Pastor Jake Interviewed on Conversations That Matter
EXTRA: Pastor Jake's Notes for January 27, 2025
I don’t usually write a Notes post this soon after a previous one, but I wanted to get this out to you.
This morning I was interviewed by Jon Harris on his podcast, Conversations That Matter.
We got to talk a lot about Reconquista, which I preached on yesterday, the state of the mainline Protestant churches, the Episcopal Church in particular, and my new call to First Church Woodbury.
I think you’ll find it of general interest, but there are some powerful moments as well, including this one right at the very end:
Here are the show notes and there’s a link to the entire podcast on YouTube at the end.
In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the recent uproar sparked by Bishop Mariann Budde's sermon at the National Prayer Service. Our guest, the Reverend Jake Dell, a former Episcopal Rector, offers a unique perspective on the incident where Bishop Budde directly pleaded with President Donald Trump to "have mercy" on the LGBTQ+ community and immigrants amidst the backdrop of his newly signed executive orders.
Rev. Dell breaks down the moment that has since captured headlines, where President Trump labeled Bishop Budde's remarks as "shameful." We also discuss the visible frustration of Vice President J.D. Vance, who appeared visibly irritated by the criticism of their border policies.
Jake Dell provides a historical context, tracing the evolution of the Episcopal Church's involvement in political discourse, explaining how this moment fits into a broader narrative of faith intersecting with politics. He also addresses the role of the Washington National Cathedral, an institution that has hosted countless political events, and how it might be seen as compromised in the eyes of some.
Join us as we explore the implications of this sermon, the reactions it has elicited, and what it signifies about the relationship between religion and politics in America today. Whether you're a person of faith, a political observer, or someone interested in the intersection of these powerful forces, this episode promises to enlighten and challenge your thoughts on where the church stands in the current political landscape.
Here’s the whole episode: