Crown and Crozier
Patrick Brown
In Crown and Crozier, we invite leading thinkers to explore how the human experience is shaped by the interplay between Church and State, and what this means for tackling the great challenges of today. Join us as we examine what’s at stake for us as citizens and as a society in the dynamic engagement between civil and religious authority. The common good, basic freedoms, dignity of the person, administration of justice, self-government, the preservation of truth, goodness and beauty - all this and more hangs in the balance.
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Top 10 Crown and Crozier Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Crown and Crozier episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Crown and Crozier for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Crown and Crozier episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Should Pastors Be Political? ~ Ben Dunson
Crown and Crozier
10/15/22 • 45 min
Should pastors be political?
Before we instinctively leap to the answer “NO!”...
What if we examine that question in the light of what the Church teaches are a pastor’s three primary responsibilities - teaching, sanctifying and governing? And what if by “political” we simply mean the many things relating to our life in common in the body politic, as opposed to the political vocation or mere partisanship?
Joining us to help tackle these questions is Dr. Ben Dunson, author of “Should pastors be political?”, published by First Things in August 2022. Dr. Dunson is editor-in-chief of American Reformer and visiting professor of New Testament at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Greenville, South Carolina.
Documents/Websites Referenced
Dr. Ben Dunson biographyBen Dunson, “Should Pastors Be Political?” First Things (August 26, 2022)
[email protected]www.crownandcrozier.comtwitter.com/crownandcrozierPlease note that this podcast has been edited for length and clarity.
Al Smith, America’s 1st Catholic Presidential Nominee (and Enemy of the KKK) - Robert Slayton
Crown and Crozier
10/01/22 • 36 min
Long before Joe Biden, John Kerry and JFK threw their hats in the ring for President, Alfred E. Smith blazed the trail in 1928 as the first Catholic nominee for the White House.
Smith’s story is the stuff of legend. The son of a poor Irish immigrant, Smith grew up in Lower Manhattan, laboured in the local fish market, served in the New York assembly for over 10 years, and won four elections for Governor. During the 1928 presidential election, he encountered an avalanche of anti-Catholic bigotry, much of it spearheaded by the Ku Klux Klan.
Join us as we examine the life and legacy of a good man who lived and defended the faith in public office, and whose witness can help shape our vision of what to look for in any politician, let alone a Catholic one. Our guest is Dr. Robert Slayton, Professor Emeritus of History at Chapman University and author of Empire Statesman: The Rise and Redemption of Al Smith.Documents/Websites Referenced
Dr. Robert Slayton biography
Robert Slayton, “Empire Statesman: The Rise and Redemption of Al Smith”
Alfred E. Smith, “Catholic and Patriot”, The Atlantic (May 1927)
“How Al Smith and FDR countered the KKK and anti-Catholic prejudice in politics”
“Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire”
[email protected]www.crownandcrozier.comtwitter.com/crownandcrozierPlease note that this podcast has been edited for length and clarity.
08/09/22 • 57 min
We take advantage of the Canadian House of Commons’ summer recess to sit down with Garnett Genuis, Member of Parliament for Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan in Alberta.
We shoot the summer breeze getting to know Garnett better: how his political discernment was partly inspired by a Holocaust survivor in his family and a German bishop who resisted the Nazis; how he juggles his obligations as parliamentarian and father of five; and how the Christian faith is practiced, shared, interpreted and sometimes maligned on Parliament Hill.
Our discussion also features a lively mix of current events: Pope Francis’ recent trip to Canada and the legacy of Indian residential schools; religious freedom at home and abroad; the state of the national pro-life movement; and the outlook for upstart political parties seeking to challenge the conservative establishment.
Oh, and there’s that whole Conservative Party of Canada leadership race to talk about too.
Garnett was first elected to federal office in 2015 and was likewise victorious in the 2019 and 2021 elections. At 35 years of age, he’s spent nearly 20% of his life representing his constituents. He’s the host of his own political podcast, Resuming Debate. Garnett and his wife, Rebecca, live outside Edmonton, Alberta and have five children.
Documents/Websites Referenced
Garnett Genuis biography (official website)“Resuming Debate” podcast hosted by Garnett Genuis
“What the bishop who resisted the Nazis can teach us today,” Catholic News Agency (December 17, 2017)
“Pope Francis in Canada” (official webpage for the July 2022 papal visit)
“‘Terrible and tragic’: Century-old Catholic Church in Morinville, Alta., destroyed by fire,” CBC News (June 30, 2021)
Garnett Genuis tweets #1 and #2 endorsements in 2022 Conservative Party of Canada leadership race“Canada election: Did the PPC split the Conservative vote? Maybe - but it’s not that simple,” Global News (September 22, 2021)
“Alberta MP among those calling for re-opening of national Office of Religious Freedom,” Grandin Media (March 10, 2021)
[email protected]www.crownandcrozier.comtwitter.com/crownandcrozierPlease note that this podcast has been edited for length and clarity.
