The Living Church Podcast

With love, wit, and a laugh, Jane Austen brought human drama to the drawing room. We love her for it. It also gave her away as a Christian.On December 16, 1775, the Anglican clergy family of Austens welcomed their youngest daughter, who would grow to become one of the world’s greatest novelists and, as we’ll discuss today, a profound Christian; a loving and lively friend, sister, and aunt; a scholar of human nature; and an expert on how the virtues and vices that make or break us reveal themselves in the everyday. She was also, for the record, hilarious.Today’s conversation is part of our annual Cozy Christmas Chat series, and our guests are Haley Stewart and the Rev. Dr. David Goodhew.Haley is a Catholic author and the editor of Word on Fire Votive. She was cohost of the popular Fountains of Carrots podcast, and is the author of Jane Austen's Genius Guide to Life, The Grace of Enough, and The Sister Seraphina Mysteries.David is Vicar of St Barnabas Church, Middlesbrough, England and Visiting Fellow of St Johns College, Durham University. He is widely published, with five volumes on modern Christianity and church growth. But he has also written several excellent and entertaining essays on Jane Austen’s life and faith that you can read at livingchurch.org/covenant.Today we encounter Jane Austen via Dante’s Inferno, learn from her on the virtues, unpack the popularity of Bridgerton, critique film adaptations, and learn about the personal practices of prayer that rooted Jane’s genius. And, from Mr. Darcy who can’t bear to be laughed at, to Emma with little to trouble or vex her, we discuss how humor, used with compassion, can be an expression of love.We hope you enjoy this cozy Christmas conversation!From this episode:David’s articles on Jane AustenHaley’s books on Jane, etc.Haley’s Sister Seraphina MysteriesHaley’s podcastHaley’s SubstackFrom the ads:Shop Living Church ResourcesPastoral Ministrations of the PriestSubscribe to The Living Church magazineDonate to the Living ChurchAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What do wise and practical partnerships with immigrant communities look like?Today’s episode is from a conversation we co-hosted with The Episcopal Parish Network to explore how congregations can engage more faithfully and effectively with immigrant and refugee neighbors.We dip into a bit of theology here. But we concentrate on strategic application, legal context, and pastoral insights for building authentic relationships and deepening mission.We discuss:Legal landscapes around immigration—what’s true, what’s not true, how it affects ministry.Pastoral care that is culturally responsive instead of awkward or well-meaningly clueless.Cooperating with ethnic leaders to support and empower immigrants and their families.Practical tips to try.This conversation is about bridges across borders: discerning the opportunities God has put in front of you, making a solid plan, and accepting the time and help it takes to build bridges that last.Our guests today are: The Rev. Dr. Samira Izadi Page, founder and executive director of Gateway of Grace, Dallas, Texas.James Montana, Esq., principal and immigration lawyer at James Montana Law, Falls Church, Virginia.The Rev. Christian Anderson, vicar at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Stuart, Florida.The Rev. Jaime Briceño, rector at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Berwyn, Illinois.From this episode:Watch the videoList of recommended legal and ministry resourcesFrom the ads:Shop Living Church ResourcesPastoral Ministrations of the PriestSubscribe to The Living Church magazineDonate to the Living ChurchAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What can we learn from surprising encounters between Catholics and Pentecostals?In 1906, in a no-count Los Angeles storefront, a one-eyed preacher named William Seymour, son of former slaves, began leading services on Azuza Street.Azuza Street has gone down in history as the catalyst of the Pentecostal movement, one of the largest groups of Christians in the world today. But it’s also had deep impact on much older traditions, including the Roman Catholic Church. Charismatic Catholics owe much to brothers and sisters whose practices may make them scratch their heads. On the other hand, maybe you've noticed the—could we call it?— "revival" among free-church Christians in interest in liturgy, tradition, and the sacraments.This is just the generous way God works, giving us encounters we would never have found for ourselves, with him and one another, and helping us share our gifts and appreciate the gifts of others, across time, space, and difference.Today we’ll hear from a Roman Catholic missioner and a Pentecostal theologian who have been walking together this surprising road of Christian unity, and we’ll hear some of their stories.Nathan Smith serves as the Director of Ecumenism for Glenmary Home Missioners and as a consultant for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs. In his ministry, he seeks to foster reconciliation between the Catholic Church, Evangelicals and Pentecostals. He also served with the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity at the 2024 Global Christian Forum gathering.The Rev. Dr. David Han is the Dean of the Faculty at Pentecostal Theological Seminary and is involved in various ecumenical activities such as the Global Christian Forum, the Wesleyan Holiness Connection, the International Pentecostal and Anglican Commission, and the Catholic and Pentecostal Dialogue in the United States.Now hold on to your rosaries. But stay ready to shout amen. We hope you enjoy the conversation.Ministries and dialogues we mention:Global Christian ForumGlenmary Home MissionersUS Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious AffairsDicastery for Promoting Christian UnityInternational Pentecostal and Anglican CommissionCatholic and Pentecostal Dialogue--Shop Living Church BooksAttend a Living Church eventGive to support this podcastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

