice for what men can do: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/allies. One man (a White Ribbon ambassador) speaks out: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/we-speak-up/joseph-smith . Book: ‘Half the Sky: How to Change the World,’ by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. Amazon.com link: https://www.amazon.com/Half-Sky-Oppression-Opportunity-Worldwide/dp/0307387097/ref=sr_1_1 Organisations providing advocacy and support to combat exploitation of girls: Note: While all listed organisations are concerned about addressing issues of sexual violence and exploitation, their missions and support services may relate to violence prevention broadly, rather than specifically child sexual exploitation. Australia Bravehearts www.bravehearts.org.au Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) www.accce.gov.au eSafety Commissioner www.esafety.gov.au Canada Canadian Centre for Child Protection www.protectchildren.ca White Ribbon Canada www.whiteribbon.ca Ireland One in Four Ireland www.oneinfour.ie CARI (Children at Risk in Ireland) www.cari.ie ISPCC / Childline Ireland ispcc.ie www.childline.ie Dublin Rape Crisis Centre www.drcc.ie Rape Crisis Network Ireland www.rapecrisishelp.ie Barnardos Ireland www.barnardos.ie Tusla (Child and Family Agency) www.tusla.ie New Zealand ECPAT Child Alert NZ www.ecpat.org.nz Department of Internal Affairs – Digital Child Exploitation Team www.dia.govt.nz Netsafe www.netsafe.org.nz Saint Nicholas Children's Trust www.snctrust.org United Kingdom NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk Lucy Faithfull Foundation www.lucyfaithfull.org.uk ECPAT UK www.ecpat.org.uk Barnardo's www.barnardos.org.uk For resources, see: https://www.barnardos.org.uk/resources-help-identify-and-engage-young-people-risk-sexual-abuse-and-exploitation Children's Society www.childrenssociety.org.uk Internet Watch Foundation www.iwf.org.uk White Ribbon UK www.whiteribbon.org.uk Rape Crisis England & Wales www.rapecrisis.org.uk One in Four UK www.oneinfour.org.uk Refuge www.refuge.org.uk Stop It Now https://www.stopitnow.org.uk/ Catch-22 https://www.catch-22.org.uk/what-we-do/child-exploitation/ United States RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) www.rainn.org National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) www.missingkids.org Thorn www.thorn.org International Organisations ECPAT International www.ecpat.org International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) www.icmec.org WeProtect Global Alliance www.weprotect.org INHOPE www.inhope.org Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:48 Understanding Child Exploitation 00:05:52 The Insidious Nature of Grooming 00:09:05 Why Men Exploit 00:12:34 Evolutionary Factors in Abuse 00:13:43 The market for sexual slavery (Sacred Feminist blog) 00:16:42 Progress and Challenges in Justice 00:18:47 Organizations Leading Change 00:20:32 The Role of Men in Advocacy 00:23:36 Intentions and Prayers Sources referenced in this episode: ...
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    28 min
  • Child Grooming: When Power Protects Predators.

    Child Grooming: When Power Protects Predators.
    Nov 27 2025
    In the first of two special episodes, we explore the widespread problem of child sexual exploitation and grooming, highlighting the shocking extent of this evil, and considering the systematic patterns revealed by several high‑profile cases involving wealthy and influential individuals. We examine how power, institutional failure, and silence have enabled a level of abuse and trafficking which brings shame on our societies. As always, we hone in to see where our prayers and intentions may be most needed. WARNING: Listeners should be aware that this episode contains descriptions that may disturbing. Intentions and prayers start at 25 minutes 58 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as an estimated 300 million children globally experience sexual exploitation every year, especially via online abuse, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that every adult who may work in organisations, live in communities, or otherwise know of circumstances where children are being systematically groomed or sexually abused will be moved to challenge deference toward those who have wealth, fame or power, and to respond to the cries of the powerless who are or may be being abused. Please join us in holding this. Read Ellen’s blog entry for Sacred Feminist, ‘Why is there a market for sexual slavery?’ at http://sacredfeminist.com/why-is-there-a-market-for-sexual-slavery/ While not specifically relating to child grooming, the following relate to the broader topic of abuse committed by men and advocacy for women and other victims: Advocacy to prevent violence against women and girls, advice for what men can do, White Ribbon: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/allies. One man (a White Ribbon ambassador) speaks out: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/we-speak-up/joseph-smith Men Behaving Badly: Leaders Who Play The Religious Card, our episode focused on men in positions of power who use religious narratives to justify their ideologies: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-s4zbu-18e6f49 . Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:43 Reflecting on Child Exploitation 00:05:06 The Scale of Global Abuse 00:10:00 The Epstein Case Unveiled 00:10:40 Al-Fayed’s Systemic Abuse 00:12:32 R. Kelly and His Victims 00:13:51 Notable Scandals in History 00:17:06 Institutional Failures and Complicity 00:19:51 The Grooming Process 00:23:41 The Role of Society in Protection 00:25:37 Call to Action for Change 00:25:58 Intentions and Prayers Sources referenced in this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56110052 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-58801183 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_sexual_abuse_cases_by_country https://thediplomat.com/2024/09/malaysia-charges-businessmen-in-cult-linked-child-sex-abuse-scandal/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Ikhwan_child_abuse_scandal https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/12/24/enough-with-buck-passing-child-abuse-in-the-church-is-systemic