The Pope Comes to Canada ~ John Paul Meenan
Crown and Crozier
07/23/22 • 54 min
From July 24-29, 2022, Pope Francis will be visiting Canada. During the trip, the Pope is set to deliver an apology on Canadian soil for the involvement of Catholic dioceses and religious orders in the operation of residential schools from the 1870s through the 1990s.
Residential schools were established under a federal government program which was intended to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture, and equip them with the education and skills deemed necessary to participate in Canada’s economic and social life.
In anticipation of the Holy Father’s visit, this episode explores Indigenous reconciliation and ministry, major themes and challenges from Pope Francis’ pontificate, and whether Canada has a unique contribution to make to the Church’s mission in the 21st century.
Along the way, we take some scenic detours, including reminiscing about the last time a pope visited Canada for the occasion of World Youth Day in 2002, and reminding ourselves of the importance of continuously building communities of faith.
Our guest is John Paul Meenan, Assistant Professor of Theology at Seat of Wisdom College in Barry’s Bay, Ontario. John Paul was the co-founder of the small academic community which eventually became Seat of Wisdom College. He's also the Editor in Chief of the online magazine Catholic Insight.
Documents/Websites referenced
John Paul Meenan biography (Seat of Wisdom College): https://www.seatofwisdom.ca/academics/faculty-2/jpmeenan/
“Pope Francis in Canada” (official webpage for the papal visit): https://www.papalvisit.ca
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Brief History of Indian Residential Schools”: https://www.cccb.ca/indigenous-peoples/resources/indian-residential-schools-truth-reconciliation-commission/
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of This Land” (September 24, 2021): https://www.cccb.ca/letter/statement-of-apology-by-the-catholic-bishops-of-canada-to-the-indigenous-peoples-of-this-land/
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Visit 2002”: https://www.cccb.ca/the-catholic-church-in-canada/papal-visits-canada/john-paul-iis-third-visit-canada-july-2002/
Pope Francis, Apostolic Letter Traditionis Custodes (July 16, 2021): https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/motu_proprio/documents/20210716-motu-proprio-traditionis-custodes.html
Catholic Insight magazine: https://catholicinsight.com/
[email protected]www.crownandcrozier.comtwitter.com/crownandcrozierPlease note that this podcast has been edited for length and clarity.
A Catholic Defense of the Freedom Convoy? ~ Mary Catherine Sommers
Crown and Crozier
05/07/22 • 70 min
From January 29 - February 20, 2022, the eyes of the world were upon Ottawa, Canada as hundreds of truck drivers and thousands of their supporters engaged in the self-styled “Freedom Convoy” protest against COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates.
In this episode of Crown and Crozier, we examine the Freedom Convoy through the lens of key tenets of the Catholic Church’s teaching – especially St. Thomas Aquinas’ formula for what constitutes just law and the principles that underlie when civil disobedience is permissible.
In particular, we pose the following questions:
- According to the Catholic Church, what constitutes authentic human freedom?
- Was the Freedom Convoy justified in protesting against COVID restrictions which may not have fulfilled the criteria for just laws?
- Could a Catholic participate in the Freedom Convoy in good conscience?
Our guest is Dr. Mary Catherine Sommers, Professor Emerita of Philosophy and past director of the Center for Thomistic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.
Documents/Websites referenced
St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, 1st part of the 2nd part: Q90
Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 2242 (refusing obedience to civil authorities)
Pope Leo XIII, Sapientiae Christianae - Encyclical on Christians as Citizens (1890)
Mark R. MacGuigan, “Civil Disobedience and Natural Law”, The Catholic Lawyer (1965) [quotation of St. Alphonsus Liguori - “when it is doubtful, the law is presumed to be just”]
Ontario Superior Court of Justice decision granting injunction on use of air horns and train horns by Freedom Convoy participants (February 7, 2022)
Quinton Amundson, “Ottawa basilica cancels Masses due to Freedom Convoy protest”, The Catholic Register (February 9, 2022)
Rachel Parent, “‘We’re not lawyers’: Ottawa protest organizer says MOU not meant to endorse toppling the Canadian government”, Saltwire (February 10, 2022)
“‘Blurred lines’ - Ottawa archdiocese says there’s no easy take on trucker protests”, The Pillar (February 11, 2022)
[email protected]www.crownandcrozier.comtwitter.com/crownandcrozierPlease note that this podcast has been edited for length and clarity.
Reflections on Residential Schools and Reconciliation from an Indigenous Priest ~ Fr. Cristino Bouvette
Crown and Crozier
04/01/22 • 59 min
In Canada, anticipation has been building in the lead-up to the visit of a delegation of Indigenous elders, youth, and residential school survivors to the Vatican in Spring 2022.
