Cultural humility is a crucial step in Christian discipleship. In this episode, the bishops speak with professor and minister Willie Jennings about what it means to decenter whiteness and act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. When practiced holistically, an active, loving posture of humility compels us to dismantle systems of oppression so that all may be free.

● About Willie Jennings.

● Looking to improve intercultural competence? Check out the Intercultural Development Inventory.

● Learn more about cultural humility in this video from the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

● Resources from the United Methodist General Commission on Religion and Race.

● What does The United Methodist Church say about racism?

The bishops speak with author and theologian Brian McLaren about the sacred practice of listening for understanding and entering conversations with curiosity instead of certainty. What does it mean to foster a climate of faithful inquiry grounded in respect for each person’s dignity? What does it mean to be ready to embrace the truth? When the conditions are right, fruit can be born and genuine friendships can be built.

● About Brian McLaren.

● Faith[1]  After Doubt by Brian McLaren

● John Wesley’s sermon “Catholic Spirit.”

● Get to know someone who doesn’t look or think like you. This resource sheet from Safe Places for the Advancement of Community and Equity can help.

● Conversation Tools

● Resolution 3331. Doctrine of Discovery

● What does The United Methodist Church say about racism?

Link updated to a Black-owned bookstore in Silver Spring.

The bishops speak with Shawnee storyteller and chair of the Native American Comprehensive Plan of The United Methodist Church Fred Shaw about what it means to fulfill the Great Commandment: to love God and neighbor. They discuss Native Americans and the church, embracing the gifts and perspectives of indigenous peoples and building right relationships across differences not as a transaction but as an opportunity to be mutually transformed.

● More about Fred Shaw and the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band.

● Native American Comprehensive Plan of The United Methodist Church

● “Pastor Reflects on Abuses at Indian Boarding Schools,” from United Methodist News.

● 11 Facts About Native People In Society and the Church from GCORR

● Resolution 3331. Doctrine of Discovery

● What does The United Methodist Church say about racism?

The bishops speak with teacher Opal Lee, “the Grandmother of Juneteenth,” about her life, her work to make Juneteenth a national holiday, and how God’s grace prepares, redeems, and restores us to be the people we were created to be. This podcast invites listeners to hold onto hope and joy even in the face of hardship. Lee’s love for humanity and amazing grace is what we are called to extend to one another in mutual trust with a commitment to the well-being of all.

● About Opal Lee.

● Juneteenth: Staying the Course of Freedom and Flourishing for All

What does The United Methodist Church say about racism?

The bishops speak with Eboo Patel, founder and president of the Interfaith Youth Core, about implicit bias and the damage done when we project our cultural values onto others. We must do the hard but holy work of examining our own assumptions and perceptions and engaging in practices to build healthy, intercultural relationships that honor each creation as worthy, equal and sacred.

● About Eboo Patel.

● We Need to Build by Eboo Patel will be available May 2022.

● Read about how the Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church is focusing on creating Beloved Community.

● Become aware of your own implicit biases by taking the Implicit Association Test.

What does The United Methodist Church say about racism?

The bishops speak with best-selling author, activist, pastor and public theologian Nadia Bolz-Weber about honoring differences and calling the Church to the work of transformation. This episode invites listeners to embrace humility, let go of fear, and have the hard conversations necessary to build the beloved community God calls us to build. Bolz-Weber’s unique and uncensored approach to living out the Gospel and building community is rooted in respecting difference with humility, grace and forgiveness.

● About Nadia Bolz-Weber

● This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion

● What does The United Methodist Church say about racism?

The Unfinished Church is for all who are ready to unite and build a world in which racial prejudice has no power. Hosted by United Methodist Bishops LaTrelle Easterling, Michael McKee, and Gregory Palmer, this podcast is a place for discussion, learning and transformation. Join us as we move from conversation to action. God is not done with us. Our work is unfinished.