Advertise on podcast: Speaking of Faith with Bishop DeDe

Send us Fan Mail What can faith offer when the world feels divided, uncertain, and beyond our control? In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam explore how prayer, community, storytelling, and compassionate action can help us move from helplessness to hope. They discuss what it means to speak honestly about faith in a deeply polarized moment—and how Christians can distinguish the expansive gospel of Jesus from political or partisan narratives. Bishop DeDe and Adam also reflect on the tension between fear and love, the courage required to let go of control, and the importance of seeing others as fellow children of God rather than enemies or strangers.When everything feels overwhelming, where is God—and what is the next faithful step we can take? When have you felt overwhelmed—and what helped renew your faith or sense of purpose? Share your thoughts, questions, and faith stories with us as we continue learning how to speak of faith in the world we share. Send us your questions and join the conversation as we continue learning how to speak of faith together. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us Fan Mail What happens when we move beyond the headlines and listen to the people who actually live in the Holy Land? In the debut episode of Season 5, Bishop DeDe shares reflections from her recent pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the surrounding region. From worshiping at sacred sites and renewing baptismal vows in the Jordan River to conversations with Jewish, Muslim, and Palestinian Christian leaders, the pilgrimage offered a deeper look at a place too often reduced to stories of conflict and division. Bishop DeDe and Adam talk about the realities facing Christians and Palestinians, the relationships that cross religious and cultural boundaries, and the importance of resisting easy answers in a deeply complicated place. Above all, this episode is an invitation to listen with humility, see the humanity behind the headlines, and hold all God's people in prayer. The Holy Land is complicated. Our faith calls us not to simplify it, but to approach it with compassion, humility, and a commitment to the dignity of every human being. Send us your questions and join the conversation as we continue learning how to speak of faith together. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us Fan Mail We are so excited for Season 5 to debut on September 18! Join us as we dive into how we can speak about our faith in this time. Listen to all episodes wherever you get podcasts, or watch video episodes on YouTube. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us Fan Mail Hey friends!  Speaking Of Faith, it's time to speak of taking a break. It is time for us to take some time to spend with our loved ones, to go and do things we enjoy. We will be back on September 18th for season five of Speaking Of Faith.  But until then, I hope that you will spend time with those you love, that you'll have some good time for relaxation and to think about our faith and to share that with one another. And so until then, let's get out there and enjoy our time. See you soon! AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us Fan Mail What is the purpose of church? In a culture where many people describe themselves as "spiritual but not religious," is belonging to a church still necessary? In this season finale of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam explore why Christian community matters—not because church is perfect, but because none of us are meant to grow in faith alone. Together they discuss how worship shapes us, why healthy relationships help us become more fully ourselves, and how authentic Christian community differs from toxic or coercive expressions of faith. The conversation also wrestles with loneliness, the temptation to define faith only on our own terms, and the importance of gathering with people who challenge, encourage, forgive, and walk alongside us. Rather than asking, "What do I get out of church?" this episode invites us to consider a deeper question: How does worshiping God together transform who we are? In this episode: Why church is more than a building or a weekly obligation.The difference between being "spiritual" and growing through community.How healthy Christian relationships help shape our faith and character.Why worship is about glorifying God—not simply meeting our own needs.How to recognize the difference between authentic Christian community and harmful or toxic expressions of faith.Why disagreement, accountability, and even being wrong can become opportunities for spiritual growth.How gathering around Scripture, prayer, and worship continually forms us into the people God created us to be.As the podcast takes a short summer break, Bishop DeDe and Adam also invite listeners to spend time reflecting on their own faith journey and to send in questions and topics they'd like to explore when Speaking of Faith returns this fall. What role has church played in your life? Share your thoughts and questions—we'd love to continue the conversation when we return in September. Send us your questions and join the conversation as we continue learning how to speak of faith together. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us Fan Mail What do we do when trust is broken? How do we tell the truth without becoming judgmental? And what does forgiveness actually look like when our hearts are still hurting? In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam explore one of the most painful parts of being human: betrayal. Whether it's a broken friendship, wounded trust, disappointment in leaders, or the grief that comes from living in a fractured world, betrayal leaves deep scars that aren't easily healed. Together, they reflect on what Scripture teaches about truth, accountability, compassion, and forgiveness. Looking to Jesus' encounters with Peter after the resurrection, they ask what it means to offer peace without abandoning healthy boundaries, and why trust remains one of the greatest gifts we can give another person. This conversation reminds us that following Christ doesn't mean pretending we aren't hurt—it means learning how to carry our wounds with grace, allowing God to transform them without letting betrayal define who we become. In this episode: Why betrayal often hurts more deeply than other kinds of grief.The difference between telling the truth and using truth to wound.Why trust is a gift—and what to do when that gift is misused.How Jesus models forgiveness while still calling people to accountability.Why compassion for ourselves is essential when we're carrying grief.What healthy boundaries look like after trust has been broken.How faith helps us move forward without becoming hardened by our pain. Where have you experienced betrayal, and what would it look like to seek God's peace without allowing that betrayal to define your future? If this conversation encouraged you, share it with someone who may be carrying grief or struggling to rebuild trust. Send us your questions and join the conversation as we continue learning how to speak of faith together. