109: Building Bridges + Understanding Racism ft. Danielle Brown

06/12/19 • 40 min

How come we never hear priests talking about race from the pulpit?

I mean, maybe YOU do. But I’m pretty sure I literally never have. And that’s not ok. It’s a social issue plaguing our society, the same as other topics I hear about frequently, like abortion, poverty, and murder (the gang activity in Milwaukee, y’all. Fix it Jesus.) I have my theories. So does today’s guest, Danielle Brown. Danielle is the associate director of the USCCB’s Committee Against Racism. She’s breaking down WHAT exactly racism is, why we have such a hard time talking about it, and the importance of “having a life that reflects the diversity that the Lord created on Earth.” Danielle talks about growing up in a monochromatic Church and how her faith changed when she connected with other Black Catholics. She also shares what white Catholics can do to serve as effective allies. It was a phenomenal conversation and I know you’ll enjoy listening just as much as I enjoyed having it!

BTW, the audio in this episode is a little lower than our usual production quality—my apologies. We had a few tech issues and as you’ll hear me explain in the episode...A MOUSE JUMPED OUT AT ME HALFWAY THROUGH RECORDING. So during the episode when you hear my typing, I am FRANTICALLY texting my husband to come home over lunch and set up mouse traps. 😂 (I did edit out when I shrieked OH MY GOD, though. Apologies to the Lord for taking his name in vein. But some of his creatures are nasty.)

Today’s episode is brought to you in part by the Blessed Is She academic planner. Every modern Catholic woman needs this stunning planner in her life. Snag yours today at www.thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner.

Today’s episode is also brought to you by Audible. How do I get dressed in the morning with two little kids? Y’all, Peter Rabbit on Audible. Grab a free audio book today by heading to www.audibletrial.com/catholic.

How come we never hear priests talking about race from the pulpit?

Previous Episode

108: Remaining Catholic After Suffering From Clergy Sexual Abuse ft. Krista Keil

When I started the Catholic Feminist, one of my guiding principles was to get as close to those affected by issues as possible. Talking about eating disorders? Speak to someone who’s had one. Talking about racism? Speak to someone who’s experienced it. Talking about clergy sexual abuse? Have a victim share their story.

Today’s guest, Krista Keil, is a Catholic speaker who’s bravely sharing her story of adult sexual abuse with us today. Krista and I talk about her story, how she was able to remain Catholic after being abused by someone in a position of power, what she finds unhelpful when it comes to discussions of abuse, and how she responds to people who have left the faith due to the predator priest crisis.

It was an honor to hear Krista’s story today. This topic is discussed with grace but it may not be appropriate for little ears. If you’ve experienced abuse and need help and guidance, please call the national sexual abuse hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the Blessed Is She academic planner. This planner contains everything from feast days to to-do lists to places for prayer requests. It’s stunning, made by Catholic makers, and perfect for the modern Catholic woman. Head to thecatholicfeministpodcast.com/planner to snag one today.

Today’s episode is also brought to you by Audible. Audio books have made my life as a busy mom SO much easier, and I know they’ll do the same for you. Snag a free audio book of your choice and a free 30-day trial by visiting audibletrial.com/catholic.

Next Episode

110: Foster Care and Supporting Families ft. Brianna Johnston Hanks

“And we will love naturally, we will try to do something. First in our own home, next door neighbor in the country we live, in the whole world.” - Mother Teresa. I love Mama T so much I named a baby after her, and this quote is one of the reasons why. It’s a commonly-told anecdote that when people asked her how they could change the world like she was doing, she told them to go home and love their families. The family is truly the bedrock of our Christian faith, and although volunteering and donating and going to the margins are all essential, I truly believe that loving your family is the number one most effective way to have an impact for the Gospel.

Today’s podcast guest, Brianna Johnston Hanks, is an attorney who works with families affected by foster care. When we think of foster care, we may have a picture in our head: selfless individuals who accept poor, needy kids into their homes and then go all Daddy-Warbucks on ‘em. But the truth is, foster care is a complex, nuanced issues with lots of hope + lots of heartbreak. Brianna is walking us through what foster care is for, how to discern if you’re ready to foster, and why foster care is an issue that needs to be discussed more among Catholics. It was truly an eye-opening conversation for me—to learn about how foster care is focused on the reunification of families and is meant to help families stay together reminded me so much of some of the core tenants of our faith. The same way we care about kids on our border, let’s care about kids in our own communities who are experiencing the heartbreak of family separation and the people who have stepped up to stand in the gap with them. Enjoy our chat!