#31 - The Role of Progressive Christian Voices in the Public Square

5/12/2019 3 Comments

#31 - The Role of Progressive Christian Voices in the Public Square

Friday 1-2:30 pm
Presenter: Marcia Ledford, Diocese of Michigan

Workshop Description
Parishioners worry that by participating in public advocacy and protests against government actions jeopardize a church's tax exempt-(501 (c) (3) status. This isn't the case, and there is a lot we can do to create a more just society.

The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford, Esq., priest and attorney, will give an overview of our Christian responsibility to advocate, with and for, those suffering on the margins. The First Amendments rights of expression guarantee our protection to speak and act.

Participants will work on public theology case studies from our province to find possible public actions. Attendees are welcome to submit an issue, or case studies will be provided. Let's brainstorm and publicly work for justice!

3 Comments

Sharon Williams link

5/25/2019 06:19:43 pm

Will use a case study provided.

Marcia Ledford

6/19/2019 10:57:10 am

Yes!

The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford, Esquire link

6/3/2019 05:18:48 pm

Hi All,

I am so excited to converse with you about political theology at the BPG!

What is public/political theology? I think it involves many things, and I will be focusing on two specific actions:

1) using broadcast communications in light of the Gospel to reach as wide an audience as possible; and
2) participating in public debate for comprehensive social reform.

Does this mean I believe that we should work so that progressive Christianity should be the controlling religion in the USA?

No. The First Amendment prohibits establishing a superior religion.
However, The First Amendment provides our rights of free speech and free exercise of religion. We can speak faithfully in the public square about our concerns for the hungry, for example. Jesus said, "Feed my sheep," three times to St.Peter (Jn. 22). What duties arise in light of this command from Jesus for us as his disciples?

How do we respond publicly to participate in debate on this and many other issues we face as Christians and as Americans?

We will continue this dialogue leading up to the BPG.

I will post new material every few days, and look forward to hearing from you! We are in this together.

Next time, I will explain my view on what the "separation of church and state" means based on my recent survey in support of my Doctor of Ministry dissertation: "Christian Progressive Political Theology: Acting on the Word for Immigration."

Peace and blessings+
Marcia

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