How can decorating a Crèche draw us to a place of divine encounter?We are approaching yet another Advent season, a season of making space to wait on God.Maybe you’re good at making that space. Like a cat, you have no problem flopping down where you are, stretching your legs, and letting Jesus take the wheel.Or maybe you’re addicted—like most of us—to work, to control and productivity, to entertainment, perhaps even to podcasts!—and Advent feels like a struggle.Or maybe you’re working three jobs because you have to, and maintaining an interior grasp of God’s love, in the midst of the crazy, is what slowing down means for you.But sometimes being still is not something you choose. It’s thrust upon you. When you’re not able to go anywhere or do anything much, Advent is life, whether you ask for it or not.That’s where our guest today found herself. And in that long, involuntary long season of Advent, as she reflected on her life and grew a garden, the journey brought her to writing a little Advent book about nature, the seasons, and the tradition of manger scenes where she grew up in Provence, France, and how she found Jesus there.Our guest today is Sylvie Vanhoozer. Sylvie is a certified botanic artist, retired French teacher, and author of two books of nature sketches and meditations: The Art of Living in Advent: 28 Days of Joyful Waiting as well as The Art of Living in Season: A Year of Reflections for Everyday Saints. Here are some French words we use today: Crèche: manger sceneSantons: “little saints”; clay figurines based on ordinary people Terroir: a people’s land and all the life in itNow remind yourself where you’ve stored away your Nativity set. Because after this conversation you might want to get it out. Perhaps it will help you remember, receive, and share the gospel over the next few weeks.More from Sylvie:theartoflivinginseason.comThe Art of Living in Advent, discount code IVPPOD20 for 20% off plus free shipping!From the ads:Shop Living Church BooksGive to support this podcastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this insightful discussion, Mark Michael, editor of The Living Church, and Matthew Olver, its executive director, delve into the implications of GAFCON's launch of a Global Anglican Communion. They explore the reactions from various Anglican communities divided between joy and concern. Mark provides context on GAFCON's origins and its relationship to other movements, while Matthew emphasizes the need for accountability, repentance, and prayerful unity. Together, they question how these shifts will impact parish relationships and Anglican identity.

What does faith have to do with fiction? Can romance teach us something about God's presence in imaginary worlds?Today’s episode is a conversation with novelist H.S. Cross, recorded live at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Savannah, GA, as part of their Sunday Night Sessions. We talk with Heather about 1920s Oxford; love stories and their theological significance; what it’s like to create and then watch your creations surprise you. We discuss the importance of play; why skipping the hard parts risks a story no longer feeling “real”; and the need to “Hold your nerve and not rush the ending.” And finally, since her novel is a messy and complicated romance, in some parts, as she puts it, “rated R" for sexuality, what does it mean, in this kind of story, to “tell the truth” or to get caught “writing while Christian”?H.S. Cross has been a tutor and a writer and is the author of three novels: Wilberforce, Grievous, and her latest novel, Amanda.Now rock your best Oxford bags and handkerchief hemline. We’re heading to the 1920’s where we’ll meet a couple of God-haunted lovers, the woman who created them, and discover what faith has to do with fiction. We hope you enjoy the conversation.From this episode:Watch this conversation on YouTubeAmanda and other books by H.S. CrossAssociate for Youth and Young Adults job posting at St. John’s Savannah (October 2025)Related podcast episodes:Christmas chat with Heather CrossMusic and ministry with Jon JamesonFrom the ads: Shop Living Church BooksAttend a Living Church eventOther events you might enjoy:Nashotah House intensive course on “The Prayer Book Tradition” (January 2026)The Anglican Way Conference (February 2026)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this engaging discussion, Daniela Augustine, a Professor of Theological Ethics and Honorary Senior Research Fellow, and Peter Casarella, a Professor of Theology at Duke Divinity School, delve into the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. They explore its impact on modern social and political life, discussing the tensions between church authority and imperial politics. The conversation touches on the relevance of Nicene theology to human equality and the continuous work of the Spirit in transforming society. Their ecumenical perspectives foster rich insights into how Nicaea's legacy continues to resonate.

Join Abram Van Engen, a humanities professor and author of Word Made Fresh, as he dives into the transformative power of poetry for the Church. He passionately defends poetry as relational and meaningful, challenging the idea that it's esoteric. Abram shares how Scripture is rich with poetic elements, emphasizing its role in worship and personal encounters. He offers practical tips for reading and appreciating poetry, highlighting its ability to connect us across experiences and enhance our spiritual lives.

Today we're talking tea. Why? Well, we’re an Anglican podcast. Need we say more?Knowing how to share and make a good cup of tea translates around the globe. Whether it’s hospitality or work-life balance, tea has played a significant role in leadership, conversation, and parish life. Today we meet an amazing Christian woman who knows all about tea, why it's special, and how God can use tea time as an opportunity for ministry and leadership lessons. Her name is Jackie James.Jackie is a certified Tea Sommelier and founder at The London Tea Merchant. She’s also the former owner of the London Tea Room in St. Louis, Missouri.We’ll hear today about her journey from a Jesus Freak preacher’s kid in the U.K. to a businesswoman in midwest America.We'll learn a bit about the slow art, challenging business, and fascinating science of tea, and where she has found God at work in it all. How can we stop and share time? How do you run the show, and let things go? How can unlearning self-preserving habits with difficult staff members lead to strength, vulnerability, and grace?Now get your scones and Victoria Sponge cake ready, because we’re about to have a "jam" session on finding the Lord’s work in a hot cuppa.We hope you enjoy the conversation.SPECIAL discount code LTMSHOP for 5% off at the London Tea MerchantAttend a Living Church eventGive to support this podcastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Join Derek French, pastor of Nazareth Moravian Church, and Bishop M. Blair Couch, a leader in the Moravian Church, as they explore the rich history of the Moravians. They dive into the legacy of Jan Hus and the church's unique commitment to Christian unity. Personal stories unfold, including transformative moments like being struck by lightning. The discussion highlights the Moravian Church's emphasis on pastoral care in leadership and its welcoming community atmosphere, showcasing how collaboration enriches worship across traditions.