Good Faith Media (GFM) is kicking off our fall giving campaign by highlighting the significance of supporting independent media and focusing on GFM’s four major initiatives: (1) The Raceless Gospel, (2) Faith & Democracy, (3) Preaching to Inspire, and (4) Faithful Pride.
Visiting Boston, Massachusetts, recently, I was reminded of the impact a small group of concerned citizens can have during critical moments. From the Sons of Liberty during the Revolution to Howard Thurman mentoring Martin Luther King Jr. at Boston University, people with passion and conviction can shape the world for the better when given the chance.
Thurman once said, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
At Good Faith Media, our staff have come alive to fight tyranny, champion justice and advocate for an inclusive Gospel. Using our multiple media platforms, GFM works tirelessly to ensure the Christian witness is portrayed as a positive contribution to society. We reject efforts to turn Christianity into a tool for the empire and a commodity for the wealthy.
In addition to all the inspiring daily content GFM provides, our initiatives focus on critical areas. These are not exclusive to GFM’s mission, but they offer a unique opportunity for deeper reflection and resource development.
Rev. Dr. Starlette Thomas is the founder and director of The Raceless Gospel Initiative. The Raceless Gospel, a proclamation that bears witness against white-body supremacy and promotes non-colonial engagement and understanding of God and Christian Scripture, advocates for the realization of the “new humanity” evidenced by baptized believers for a coming “kin-dom.”
Dr. Thomas travels the globe deconstructing race as a human construct, educating the faithful about the importance of being created in the image of God. Her book, “Take Me to the Water: The Raceless Gospel as Baptismal Pedagogy for a Desegregated Church,” is an essential resource in the pursuit of anti-race and symbiotic theology.
Rev. Kali Cawthon-Freels leads The Faithful Pride Initiative (FPI), which seeks to highlight the inspiring work of LGBTQ+ people of faith across the country and the world. FPI is a space by queer people for queer people. As we share stories and resources, we hope to be a place where LGBTQ+ people can continue to learn ways to reconcile and celebrate both their queerness and their faith.
Rev. Cawthon-Freels’ book, “Reclamation: A Queer Pastor’s Guide to Finding Spiritual Growth in the Passages Used to Harm Us,” is used by the LGBTQ+ community and their allies as a valuable tool to correct misguided interpretations of the Bible and offer a more holistic approach to living out one’s faith. The good reverend is working on her second book, which will be released later this year.
The Faith & Democracy Initiative provides analysis and resources at the intersection of faith and democracy, using multiple media platforms to protect both without compromising either. With Christian nationalism and political authoritarianism on the rise around the world, GFM remains committed to protecting the wall between church and state and standing against anti-democratic policies that go against the common good.
Democracy in America is hanging by a thread at this critical moment. America has the potential to fall into the hands of powerful oligarchs if everyday people do not stand up, speak out, and step forward to defend democracy and the rights of all citizens.
If America falls, then the oligarchs and their supporters will exert their skewed theological beliefs and political policies upon the whole. The time is now, and we must fight back.
Lastly, throughout history, good and thoughtful sermons have helped change the course of human history. From Jesus delivering the Sermon on the Mount to Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde preaching truth to power, sermons have often challenged the mind and inspired the soul.
The Preaching to Inspire Initiative at Good Faith Media recognizes the significant impact that great preaching has on the world. Last year, GFM acquired “A Sermon for Every Sunday” from Rev. Dr. Jim Somerville. This free resource follows the Revised Common Lectionary and offers remarkable sermons from a variety of preachers across the country.
Additionally, Good Faith Media is committed to providing resources to pastors who deliver sermons weekly. Over the last three years, GFM has also published the “Nurturing Faith Commentary” by Rev. Dr. Tony Cartledge.
“Nurturing Faith Commentary” is a 12-volume Bible study resource that covers every text for every Sunday in the three-year cycle of the Revised Common Lectionary. Customers can purchase one at a time or the entire bundle for a discounted rate.
The evidence is clear that Good Faith Media is committed to serving people of faith and institutions through education, inspiration, and advocacy for a gospel without limitations. GFM is a nonprofit fully dependent upon the generosity of donors, churches, denominational patterns, and foundations.
As we begin our fall fundraising campaign, we invite you to embrace the challenge of Howard Thurman by joining Good Faith Media as we “come alive” for an inclusive and just gospel. By donating today, you can become a Good Faith Advocate for as low as $5 per month. Advocates receive a complimentary subscription to Good Faith Magazine, a special discount at our bookstore, and exclusive insights into the work of GFM staff.
The time is now to come alive, for the stakes are too high to shrink away.
Join the movement at Good Faith Media and together, we will stand up, speak out, and step forward for inclusion, freedom, and justice for all.
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