This episode in our Christ at the Checkpoint series features Lamma Mansour, Palestinian Christian scholar. At CATC she gave a presentation titled “Still, Hope." In this episode, clips from her presentation are interwoven with her conversation with Abeer about the role of faith and hope in times of oppression. They also explore the role of the church's prophetic voice in confronting injustices and the commitment required for Christian discipleship. Dr. Lamma Mansour is a Palestinian Christian from Nazareth. She received her doctorate in Social Policy and Intervention from the University of Oxford. Her doctoral research focused on the experiences of Arab Palestinian undergraduate students in Israeli higher education. Lamma has also been involved in research projects focusing on other groups within Palestinian Arab society in Israel (e.g., young women, and social workers). We also provide an extended interview from this conversation for our Patreon supporters. Consider supporting us at ⁠⁠⁠  / acrossthedivide⁠⁠  ⁠ for extra content and perks. Follow Across the Divide on Youtube and Instagram ⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠ ⁠  / acrossthedividepodcast

In episode 4 of our Christ at the Checkpoint series we host author and activist Lisa Sharon Harper. At CATC she gave a presentation titled “Four Words that Change Everything." Here clips from Lisa's presentation are interwoven with a conversation with Daniel dissecting the 4 words and their application to the Palestinian and black experience in the U.S. We also provide an extended interview from this conversation for our Patreon supporters. Consider supporting us at patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide for extra content and perks. Watch the video of this episode on our Youtube channel, and follow Across the Divide on and Instagram

This episode in our Christ at the Checkpoint series features Shane Claiborne, renowned Christian activist and author. At CATC he gave a presentation titled “Good Trouble on Good Friday." In this episode, clips from his presentation are interwoven with his conversation with Jen about taking our faith to the streets and resisting violence with love. Shane Claiborne is a prominent speaker, activist, and best-selling author.  Shane worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, and founded The Simple Way in Philadelphia. He heads up Red Letter Christians, a movement of folks who are committed to living "as if Jesus meant the things he said." Shane is a champion for grace which has led him to jail advocating for the homeless, and to places like Iraq and Afghanistan to stand against war. Now grace fuels his passion to end the death penalty and help stop gun violence. Shane’s books include Jesus for President, Red Letter Revolution, Common Prayer, Follow Me to Freedom, Jesus, Bombs and Ice Cream, Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers, Executing Grace, his classic The Irresistible Revolution, Beating Guns, and his newest book, Rethinking Life. He has been featured in a number of films and news outlets, and In 2023, Shane received the prestigious The King Center's Beloved Community Award for Social Justice from Dr. Bernice King (daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King). Shane speaks regularly at denominational gatherings, festivals, and conferences around the globe.  We also provide an extended interview from this conversation for our Patreon supporters. Consider supporting us at ⁠⁠  / acrossthedivide⁠⁠   for extra content and perks. Follow Across the Divide on Youtube and Instagram ‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬   / acrossthedividepodcast   Show Notes Learn more about Shane’s work at www.shaneclaiborne.com  Common Prayer, Shane Claiborne The Prophetic Imagination, Walter Bruegemann The Other Side of the Wall, Munther Isaac “Good Trouble on Good Friday,” Shane Claiborne (Good Friday demonstration at Lockheed Martin) Sharing Communion at the U.S.-Mexico border wallTent of Nations (Palestinian Christian peacebuilding organization)

The second episode in this special Christ at the Checkpoint series features Ruth Padilla DeBorst, Latin American theologian and teacher. At CATC she gave a presentation titled “The Mission of the Church in Contexts of Oppression." In this episode we play clips from her presentation, and Daniel asks a few questions about some of the key issues she addresses in her talk. Ruth Padilla DeBorst is a theologian, missiologist, educator, and story-teller, Ruth Padilla DeBorst has been involved in theological formation for integral mission in her native Latin America and beyond for several decades. She teaches at Western Theological Seminary. Along with her husband, James, she lives in Costa Rica as a member of Casa Adobe, an intentional Christian Community with deep concern for right living in relation to the whole of creation. Her studies include a Bachelors in Education (Argentina), an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies (Wheaton College), and a PhD in Theology (Boston University). We also provide an extended interview from this conversation for our Patreon supporters. Consider supporting us at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide⁠ for extra content and perks. Follow Across the Divide on YouTube and Instagram @AcrosstheDividePodcast

We start this special mini-series on Christ at the Checkpoint with Fares Abraham, a Christian Palestinian American and CEO of Levant Ministries. At CATC he gave a presentation titled “A Christ-Centered response to what’s happening in Gaza”. In this episode we play clips from his presentation, and Daniel asks him a few questions about some of the issues he brought up. We also provide an extended interview for our Patreon supporters. Consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide for extra content and perks.

