Ordinary Time #13: Southside Solidarity | @kaleophx

WARNING: In this sermon, I challenge the idea of penal substitutionary atonement and present a non-violent way to view the crucifixion. In traditional seminary experiences, students are often taught the different ways cultures and denominations view the crucifixion, but that's not something everyone is familiar with. So before you listen to this, just know this may rearrange the furniture in in your head and spiritual belief system. If you would like more resources as you explore this idea, please check out the links at the bottom of this sermon!

Ordinary Time #8: Written-Out Slaves | @kaleophx

A decolonial reading of this text, therefore, challenges us to recover and reclaim the forgotten lives in the text and the context. A recovery of these forgotten lives is by ‘hearing to speech’ their voices, which is an affirmation of their existence in society.

Eastertide #6: We Still Have Each Other | @kaleophx

On this sixth Sunday of Eastertide, Pastor Erin guides us through John 17:1-11. Jesus is departing his disciples giving them the task of continuing his work of liberation and continuing his politics of a non-violent way of resistance to oppression and corrupt government.

MLK Sunday 2023: From Rage to Shout

I still feel the tension of the life and work of Dr. King because he was assassinated for saying things that I’m going to say to you today. I still feel the tension of rage, courage, confusion, uncertainty, And the responsibility of Truth-telling, which sometimes feels like shouting in the fire. I still feel the tension of the reality that we are the continuation of a story Dr. King couldn’t finish telling…

Advent #1: Watchmen...Stay Woke! | @kaleophx

In this sermon, we begin the first Sunday of Advent, and I guide us through the work of Wilda C. Gafney, Fleming Rutledge, and the parable of the doorkeeper in Mark 13:34-37.

Truthsgiving: A Trial of Tears | @kaleophx

“Truthsgiving, coined by Indigenous activist Christine Nobiss is meant to dismantle common misunderstandings about Thanksgiving with...well, the truth. Some say Thanksgiving is celebrated at the expense of Native peoples, and while America celebrates a day of thanks with feasts and football, many Native Americans continue to live with disparities and economic hardships…”

Pushing Out White Supremacy | @kaleophx

We're on week 7 of our journey through the work of Oscar Romero and the way he preached the Good News of Jesus among the poor and oppressed of El Salvador.⁠ In this episode, we reflect on Romero's homily from April 9, 1978 and are guided through Luke 24:13-35 as we discuss the importance of pushing back on the line of tolerance for White Supremacy.

Eastertide #4: Loving the Born vs. Unborn (Roe v. Wade & Buffalo, NY Shooting) | @kaleophx

Their friend, hero, Lord and Savior was unjustly murdered. He was the one that said He was going to save them from the Roman Empire. But what they saw with their eyes was not him overturning the Roman Empire but they saw the Roman Empire over turned Him. BUT…

Epiphany #3 - Liberation in Genealogy | @kaleophx

On the weekend of MLK Day, my husband and I had the privilege of having dinner with one of our city’s matriarchs, Linda Morris, and this sermon was inspired by her. Click here for a recording from that gathering and a transcript of my message notes.

Our Reaction to the ASU Multi-Cultural Space | Erin Dooley & Ericka Byrne

At the beginning of the fall semester, “Millions of people watched a disagreement between pairs of students at Arizona State University that was captured on video, with the clip showing two white male students getting asked to leave a multicultural space. Groups of ASU students have advocated for multicultural spaces on campus for several years to provide an area for students of color, underrepresented minorities, LGBTQ students and others to meet and discuss issues.” In this episode, Erin Dooley and Ericka Vaughn Byrne sit down to talk through their reaction to the ASU Multi-cultural Space video.

Advent #2 - Vote & Make Crooked Places Straight | @kaleophx

The coming of the birth of Jesus was indeed a threat to political power, authority, and rule. But to those experiencing oppression, the coming of Jesus was a gift of hope and liberation.

Julius Jones, Kyle Rittenhouse, Truthsgiving, and the Persistent Widow | KALEO PHX

After the heavy week of Julius Jones, Kyle Rittenhouse, and ASU Multi-cultural center, I spoke at Kaleo Phx on Sunday, November 21, 2021. This is a recording from that gathering and below is a transcript of my message notes.

Ubani Ukuku | Black Women and the Place of Justice within the Church - EPISODE 057

In this episode, I sit down with Ubani Ukuku and talk about Black women in America, the importance of voting, the upcoming election, and all the amazing things she's doing through her justice coaching program (of which, I'm proud to say, I will be going through myself in January 2021). Black women have a unique vantage point when it comes to how the systems work and how we can reimagine a better future. Listen and learn from the best of the best — Ubani Ukuku.

Tana Padilla | How To Have Racial Reconciliation in Your Church - EPISODE 056

Tana Padilla is the FIRST Christian white woman I have ever met personally that is actively fighting for racial justice and advocating for black and brown people. In this episode, we discuss the hard truths of racism in the church and what it takes to see racial reconciliation.

I talked about RACISM to WHITE PEOPLE for the first time publicly 😯

To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I've been participating in a zoom bible study on Sunday nights with @kaleophx and the pastor asked me to share something. If you know me, I don't normally get emotional when I talk in front of people...but this time...I did.

Ericka Byrne | Book Review: I'm Still Here - Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness - EPISODE 012

She's baaaack! My sister Ericka has been telling me about this book #ImStillHere by Austin Channing Brown non-stop so I thought it would be cool to do a book review live on Instagram with her this Monday!

What's so great about the book? As a black woman married to a white man why is race so important to you? How do you digest your views of this book in light of being a Christian? What's your greatest encouragement for people of all races to understand?

Millennials In Ministry