The visit comes on the heels of the announcement in 2021 that the remains of 215 children in unmarked graves had been discovered on the site of a former residential school near Kamloops, British Columbia.
In this episode of Crown and Crozier, we explore the issue of residential schools through the lens of a unique personal story.
Father Cristino Bouvette’s grandmother was a member of the Cree First Nation. Despite being forced away from home to attend a residential school in Alberta, his grandmother - or “kokum” - held onto her Christian faith until she died shortly before her 100th birthday.
Our conversation with Father Bouvette examines the witness of his kokum, the blend of Christian identity and Indigenous heritage in his family, what authentic reconciliation looks like, and the incredible healing power of forgiveness.
Father Bouvette serves as the Vicar of Vocations and Young Adults in the Diocese of Calgary, as well as the Chaplain for the Diocese’s youth ministry, the St. Francis Xavier Council.
(Note - for background information on the Indian residential school system in Canada, see the link below to the website of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops).
Documents/Websites referenced
Father Cristino Bouvette (biography)@frcris
Father Cristino Bouvette, “Reality in Truth and Reconciliation”, Convivium (June 16, 2021)
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Brief History of Indian Residential Schools”Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Canadian Bishops and Indigenous Delegates Depart on Historic Trip to the Holy See” (March 24, 2022)
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Statement of Apology by the Catholic Bishops of Canada to the Indigenous Peoples of This Land” (September 24, 2021)
Raymond de Souza, "Historically inaccurate to suggest Catholic Church hasn’t apologized for residential schools", National Post (June 2021)
Diocese of Prince George (British Columbia), Rose Prince PilgrimageIndian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
[email protected]www.crownandcrozier.comtwitter.com/crownandcrozierPlease note that this podcast has been edited for length and clarity.
Power and Piety: Lessons for Us (and Vladimir Putin) from Blessed Karl of Austria ~ Fr. Raymond de Souza
Crown and Crozier
04/01/22 • 36 min
Can a ruler be both powerful and pious?
This combination may be rare in our political leaders today. But the life of Blessed Karl of Austria teaches us that the answer to this question can indeed be a resounding “yes.”
With April 1, 2022 marking the 100-year anniversary of his death, in this episode we examine the legacy and witness of the last emperor of one of Europe’s most long-standing Catholic dynasties. Proving that a deep faith in God was not at odds with service in the highest imperial office, Blessed Karl strove for a peaceful resolution to the First World War and ultimately died in exile after only two short years on the throne.
Karl’s life represents a compelling example of Church-State cooperation in an authentic pursuit of the spiritual and temporal welfare of the people - and serves as a contrast to the corrupt entanglement of altar and throne in modern-day Russia.
Joining us to explore these themes is Father Raymond de Souza. One of North America's most well-known Catholic commentators, he is a regular columnist for the National Post and the National Catholic Register. Father de Souza is a Senior Fellow at Cardus, Canada's leading Christian think tank. He also serves as a parish priest in the Archdiocese of Kingston, Ontario.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting Crown and Crozier with a tax-deductible donation here: DONATE
Documents/Websites referenced
Father Raymond de Souza (biography)@fatherdesouzaBlessed Karl of Austria (Vatican biography)Blessed Karl of Austria - Cause for Canonization USA / Canada
K.V. Turley, “Blessed are the peacemakers: Lessons from the life and legacy of Blessed Karl”, National Catholic Register (October 21, 2020)
“Caesaropapism” (CatholicCulture.org)“Josephinism” (CatholicCulture.org)Father Raymond de Souza, “The Kirill Question”, National Catholic Register (March 9, 2022)
Father Raymond de Souza, “Putin is using a ‘spiritual’ lie to further his imperialist aims”, National Post (February 26, 2022)
[email protected]www.crownandcrozier.comtwitter.com/crownandcrozierPlease note that this podcast has been edited for length and clarity.
Subsidiarity on Steubenville City Council ~ Kimberly Hahn
Crown and Crozier
01/30/22 • 47 min
In this episode, Kimberly Hahn joins us to talk about her experience representing the taxpayers of Steubenville, Ohio as their Councilwoman-at-Large at city hall.
We chat about her journey into politics, what it means to live out the Catholic social principle of subsidiarity, why small towns in the Rust Belt have shifted their political loyalties, whether Steubenville would ever defund its police force, and why we need more Catholics in public office. Along the way, Councilwoman Hahn shares stories about campaigning in the rougher parts of town, voting your conscience at the Council table, and occasionally reminding constituents that dying outside a state of grace is actually the worst thing that can happen to anyone.
Kimberly was first elected to Steubenville City Council in November 2015 and is currently serving her second term as Councilwoman-at-Large, having been re-elected in 2019. She is the author of five books, including the story of her conversion, Rome Sweet Home, which she co-wrote with her husband, Scott. She is also a popular Catholic speaker and host of the podcast Beloved and Blessed.