We're excited to bring you this special series of 7 episodes that features talks and in-depth interviews with international and Palestinian theologians and speakers who spoke at the renown "Christ at the Checkpoint" conference, which was held at Bethlehem Bible College this past May. We will also be providing extended interviews with the speakers that will only be available to our Patreon members. Please consider supporting and sustaining our work by becoming one of our patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide The theme of this year’s conference was “Christian Witness in Contexts of Oppression” and focused on Christian response and responsibility to genocide in Gaza. "Christ at the Checkpoint" is an open invitation to Christians all over the world, but especially in the West, to meet and be in dialogue with Palestinian Christians, unlearn destructive theologies of Christian Zionism, and explore pathways for solidarity with the Palestinian people.

In this episode, co-host Abeer engages in a profound conversation with Walid Mosarsaa, a Palestinian Quaker based in Greensboro, NC. With a rich background in both business and religion, and currently pursuing an MBA, Walid brings a unique perspective to our discussion. This episode offers a deep dive into the role of faith in shaping personal and collective identities, highlighting the struggles and aspirations of Palestinian Christians today and focuses on the Palestinian identity of Jesus. Join us for a compelling exploration of faith, heritage, and identity, where Walid provides a unique perspective on navigating the complexities of history and belief in the quest for justice and understanding. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a monthly supporter at: https://ko-fi.com/acrossthedividepodcast Follow Across the Divide on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrossthedividepodcast/ Show Notes: "What Does it Mean to Say 'Jesus is Palestinian' ?" Walid Mosarsaa, Sojourners

Jen has a conversation with Kevin Vollrath, an American Christian living in Bethlehem. Kevin shares about his experience living in the West Bank for the past three years and how he’s seen violence against Palestinians rise since October 7th, 2023. They also discuss disability in the context of the Israeli occupation, and unpack the acute threats and violence wielded against Palestinians living in refugee camps in the West Bank. Kevin also reflects on how his experiences in Palestine have shaped his faith and the calling he feels to continue living there.  Kevin Vollrath is a PhD Candidate at Princeton Theological Seminary in Religion and Society. His dissertation research focused on experiences of disability under occupation in Bethlehem. Based in Israel/Palestine for the past three years, has also worked in advocacy and education. Resources Crowded West Bank refugee camp is the most tear-gassed place in the world, Mondoweiss The Right to Maim: Debility, Capacity, Disability by Jasbir Puar

In this episode, co-host Abeer has a conversation with Courtney Reeve, a Canadian doctoral student at Durham University, UK, currently residing in the Occupied West Bank to conduct her research with Musalaha, a faith-based organization. They explore a range of topics, including Courtney's firsthand experiences during and after October 7th, her deep insights into the trauma faced by Palestinians, and pathways to reconciliation in Palestine rooted in faith and biblical context. They delve into her pivotal research, "Divine Encounters Amidst War and Occupation: An Immersive Theological Ethnography of Reconciliation Practice at Musalaha," and discuss her impactful work with the organization. Additionally, Abeer and Courtney examine the influential role of film and cinema as educational tools about the ongoing situation in Palestine. This episode offers a unique personal perspective that resonates deeply with the challenges and hopes of those on the ground. Don’t miss this compelling and insightful discussion that shines a light on personal stories and professional studies in the quest for understanding and peace. Courtney Reeve has been living in Bethlehem (Beit Jala and now Beit Sahour) for almost two years. After meeting the founder of faith-based reconciliation organisation, Musalaha, in 2011 and maintaining contact throughout the years, Courtney chose to move to the Occupied West Bank to conduct her doctoral research from Durham University in the United Kingdom. With previous work as an Assistant Pastor at a Toronto-based church, Courtney is interested in the formational of people who choose the work of reconciliation across the fraught context of normalisation and 'over-politicisation.' Courtney is Canadian but has spent many years living abroad including Indonesia, the US, England, and now Palestine. She loves talking theology as much as she loves talking about film and cinema! If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a monthly supporter at:⁠https://ko-fi.com/acrossthedividepodcast⁠Follow Across the Divide on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acrossthedividepodcast/Show Notes https://musalaha.org/

In this episode Daniel has a conversation with Thandi Gamedze, a South African poet and educator. They discuss the Kairos Document, which was released by South African theologians in 1985 in response to the theologies of violence and discrimination by the apartheid state and South African church. They also reflect on the impact of that document and its relationship to the Kairos Palestine document, which was released in 2009. In this episode, Thandi recites some of her beautiful poetry that interweaves biblical language with the demands for justice in South Africa and Palestine. You don’t want to miss this episode! Thandi Gamedze is a South African educator, a writer, and a poet. She works across churches, universities, and NGOs in South Africa, and is driven by a deep commitment to critique and reimagine a world that is just, nurturing, and kind. Here are the Kairos document and the Kairos Palestine document. We highly encourage you to read these two important documents. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a monthly supporter at:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/acrossthedividepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Across the Divide on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/acrossthedividepodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Daniel has a conversation with Mennonite pastor Amy Yoder McGloughlin. They discuss the history of the Mennonite church, and the role that Mennonite theology plays in shaping her advocacy and peace work in Palestine-Israel.  Amy Yoder McGloughlin is a Mennonite pastor living in Chester County, Pennsylvania, on the traditional lands of the Lenape people. She received her theological training at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, now known as United Lutheran Seminary. Amy has been actively involved in Community Peacemaker Teams in the West Bank since 2013, and with Mennonite Action since it began in November of 2023.

