In the Season 2 finale of the Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi is joined by historians Dr. Lloyd Barba and Dr. Sergio González for a timely and powerful conversation on sanctuary cities, religious sanctuary movements, and their deep ties to public health and immigrant justice. Drawing from decades of historical research and current activism, Dr. Barba and Dr. González break down the myths and realities of sanctuary policies, explain the public health impacts of anti-immigrant legislation, and explore the role of faith communities—especially churches and synagogues—in providing refuge, safety, and resistance.

Together, they examine why some religious institutions step up as public sanctuaries while others remain in the background, the legal and moral complexities of offering protection, and the spiritual and psychological toll immigration enforcement takes on communities. The episode also tackles generational shifts within the Latino community, the rise of Christian nationalism, and how religious leaders today can meaningfully engage in justice work.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, policy, community resilience, and public health in an increasingly polarized political climate.

On this episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, we hear from Dr. Jason Sexton, professor of sociology at UCLA. Dr. Sexton shares with us his research, with a focus on the intersection of theology, carceral systems, and eugenics.

In this conversation, they explored the historical context and implications of eugenics, its persistence in fields such as public health and public policy, and its impact on individuals and society. We explore what the point of incarceration is, the impacts it has on individual's health and the effectiveness in building better communities and its complicated ties with public policy narratives.

We conclude by directly discuss the role of Christianity in addressing social issues, particularly in relation to the carceral system and public health. With the shared goal of creating healthier, safer communities, we explore how, if at all, the prison industrial system actual helps create better more thriving spaces.

In this episode of the Healing Theology Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Anna Holleman—sociologist, professor, and researcher—to unpack the complex intersections of religion, public health, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Anna shares key findings from her research on how religious organizations and congregational life impact health outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities, and offers a sociological lens on the intricate ways faith communities shape individual and collective well-being.

Dr. Holleman delves into pressing topics like minority stress among LGBTQ+ individuals in non-affirming religious spaces, the challenges faced by queer seminarians, and the evolving landscape of queer representation within religious institutions. In this episode, we explore the role of affirming congregations in fostering resilience, the nuanced ways theology intersects with inclusion and exclusion, and the societal impact of conservative religious movements.

The conversation also touches on the power of congregational life to be both a source of harm and a place of healing, highlighting the need for transformation within religious institutions to create more inclusive and affirming spaces.