simon doong Archives

‘A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast’ looks at upstream ways for ending gun violence

Posted September 7th, 2023

In her efforts combatting gun violence, the Rev. M. Courtenay Willcox prefers going upstream with her activism.

YAV alums and others in the PC(USA) join to commission the 2023-24 class of Young Adult Volunteers

Posted August 25th, 2023

Twenty-six Young Adult Volunteers who’ve agreed to give a year of service for a lifetime of change were commissioned by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Thursday during a service held both online and in the Chapel at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Watch the 75-minute service here.

Want to push for more justice? The PC(USA)’s Samantha Davis has ways to make that happen

Posted August 24th, 2023

For people and congregations wondering how to get started in their push for justice for people of color, women and the queer community, “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast” featured the perfect guest last week: Samantha Davis, the associate for Gender, Racial and Intercultural Justice in the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries.

Dr. Anna Carter Florence has a how-to for Presbyterians who want to go beyond the lectionary’s scripture passages

Posted August 14th, 2023

A recent installment of “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast” saw Dr. Anna Carter Florence speak with hosts the Rev. Lee Catoe and Simon Doong over “engaging the biblical text.” Listen to their conversation here. Florence comes in at the 26:42 mark.

Author and educator Camille Hernandez tells ‘A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast’ how churches can better minister to people who have suffered sexual exploitation and violence

Posted July 21st, 2023

Camille Hernandez, author of the upcoming book “The Hero and the Whore: Reclaiming Healing and Liberation Through the Stories of Sexual Exploitation in the Bible,” said during the most recent edition of “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast” that “a larger conversation on sexual violence” has been made possible because of the #MeToo movement.

PC(USA) podcast guest explains how to find your voice even when the world tries to silence you

Posted July 14th, 2023

Ally Henny, a speaker and the author of the recently published “I Won’t Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You,” speaks her mind during the most recent episode of “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast,” which can be heard here. The hosts each week are Simon Doong and the Rev. Lee Catoe.

Next Mosaic of Peace conference sure to be impactful based on a history of memorable experiences

Posted July 14th, 2023

From hearing firsthand accounts about the plight of Palestinians to collaborating with a local group that makes textile art, being part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Mosaic of Peace conference in the Holy Land was a memorable experience for past participant Megan Acedo. “I really got to meet people who were living out the work of advocacy, the work of justice, the work of loving our neighbor, in ways that were really profound,” said Acedo, an elder and clerk of session of Beacon church in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood. “There were heartbreaking stories, but overall, it was an incredible and transformative experience.” The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program is now accepting applications for the next Mosaic of Peace conference, which takes place from March 4-15, 2024, in the Israel/Palestine region.

People who are both Presbyterian and Indigenous can find joy and meaning in both worlds

Posted July 12th, 2023

The Rev. Martha Sadongei encourages Native American siblings who follow Christ to blend their faith with their Indigenous practices, and she had a ready story to illustrate just how during last week’s episode of “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast,” which can be heard here. Sadongei comes in at the two-minute mark.

‘A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast’ hears from a shelter director who knows his way around city hall

Posted July 7th, 2023

Isaac Adlerstein, the executive director of Broadway Community at Broadway Presbyterian Church in New York City, whose efforts helping the city open shelters in New York City faith communities for asylum seekers was reported here, was the guest recently on “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast,” hosted each week by Simon Doong and the Rev. Lee Catoe.

A Presbyterian musician pushes for bail reform

Posted July 6th, 2023

As the assistant principal violist of the Opera Philadelphia orchestra, Jay Julio uses his “special power” — performing largely for upper middle class white and east Asian audiences — in ways that lift both audiences and, on occasion, people serving time behind bars.