In this episode, co-host Jen has a conversation with writer, educator, and activist Azmera Hammouri-Davis. This conversation explores the harms of Christian nationalism and theologies of supremacy, and delves into the scriptures that call us to enact justice and love. Azmera shares about her intersecting identities as a Black Palestinian Christian, poet, and musician, and the ways her faith has shaped her journey of being in solidarity with Palestinians and heeding what Palestinian Christians are calling the Western church to live out. Azmera Hammouri-Davis, M.T.S is a faith-based writer, poet/MC, educator and independent scholar-practitioner from Kea’au, Hawai’i. She is the proud daughter of a Palestinian-American mother and Black German father and has been teaching and learning the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira for over fifteen years. She is an organizer with the Black Christians for Palestine Network, is a Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference MICAH Ministry Fellow, and founder of Transition Turn Up, a coaching & consulting company that helps  people expand their capacity to experience love, joy and healing even amidst life's difficult turns. In 2016, she founded  Break The Boxes, a popular education organization committed to raising critical consciousness by centering creative expression, and wisdom across faith traditions and generations. She holds a Master of Theological Studies in African/American Religions from Harvard Divinity School and a dual B.A. in Visual & Performing Arts and Social Sciences Psychology from the University of Southern California. You can learn more about Azmera on her website and follow her on Instagram @azmerarhymes If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a monthly supporter at:⁠ ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/acrossthedividepodcast⁠⁠⁠ Follow Across the Divide on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/acrossthedividepodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Notes Black Christians for Palestine Lenten Series with Freedom Church of the Poor US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Christianzionism.org

In this episode we hear from father David Neuhaus a Jewish-background South African Jesuit priest who is also an Israeli citizen. Fr. Nauhaus shared with us his background of growing up as a Jew in apartheid-era South Africa, and his journey moving to Israel and being transformed by his encounters with both Israelis and Palestinians. This is a very insightful and powerful conversation that you don’t want to miss!  Fr. David Neuhaus, S.J.,  is a Jesuit priest who teaches Scripture in Israel and Palestine. He has been a long-term member of the Holy Land Catholic Church's Justice and Peace Commission. From 2009 until 2017, he was Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew-speaking and migrant Catholics in the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Born in South Africa of Jewish German parents during the apartheid era, he has lived most of his life in Israel and is an Israeli citizen.    Article: As war begins again in Holy Land, Jesuit David Neuhaus hopes Christians can be instruments of peace | America Magazine

In this episode, Jen has a conversation with Palestinian Christian scholar Lamma Mansour. This episode delves into the practice of lament--exploring the importance of lament in the Church, how we can lament the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and why it is often difficult for the Western Church to lament. Lamma also shares about her experience as a Palestinian with Israeli citizenship and about her research on the discrimination Palestinian Arabs face in Israeli higher education. Lamma Mansour is a Palestinian Christian from Nazareth. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Social Policy and Intervention at the University of Oxford. Her doctoral research focuses on the experiences of Arab Palestinian undergraduate students in Israeli higher education. Lamma has also been involved in research projects focusing on other groups within Palestinian Arab society in Israel (e.g., young women, and social workers). Show Notes: “Stop! Make space for lament,” Lamma Mansour (Come and See article, 2021) “Being our neighbour’s keeper by lamenting injustice: a Palestinian Christian reflection,” Lamma Mansour (Christ at the Checkpoint lecture, 2022) “A prayer of lament and hope,” Lamma Mansour (Recorded Devotional, 2023) “Palestinian Arab undergraduate students’ transition to Israeli higher education: a mixed methods study, Lamma Mansour” (journal article, 2024) Haaretz article on Palestinian singer, Dalal Abu Amneh (2024)

In this episode, Daniel and Jen have a conversation with Anton Deik, a Palestinian Bible scholar, about the biblical understanding of justice and its relationship to mission and evangelism. Anton challenges the prevailing understanding among some Christians that social and political issues are not part of the gospel, and provides a compelling biblical case for the interconnectedness of justice with faith and spirituality, particularly through the ministry of Christ and the Great Commission.  Anton Deik is a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem, and is a member of the networking team and board of directors of the International Fellowship for Mission as Transformation, lecturer in Biblical Studies with Bethlehem Bible College, and research associate with the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence in the United Kingdom. He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Aberdeen where he researches biblical and Graeco-Roman conceptions of justice.