https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0145213421001411 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg559zz3d8o https://eurochild.org/news/europes-hidden-crisis-child-sexual-abuse-online-at-unprecedented-levels/ https://www.csacentre.org.uk/app/uploads/2024/07/Child-sexual-abuse-of-African-Asian-and-Caribbean-heritage-children-A-knowledge-review.pdf https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgp1x028r9o https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/baroness-caseys-audit-of-group-based-child-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse https://www.childlight.org/newsroom/over-300-million-children-a-year-are-victims-of-online-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse https://www.childlight.org/newsroom/child-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse-is-a-multibillion-dollar-industry-our-new-report-shows-who-benefits https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9568794/ https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/child-trafficking-by-country https://www.csacentre.org.uk/app/uploads/2024/02/Trends-in-Offical-Data-2022-23-FINAL.pdf https://news.sky.com/story/ghislaine-maxwell-how-girls-were-lured-to-be-abused-by-jeffrey-epstein-12500819 https://theconversation.com/jeffrey-epstein-is-not-unique-what-his-case-reveals-about-the-realities-of-child-sex-trafficking-270127 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy7dgrkp2vzo https://www.leighday.co.uk/news/blog/elimination-of-violence-against-women/wealth-power-and-impunity-sexual-abuse-by-powerful-men/ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/14/world/europe/harrods-mohamed-fayed-brothers-sexual-assault.html https://theconversation.com/four-ways-mohamed-al-fayed-silenced-whistleblowers-in-his-organisation-240936 https://19thnews.org/2021/09/...
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    32 min
  • Christian Nationalism: Threat or Faith? A Deep Dive

    Christian Nationalism: Threat or Faith? A Deep Dive
    Nov 20 2025
    In one of a number of special episodes focused on the state and direction of the US as it approaches its 250th anniversary, this week, we explore the rise and influence of Christian Nationalism in US politics and religious life — what it is, its theological roots, and how the ideology is shaping politics, society, and even democracy itself, both in the US and beyond. We reflect upon the social consequences of the ideology for education, civil rights, and attitudes toward "the other," contrasting the movement's beliefs with the positions taken by other Christians, and their effects for minority communities, women, immigrants and many millions of Americans. As always, we consider where we might focus our intentions and prayers. Disclosure: We do take an editorial position in this episode. Intentions and prayers begin at 37 minutes 27 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary amid a time of deep difference over its future course, we suggest holding as our main intention: We will that all Americans will have the grace to see that those with whom they may disagree are not enemies but are human beings made in God's image or have an equal right to be heard, be safe, and be free. Please join us in holding this. Mentioned in this episode: ‘The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy’ by Matthew D. Taylor. On Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Violent-Take-Force-Christian-Threatening/dp/1506497780/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0 ‘The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism’ by Tim Alberta. On Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Power-Glory-Evangelicals-Extremism/dp/006322688X/ref=sr_1_1 A prayer for America Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/aprayerforamericanow. Labyrinth Around America. https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/laa/index.html Related episodes of Impact! Men Behaving Badly: Leaders Who Play The Religious Card, https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-s4zbu-18e6f49 Spain on Edge: Inside a Nation Deeply Polarized, https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-p2wbg-1947f34 Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:00 Understanding Christian Nationalism 00:02:55 Ideology and Influence 00:05:18 Patterns and Demographics 00:08:08 Political Violence and Extremism 00:09:00 Global Perspectives 00:12:04 Theological Foundations of Christian Nationalism 00:15:36 Historical Context 00:21:24 Critiques and Concerns 00:25:55 Social and Political Effects 00:32:46 Education and Christian Nationalism 00:33:06 Immigration Policies 00:34:46 Emotional and Psychological Impacts 00:36:25 The Role of Social Media 00:37:27 Intentions and Prayers Sources referenced in this episode: https://thinktheology.co.uk/blog/article/what_is_christian_nationalism https://www.missioalliance.org/christian-nationalism-what-defines-it/ https://news.wfsu.org/all-npr-news/2024-02-28/christian-nationalisms-support-is-strongest-in-rural-conservative-states https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/10/27/global-far-right-christian-nationalists-00063400 ‘The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism,’ Paul D. Miller, 2022, InterVarsity Press. https://www.premierchristianity.com/features/why-the-rise-of-christian-nationalism-around-the-world-is-deeply-concerning/14740.article https://canopyforum.org/2024/11/06/the-rise-of-the-christian-right-in-europe/ https://midamerica.edu/articles/41/doug-wilson-christian-nationalism-and-the-theonomic-debate https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-seven-mountains-mandate-and-how-is-it-linked-to-political-extremism-in-the-us-260034 https://www.freedomforum.org/what-is-christian-nationalism/ https://religionnews.com/2022/02/09/new-report-details-the-influence-of-christian-nationalism-on-the-insurrection/ https://www.psephizo.com/life-ministry/is-christian-nationalism-a-contradiction-in-terms/ https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/losing-our-religion/ https://www.ncronline.org/news/...
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    46 min