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us Fan Mail Who defines who you are? In a world driven by comparison, constant opinions, and endless pressure to keep up, it can be easy to lose sight of who God created us to be. This episode on Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam explore what it really means to be self-defined—not in a self-centered way, but by living with intentionality, agency, and an identity rooted in God rather than the expectations of others. Together they discuss: What it means to be self-defined in a healthy, Christian wayWhy comparison steals our peace and our identityHow faith helps us reconnect with our deepest selvesThe difference between living intentionally and simply reacting to the world around usWhy saying "I don't know" can be an act of wisdomThe relationship between personal agency and Christian communityHow people-pleasing, guilt, and "shoulds" can keep us from living authenticallyWhy loving your neighbor also requires learning to love yourselfPractical ways to slow down, reconnect with God, and discover what truly mattersRather than offering easy answers, this episode invites you into an honest conversation about identity, purpose, and living faithfully in an increasingly noisy world. What helps you stay grounded in who God created you to be? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Share your reflections in the comments or send us your questions for a future episode. Send us your questions and join the conversation as we continue learning how to speak of faith together. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us Fan Mail Artificial Intelligence is changing the world at a rapid pace—but how should people of faith respond? This episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam begin an important conversation about AI, technology, and what it means to remain deeply human in a rapidly changing digital age. Drawing from Bishop DeDe's recent pastoral letter on AI and technology, they explore both the promise and the challenges of emerging technologies through the lens of Christian faith. Together they discuss: What Artificial Intelligence actually is—and what it isn'tHow AI differs from human intelligence and human creativityWhy Christians should be concerned about truth, misinformation, and digital ethicsThe growing challenge of distinguishing reality from AI-generated contentHow technology can both connect and isolate usWhat previous technological revolutions can teach us about this momentWhy relationship remains at the center of Christian faithHow people of faith can engage new technologies responsibly without fearThe importance of maintaining our humanity in an increasingly digital worldBishop DeDe offers practical guidance for navigating AI with wisdom, curiosity, and discernment while remaining grounded in the Gospel's call to love God and love one another. Read Bishop DeDe's Pastoral Letter on AI and Technology and join the conversation as we continue exploring what faithful discipleship looks like in a changing world: https://cnyepiscopal.org/2026/06/11/pastoral-letter-on-ai-and-technology/ Send us your questions and join the conversation as we continue learning how to speak of faith together. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us Fan Mail What are we actually doing when we worship? Why do Episcopalians follow a liturgy? What is the purpose of the Eucharist? Why do we say the Nicene Creed, pass the peace, and gather around the table week after week? In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam explore how worship shapes us, forms us, and draws us deeper into relationship with God. Together they unpack the journey of Episcopal worship—from the opening procession to being sent back out into the world—and how every part of the liturgy is designed to renew, heal, and transform us. They also discuss: What liturgy is and why it mattersHow worship helps us move beyond ourselves and toward GodThe connection between the Trinity and our worship practicesThe purpose of the Nicene Creed, prayers of the people, confession, and the peaceThe rich theology found in the Episcopal Church's Eucharistic prayersWhy the Eucharist is central to Christian life and faithThe mystery of Christ's real presence in Holy CommunionHow gathering around the table shapes us into the Body of ChristWhether you're new to liturgical worship, a lifelong Episcopalian, or simply curious about how worship forms faith, this conversation offers an invitation to see Sunday worship with fresh eyes. Send us your questions and join the conversation as we continue learning how to speak of faith together. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us Fan Mail What do Christians really mean when we talk about the Trinity? Why has this doctrine inspired centuries of debate, mystery, wonder, and even fear? And what does the Trinity actually reveal about God, relationship, and ourselves? In Part 2 of our Who Do We Say God Is? teaching series, Bishop DeDe and Adam continue their exploration of the nature of God by diving into one of Christianity’s most complex and sacred mysteries: the Trinity. This conversation unpacks the foundations of Trinitarian theology while also making space for questions, uncertainty, curiosity, and grace. Together, they explore how the Trinity is less about having all the “right answers” and more about entering into a deeper relationship with God. Topics include: What Christians mean by “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”The “economic Trinity” and how the Church has understood God through historyWhy the Trinity is rooted in mystery rather than certaintyThe difference between faith and factsHow fear and control shape the way we talk about GodRelationship as the center of Christian faithWhy mystery matters in ChristianityHow our understanding of God affects how we understand ourselvesThe role of humility, curiosity, and doubt in spiritual growthWhy Trinity Sunday can feel intimidating — even for clergyThe episode also explores themes of creation, redemption, the Holy Spirit, orthodoxy, and the importance of giving ourselves permission to wrestle honestly with faith. Whether you’ve spent years in church or are still figuring out what you believe, this episode invites you into a conversation about the God who is always bigger than our understanding. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us Fan Mail In this new teaching series, Who Do We Say God Is?, Bishop DeDe and Adam begin by exploring one of the most mysterious and often overlooked persons of the Trinity: the Holy Spirit. As Pentecost approaches, this conversation invites listeners into Scripture, history, theology, and personal reflection as they ask deeper questions about who the Holy Spirit is, how Christians have understood the Spirit throughout history, and what it means for our lives today. The episode explores the Spirit’s presence from the opening verses of Genesis through Pentecost and beyond, unpacking the movement from Ruach (Hebrew), to Pneuma (Greek), to Spiritus (Latin), and how language, translation, and history have shaped Christian understandings of God. Bishop DeDe reflects on the Holy Spirit as the living, creative force of God moving through creation, wisdom, renewal, and everyday life. The conversation also wrestles honestly with questions of gender, imagery, and how our experiences influence the way we understand God. Together, Bishop DeDe and Adam discuss: Why understanding the Holy Spirit starts with returning to ScriptureRuach, Pneuma, and Spiritus: how language shapes theologyThe role of gender in Christian history and our understanding of GodWhy the Holy Spirit can feel harder to understand than the Father or JesusThe gifts and fruits of the Spirit and how they shape our livesHow the Spirit continues to heal, renew, and guide us todayWhy humility is essential when speaking about GodWhat it means to cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit in daily lifeThis episode opens the door to a larger conversation on the Trinity while inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of God’s presence. As Bishop DeDe asks throughout the episode: What aspect of God resonates most deeply with you—and how might knowing God more fully help you understand yourself as God’s beloved? Join the conversation and prepare for the next installment as Who Do We Say God Is? continues with a look at the Trinity and the “economic Trinity.” AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam continue their series on cultivating peace by exploring an unexpected path: creativity. What if creativity isn’t about being “good” at art, but about reconnecting with ourselves, one another, and God? From knitting and cooking to gardening, writing, music, and even unexpected creative outlets born from grief, this conversation explores how creating can help us process anxiety, tell ourselves the truth, and find peace in difficult seasons. Together they reflect on creativity as part of our identity as people made in the image of a Creator God, and how creating for the sake of creating can become an act of healing, prayer, and connection. In this episode: Finding peace through creativity and expressionWhy creativity isn’t just for artistsCreativity, grief, and reconnecting with ourselvesWhat it means to be co-creators with GodCultivating peace within so we can offer it to the worldHow do you create? And how might creativity become a path toward peace in your own life? AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us Fan Mail Who do we say God is? It’s one of the oldest and most important questions of faith. In this upcoming three-week series, we’ll explore God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the mystery of the Trinity together. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe and Adam reflect on the history and ongoing impact of the Doctrine of Discovery and what it means for us today. Together they unpack how this centuries-old doctrine continues to shape our world, our relationships with Indigenous neighbors, and the way we think about land, stewardship, and justice. The conversation also looks back on this year’s Honoring Our Sacred Gifts gathering, featuring insights from Robin Wall Kimmerer, reflections on climate justice and food sustainability, and the sacred work of truth-telling, repentance, and peacebuilding. Listeners are invited into a thoughtful and sometimes uncomfortable conversation about faith, history, creation care, and how we can become better neighbors to one another and to the earth. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Bishop DeDe explores what Jesus means when he says, “Peace be with you,” and what it means for us to be peacemakers in a world that often feels anything but peaceful. Rather than treating peace as the absence of conflict, Bishop DeDe invites us to consider peace as a presence—something that can exist even in the middle of anxiety, grief, and uncertainty. Drawing on the resurrection stories, she reflects on how Jesus meets his frightened, grieving disciples and speaks peace into their locked rooms, not after everything is resolved, but right in the middle of their fear. Adam names the tension many people feel: wanting peace while also living in a time of constant stress and division. Together, they wrestle with what it actually looks like to “be a peacemaker” in everyday life, especially when most of us are not in positions to solve global problems. The conversation turns inward as Bishop DeDe describes peace as something that begins within us. When we are honest about our inner life—our doubts, fears, and exhaustion—and bring that before God, peace becomes less about control and more about wholeness, presence, and trust. They also reflect on doubt, grief, and the way small moments of connection can become glimpses of resurrection and peace in real life. Peace, they suggest, is often found not in certainty, but in staying present to God and to one another in the midst of uncertainty. AI Disclosure: To support our staff in their limited time, some of our episode summaries are first generated by AI and then edited by the Communications Director to accurately reflect and preview our podcast episodes.