00:00 - Introduction
02:50 - Inspiration to run for office
06:00 - Knock, knock, knocking on 7,000 doors
09:10 - Catholic faith: political asset or liability?
11:25 - The shifting politics of the Ohio Valley
17:05 - What subsidiarity and solidarity look like in practice
21:05 - Shoestring local budgets vs. gargantuan federal spending
24:55 - Federal issues on the ground - Part 1: defund the police
27:15 - Federal issues on the ground - Part 2: critical race theory
29:10 - Issues of conscience around the Council table
33:15 - A challenging vote on medical marijuana
38:15 - Speaking-up in the public square
42:20 - Words of wisdom for the prospective candidates out there
44:00 - St. Thomas More, guardian angels and other intercessors
45:30 - What's next for the term-limited Councilwoman?
46:15 - Conclusion
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting Crown and Crozier with a tax-deductible donation here: DONATE
Documents/Websites referenced
Kimberly Hahn (City Council biography)
Kimberly for Steubenville (campaign website)
“Kimberly Hahn wins council at large seat”, The Herald Star (November 4, 2015)
Subsidiarity - What You Need to Know
[email protected]www.crownandcrozier.comtwitter.com/crownandcrozierPlease note that this podcast has been edited for length and clarity.
Religion and The Dying Citizen ~ Victor Davis Hanson
Crown and Crozier
01/15/22 • 26 min
Victor Davis Hanson joins us to talk about his latest book, The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization are Destroying the Idea of America.
The book argues that multiple forces are laying siege to the concept and practice of citizenship in our times: evisceration of the middle class; open borders; identity politics; the administrative state; progressive political evolutionaries; and globalists and globalization. While events of the past two years have demonstrated the fragility of citizenship, Dr. Hanson maintains that there is still time to rebuild what we’re in danger of losing - and that an essential ingredient in this effort is rediscovering the transcendent.
Dr. Hanson is the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow in Residence in Classics and Military History at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University; a professor of Classics Emeritus at California State University, Fresno; and a nationally syndicated columnist.
00:00 - Introduction
01:45 - Why 2020/2021 was a wake-up call
06:30 - Identity politics and religion
9:10 - America: made by, and for, religious people
13:30 - Faith as the mortar for our civic identity bricks
16:20 - Ambivalence toward country, when country neglects faith
21:20 - Restoring transcendence, restoring citizenship
26:05 - Conclusion
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting Crown and Crozier with a tax-deductible donation here: DONATE
Documents/Websites referenced
Dr. Victor Davis Hanson (biography)
Victor Davis Hanson, The Dying Citizen (2021)
John Adams, “Letter to Massachusetts Militia” (October 11, 1798) [source of quotation: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people”]
[email protected]www.crownandcrozier.comtwitter.com/crownandcrozierPlease note that this podcast has been edited for length and clarity.
As the Family Goes, So Goes the Nation ~ Andrea Mrozek
Crown and Crozier
11/12/22 • 46 min
Pope St. John Paul II once said: “As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live.”
What’s the state of marriage and family these days? Is public policy effectively safeguarding these fundamental human institutions? When it comes to things like government action on childcare, is the work of the home even being properly valued?
Our guest for this episode is Andrea Mrozek, Senior Fellow at Cardus Family. Cardus Family is an initiative of the Christian think tank, Cardus, based in Canada and dedicated to strengthening the ways in which society’s institutions can work together for the common good.
Andrea was previously Executive Director at the Institute of Marriage and Family Canada, and is widely recognized as a leading voice in Canada on marriage, child care and women’s issues.
Documents/Websites Referenced
Andrea Mrozek biography (Cardus)
Andrea Mrozek, “Child care solutions vital in post-Roe era” Catholic Register (July 2022)
Andrea Mrozek, Peter Jon Mitchell, Brian Dijkema, “Look Before You Leap: The Real Costs and Complexities of National Daycare” (2021)
[email protected]www.crownandcrozier.comtwitter.com/crownandcrozierPlease note that this podcast has been edited for length and clarity.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Crown and Crozier have?
Crown and Crozier currently has 58 episodes available.
What topics does Crown and Crozier cover?
The podcast is about Catholic, Culture, Christianity, State, Society & Culture, Society, Religion & Spirituality, God, Podcasts, Religion, Philosophy, Church, Politics and Government.
What is the most popular episode on Crown and Crozier?
The episode title 'As the Family Goes, So Goes the Nation ~ Andrea Mrozek' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Crown and Crozier?
The average episode length on Crown and Crozier is 52 minutes.
How often are episodes of Crown and Crozier released?
Episodes of Crown and Crozier are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Crown and Crozier?
The first episode of Crown and Crozier was released on Apr 19, 2021.
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