The Captivity and the Possibility of the American Church with Rev. Bill Lamar IV

In this episode of the Igniting Imagination® podcast, Rev. Lisa Greenwood and Rev. Dr. Gil Rendle explore the powerful intersection of faith, justice, and public life with the Rev. William "Bill" H. Lamar IV, Pastor of Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, D.C. The historic congregation recently gained national attention after winning a landmark lawsuit against the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group.

Their conversation goes far beyond the courtroom. They dig into what this moment reveals about the rise of white Christian nationalism and why the church is called to demonstrate moral courage in turbulent times. Rev. Bill helps us trace the rich legacy of Metropolitan AME, a longstanding beacon for justice, dignity, and inclusion, and reflects on how the Christian community can continue to witness to God’s justice and human flourishing in the face of ongoing challenges.

Guests

Rev. William H. Lamar IV is the pastor of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. He previously served Turner Memorial AME Church in Maryland and three churches in Florida. He is a former managing director at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity. Lamar is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Duke Divinity School. He is the co-host of "Can These Bones," a faith and leadership podcast.

Links

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