In this conversation the renowned Christian activist, best-selling author and speaker Shane Claiborne shares how we can lean into the pain of the world by looking at the words and life of Jesus and by subverting violence through creative acts of non-violent resistance.

We talk about the war in Ucraine, the Red Letter Christians, beating guns into ploughshares and the early Christians.

Shane Claiborne writes and speaks about peacemaking, social justice, and Jesus, and is the author and co-author of numerous books, including Beating Guns, Executing Grace, Jesus for President or the Irresistible Revolution. He is the visionary leader of The Simple Way in Philadelphia, a leading figure in the New Monasticism movement and co-director of the movement Red Letter Christians.

Links & Resources

• Rawtools
• Book "Beating Guns"
• Free PDF: The Early Christians in their own words
• Book "Executing Grace"

What is mission-drift in a faith-based organization? Why does it happen and how can it be countered if necessary? Looking at World Vision as a case study, Peirong Lin, Deputy Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), shares some of her interdisciplinary and theological insights from her research and practical experience.

Peirong is a theologian and a passionate human development professional. She brings with her a unique mix of praxis and theory. Besides working with World Vision for several years in the Asia Pacific region, she has studied in university institutions in three different continents majoring with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and PhD in Theology and Religious Studies.

Peirong enjoys working alongside diverse groups of people, listening closely to their different voices and bringing them together to reach their common goals. She is married and lives with her family in Germany.

What have diapers, the Bible, COP26 and climate justice all in common?
In this episode 4, Rev. Dr. Dave Bookless, Director of Theology for A Rocha International, shares his story and theological reflections about how Christian faith and creation care go together and why climate change is rather a symptom than the actual problem.

Dave Bookless is Director of Theology for A Rocha International, an international Christian nature conservation organisation. He is also an ordained Anglican minister leading a multiracial church in Southall, London, and a member of the Church of England’s Environment Working Group. In addition, Dave is an Associate of the Faraday Institute in Cambridge, a Global Catalyst for Creation Care with the Lausanne Movement, and serves on global committees for the Season of Creation and Renew our World.
Born in India, Dave and his wife Anne have lived in multifaith Southall since 1991, and their four daughters have all grown up there. He has a PhD in Theology and Biodiversity Conservation from Cambridge University, has spoken and lectured on environmental issues across six continents, and has contributed to over 20 books including Planetwise (translated into Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Korean and Spanish) and God Doesn’t do Waste.
To relax, he enjoys wildlife, running, mountain walking and Indian food.

Links & References:

• A Rocha International
• A Rocha Blog
• Dave's Book Planetwise
• Dave's Book God Doesn't do Waste

How can we describe the relationships between Christian Development Organizations (CDO's) and Congregations?
In this episode 2, part 1 Deborah Hancox, Interational Coordinator of Micah Global, gives some interesting insights from her research and broad practical experience.

Resources & Links

• Micah Global
• Article: towards defining the Christian development organization
• Dissertation: A practical theological exploration of the missional role and contribution of the Christian development organization in Cape Town, South Africa

How can we describe the relationships between Christian Development Organizations (CDO's) and Congregations?
In this episode 2, part 1 Deborah Hancox, Interational Coordinator of Micah Global, gives some interesting insights from her research and broad practical experience.

Resources & Links

• Micah Global
• Article: towards defining the Christian development organization
• Dissertation: A practical theological exploration of the missional role and contribution of the Christian development organization in Cape Town, South Africa

What is faith-based Advocacy and how can it contribute to change unjust structures and systems? What role can churches play in advocacy efforts and how can storytelling, bold listening, contemplation and relationships form key elements of successful advocacy work?
Links & Resources:

• MCC Canada Advocacy Toolkit
• MCC Canada Peace & Justice Office