Our 2023 Books of the Year
For this issue of A Public Witness, Brian and Beau briefly highlight 15 of their favorite books beyond those from our monthly giveaway reviews.
Review: Unexpected Abundance
In "Unexpected Abundance: The Fruitful Lives of Women Without Children," Episcopal priest Elizabeth Felicetti deepens our understanding of the many ways to be fruitful.
Amid War in Gaza, Churches Urged to Leave Peace Candle Unlit This Advent
Inspired by Palestinian Christians canceling Christmas lights and festivities in Bethlehem, British Christians urge Christians elsewhere to show solidarity by not lighting the “peace candle” that is traditionally lit on the second Sunday in Advent.
Unsettling Advent 2023, Day 2
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood reflects on how there is nothing pure about the death penalty process. It ensnares us all. So, where does hope fit in?
Warren Throckmorton Takes On David Barton and ‘Christian Nationalists’ Revisionist History’
Despite past controversy, Barton’s influence has found an eager audience with the rise of Christian Nationalism in the age of Trump.
The Episcopal Church Reckons With Tangled Protocol on Clergy Abuse and Accountability
As the denomination evaluates its Title IV clergy misconduct policy, abuse survivors say the process needs to be trauma-informed.
Unsettling Advent 2023, Day 1
Brian Kaylor reflects on state executions during Christmastime and the modern parallels with a biblical character we often leave out of our nativity sets and pageants.
No Room at the Political Inn
This issue of A Public Witness looks back at the attacks on Syrian refugees in 2015 and the abysmal U.S. record on assisting refugees since then to help us consider what to make of efforts to ban refugees from Gaza today.
Review: Speak with the Earth and It Will Teach You
In "Speak with the Earth and It Will Teach You: A Field Guide to the Bible," Daniel Cooperrider analyzes the Bible's treatment of the environment and intersperses his own reflections on experiences in nature.
Kansas Clergy Place Faith in State Legislators Embracing ‘Moral Truth’ of Medicaid Expansion
A diverse group of pastors and religious leaders participated in a forum at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church to discuss Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s campaign to convince the 2024 Legislature to end its embargo on Medicaid reform.