Summary

In this conversation, we discuss the importance of ecumenism, particularly within the Black community, and reflect on the historical context of Christian unity. We explore the significance of the Council of Nicaea, its 1700th anniversary in 2025, the role of love in ecumenical efforts, and the challenges of unity among different Christian traditions. The discussion also touches on the impact of music, the complexities of doctrinal differences, and the future of ecumenism, emphasizing the need for understanding and collaboration among diverse faith communities.

Show notes

• 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity
• BCM podcast episode with Ethiopian deacon Henok Elias: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0heNkPcFMI&list=PLQsr7W6MHTzNm91QX8ldtsrWdj_QWr-N-&index=3&t=12s
• Link to original 325 Nicene Creed: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fa5PkYFS3vmtTRGip_diaf7Lq1CZZ93RAA_rTdWitNo/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.go803rozvcgl
• "Baptism as Mystical-Political Engagement" (LaRyssa D. Herrington): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14769948.2025.2465227

Chapters

01:45 The Importance of Ecumenism in the Black Community

05:02 Reflections on the Council of Nicaea

09:31 The Role of Love in Ecumenical Efforts

13:42 Understanding Differences in Christian Traditions

16:18 The Challenge of Unity Among Protestants

21:22 The Nature of Communion and Its Implications

25:58 Experiences of Mysticism in the Black Community

30:10 The Impact of Historical Context on Faith

34:12 The Role of Music in Faith and Unity

38:35 Navigating Doctrinal Differences

42:00 The Significance of Shared Celebrations

01:02:21 The Future of Ecumenism and Unity

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Show notes

Nate Tinner-Williams engages with Dr. John F Leeke and his daughter Ananda Leeke, co-authors of "American Change Agent: A Life & Legacy of Seeking Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion." They discuss their backgrounds, the journey of writing their book, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today's society. The conversation explores the intersection of faith and DEI, the role of wellness in promoting inclusion, and the historical context of DEI efforts. They also address critiques of DEI initiatives and emphasize the power of individual change agents in creating a more equitable society.

Book link: http://anandaleeke.com/drjohn/

Chapters

06:01 The Journey to Writing 'American Change Agent'

10:57 The Connection Between Faith and DEI

17:49 Wellness and Its Role in DEI

21:54 Understanding Historical Context in DEI

28:10 Personal Experiences in the DEI Movement

34:45 Critiques of DEI and the Role of Change Agents

~~
https://blackcatholicmessenger.org

x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr

facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger
instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger

youtube.com/@blackcatholicmessenger

tiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessenger

threads.com/blackcatholicmessenger

bsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.org

Make a tax-deductible donation to BCM @ http://blackcatholicmessenger.org/donate

Chris Ellis Jr., a Black Catholic D.C. native, sits down with Nate Tinner-Williams discuss culture, calling, and the need for greater commitment to evangelization.

Music: Gunnar Gundersen

~~
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We back! The crew discusses news of note from the past several weeks, including Gunnar's opinion piece on a recent trip to a slave plantation in disguise, Alessandra's TV appearance and America Magazine op-ed on mass incarceration, and Nate's recent piece on Black Catholic history in North Florida.

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Irorobeje Crystal Owhoso-Maddox, of Indianapolis' young adult Black Catholic ministry, joins Nate on this episode to discuss all things controversial. (Amanda Gorman, David L. Gray, liturgy, racism, etc. Ya know, the light stuff.)

story references:
- https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.com/amanda-gorman-black-catholic/
- https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/amanda-gorman-inaugural-poet-for-biden-has-history-of-abortion-advocacy
- https://nowthisnews.com/videos/news/national-youth-poet-laureate-amanda-gorman-on-abortion-bans

Crystal's ministry:
twitter.com/IndyBlkCatholic
instagram.com/archindyblackcatholics/
facebook.com/Indy-Black-Catholic-Ministry-882725208543544
youtube.com/channel/UCuJjPJICZV2h9DZDnSjWbzw

~~
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https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories
https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger
https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com
donate @ https://givebutter.com/hEseXK
podcast page (all major platforms): https://blackcatholicmessenger.libsyn.com/

Jalissa Pollard joins the show to talk about her trailblazing book, "My Grandma is a Lady", her journey into Black Catholic parish life, her passion for faith and Black culture, and her plans for future ministry.

Buy her book: https://g.co/kgs/65ysz7
Follow her on IG: @jayybouquet
Follow her on Twitter: @TheYSS_Writes

~~
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https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories
https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger
https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com
donate @ https://givebutter.com/hEseXK
podcast page (all major platforms): https://blackcatholicmessenger.libsyn.com/

In this episode, Alessandra Harris, and Mary Bast chat with Olga Segura about Black Catholic witness in the modern age, and about her new book "Birth of a Movement: Black Lives Matter and the Catholic Church".

https://www.orbisbooks.com/birth-of-a-movement-black-lives-matter-and-the-catholic-church.html

~~
https://blackcatholicmessenger.com
https://twitter.com/BlkCathStories
https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger
https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com
donate @ https://givebutter.com/hEseXK
podcast page (all major platforms): https://blackcatholicmessenger.libsyn.com/

Welcome to the Black Catholic Messenger Show, a podcast where we keep it Black and we keep it Catholic.

In this episode, we discuss the formation, mission, and work of Black Catholic Messenger (including the inspiring example of the late great Daniel Rudd), Black authorship and ownership, and some current events—including our newly inaugurated queen, Amanda Gorman, and how Black Catholics might express a Whole Life Ethic.

Episode hosts: Nate Tinner-Williams, Alessandra Harris, and Preslaysa Williams.

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Show Notes

1. BCM vision: https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.com/about/

2. BCM story on Amanda Gorman: https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.com/amanda-gorman-black-catholic/

3. Alessandra's website: https://alessandraharris.net/

4. Preslaysa's website: https://preslaysa.com/

5. Nate's website: http://natemup.com/

~~

https://blackcatholicmessenger.org

https://x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr

https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger

https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com

Make a tax-deductible donation to BCM @ https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/7faed8f8-4ba2-4687-b83c-4dc18ccb6061