This is a rich conversation Daniel and Jen had with Matthew Vega, a Black-Mexican theologian at the University of Chicago. Topics discussed during the conversation include an exploration of black theology, the history of black solidarity with the Palestinian struggle, and theodicy --how we can make sense of God's presence in the midst of immense suffering. The Speaker Matthew Vega is a PhD Candidate at the University of Chicago Divinity where he is researching theology, race, and class. You can follow him on IG @collegepopout. References mentioned during the conversation James Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree, and Black Theology and Black Power. Michael Fischbach, Black Power and Palestine: Transnational Countries of Color. Angela Davis, Freedom is a Constant struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement Willie James Jennings, The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race Delores Williams, Sisters in the Wilderness: The Challenge of Womanist God

In this episode, Abeer and Jen have a conversation with Shadia Qubti, a Palestinian Christian scholar and activist. In the conversation, Shadia shares about her experience being Palestinian with Israeli citizenship and the challenges and barriers that Palestinian women often face. We also discuss the Western church’s role in peacebuilding, practices for decolonizing solidarity, and the idea of seeking positive, constructive peace. Shadia Qubti is a Palestinian Christian who has worked in peace-building and advocacy initiatives for 15 years. She is particularly focused on amplifying the voices and perspectives of women and other minorities in various ways, one of which was in the Women Behind the Wall podcast, which she hosted previously. Shadia was born and raised in Nazareth. She studied International Relations and English Language at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and Conflict Resolution and Nonviolent Action at Trinity Dublin College in Ireland. Shadia recently completed a second MA degree in Interreligious and Indigenous Studies at Vancouver School of Theology, where she completed her thesis, "A Theological Conversation between Palestinian and North American Indigenous Understandings of Land." Shadia is currently working as the Community Engagement Animator at Trinity Grace United Church in Vancouver, Canada. You can follow Shadia on IG @shadiaqubti (where she will share her Master’s Thesis upon request).  If you enjoy our podcast, please consider becoming a monthly supporter at: ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/acrossthedividepodcast⁠⁠ Follow Across the Divide on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/acrossthedividepodcast/⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes Women Behind the Wall Podcast “Do Not Be Afraid–A Palestinian Reflection on Advent,” Shadia Qubti, Sabeel Cornerstone “Palestinian Christians reflect on a Christmas like no other,” Shadia Qubti and others, Canadian Mennonite Magazine “Land and People,” Andrea Smith in A Land Full of God Galtung Institute for Peace Theory and Peace Practice“Timeline: Israel’s Attacks on Gaza Since 2005,” Al Jazeera (including the 2014 War)

In this episode, Daniel has a poignant conversation with pastor Jason Miller, founder and lead pastor of South Bend City Church. The conversation reflects on the American church's responsibility towards what's happening in Palestine-Israel, and considers some better ways for us to move forward. Pastor Jason Miller is an advocate for artists and peacemakers, his work beyond South Bend focuses on cultural headwaters and conflict zones, where he serves an international constituency of leaders. He holds a master’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame. His first book, When the World Breaks, was released in August of 2023. It explores the Beatitudes as paradoxes of transformation. For more, follow Jason on IG @jasonadammiller or check out jasonadammiller.com. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider supporting us: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/acrossthedividepodcast⁠ Follow Across the Divide on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/acrossthedividepodcast/⁠⁠⁠ Show Notes: South Bend City Church's podcast. Jason Miller's book: When the World Breaks. The Telos Group.

Considering the dark season of pain and lament that Palestinian Christians are going through during Christmas this year, we decided to release this bonus episode that features a sermon by Palestinian pastor Munther Isaac titled "Christ in the Rubble." The sermon was delivered during a special Christmas service called "Christ in the Rubble: A liturgy of Lament" that was held on December 23rd of this year at the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem.

In this episode, co-hosts Abeer and Daniel welcome Rabbi Alissa Wise, an active community organizer for justice and a Lead Organizer of Rabbis for Ceasefire.  Rabbi Wise offers a compelling look into her journey, revealing the intricate layers of her identity as a Jewish rabbi. She eloquently unpacks the subtleties of progressive Jewish advocacy, shedding light on the often-overlooked impact of Christian Zionism on the ongoing crisis in Palestine-Israel. Her rich experience and steadfast commitment to peace furnish the discussion with profound insights, enhancing our comprehension of these multifaceted issues. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider supporting us at: https://ko-fi.com/acrossthedividepodcast Follow Across the Divide on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/acrossthedividepodcast/⁠ Show Notes Rabbi Alissa Wise  Jewish Voice for Peace Rabbis for Ceasefire Rabbis for Human Rights