Christian Utopias and Network States: Kiera Butler on Theo Bros in Appalachia

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What role does the church play in supporting vulnerable children and families in marginalized communities? In this episode, Faithful Politics sits down with Rev. Moya Harris, Director of Racial Justice at Sojourners and ordained AME minister, and Rev. Thomas Brackeen Jr., Minister to Youth and Families at Metropolitan AME Church, to discuss their latest report on strengthening early childhood development in Black and Latin faith communities. From access to healthcare to the impact of economic policies, they delve into the systems affecting the youngest and most vulnerable and how faith-based organizations can step up to advocate for justice.
Metropolitan AME Church, founded in 1838, continues to stand against hate and fight for justice. In December 2020, the Proud Boys vandalized the church’s property, tearing down and burning a Black Lives Matter banner. Metropolitan fought back, securing $2.8 million in damages and winning the exclusive rights to the Proud Boys’ trademark — a historic legal victory for a Black institution. Today, the church continues its legacy of advocacy through initiatives such as the Community Justice Fund, food insecurity programs, and the Sankofa Project, which equips families with culturally responsive and biblically grounded resources.
Guest Bios:
Rev. Moya Harris is an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, serving at the historic Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC. She is also the Director of Racial Justice at Sojourners and a retired registered nurse. Rev. Harris is currently pursuing her PhD, focusing on faith, justice, and community development.
Rev. Thomas A. Brackeen Jr. is the Minister to Youth and Families at Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC. With over 30 years of experience in youth ministry, he has worked with young people throughout the DC metropolitan area and is committed to advocating for vulnerable children and families through faith-based initiatives.
Resources & Links:
Sojourners: sojo.net
Metropolitan AME Church: metropolitaname.org
Report on Early Childhood Development in Black and

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