The Black Catholic Messenger show

SummaryGivonna Joseph and Aria M. Mason discuss the mission of OperaCréole; their efforts to perform and record the long-lost opera "Morgiane" by the late Black composer Edmond Dédé; and the cultural context significance of their work in New Orleans. They explore themes of empowerment, resistance, and the rich history of Black women in the arts, while also looking ahead to future projects that honor the legacy of Black composers and engage the community in classical music.Show notesOperaCréole website: https://www.operacreole.org/Edmond Dédé: Learn moreSister Mary Elise, a White member of St. Katharine Drexel's Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament founded National Opera Ebony, a national Black touring company, in 1973. https://www.operaebony.org/Chapters01:53 The origins of OperaCréole04:11 New Orleans: A historical center for opera06:19 Personal journeys into the opera scene10:48 The intersection of sacred and Black music14:13 Rediscovering Edmond Dédé's opera "Morgiane"23:13 The journey to the "Morgiane" premiere30:03 Touring the production37:23 Cultural context and historical significance49:22 Future aspirations for Morgiane and OperaCréole~~https://blackcatholicmessenger.orgx.com/BlkCathlicMsngrfacebook.com/blackcatholicmessengerinstagram.com/blackcatholicmessengeryoutube.com/@blackcatholicmessengertiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessengerthreads.com/blackcatholicmessengerbsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.orgMake a tax-deductible donation to BCM @ http://blackcatholicmessenger.org/donate

SummaryIn this conversation, we discuss the importance of ecumenism, particularly within the Black community, and reflect on the historical context of Christian unity. We explore the significance of the Council of Nicaea, its 1700th anniversary in 2025, the role of love in ecumenical efforts, and the challenges of unity among different Christian traditions. The discussion also touches on the impact of music, the complexities of doctrinal differences, and the future of ecumenism, emphasizing the need for understanding and collaboration among diverse faith communities.Show notes2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unityBCM podcast episode with Ethiopian deacon Henok Elias: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0heNkPcFMI&list=PLQsr7W6MHTzNm91QX8ldtsrWdj_QWr-N-&index=3&t=12sLink to original 325 Nicene Creed: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fa5PkYFS3vmtTRGip_diaf7Lq1CZZ93RAA_rTdWitNo/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.go803rozvcgl"Baptism as Mystical-Political Engagement" (LaRyssa D. Herrington): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14769948.2025.2465227Chapters01:45 The Importance of Ecumenism in the Black Community05:02 Reflections on the Council of Nicaea09:31 The Role of Love in Ecumenical Efforts13:42 Understanding Differences in Christian Traditions16:18 The Challenge of Unity Among Protestants21:22 The Nature of Communion and Its Implications25:58 Experiences of Mysticism in the Black Community30:10 The Impact of Historical Context on Faith34:12 The Role of Music in Faith and Unity38:35 Navigating Doctrinal Differences42:00 The Significance of Shared Celebrations01:02:21 The Future of Ecumenism and Unity~~https://blackcatholicmessenger.orgx.com/BlkCathlicMsngrfacebook.com/blackcatholicmessengerinstagram.com/blackcatholicmessengeryoutube.com/@blackcatholicmessengertiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessengerthreads.com/blackcatholicmessengerbsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.orgMake a tax-deductible donation to BCM @ http://blackcatholicmessenger.org/donate

Show notesNate Tinner-Williams engages with Dr. John F Leeke and his daughter Ananda Leeke, co-authors of "American Change Agent: A Life & Legacy of Seeking Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion." They discuss their backgrounds, the journey of writing their book, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today's society. The conversation explores the intersection of faith and DEI, the role of wellness in promoting inclusion, and the historical context of DEI efforts. They also address critiques of DEI initiatives and emphasize the power of individual change agents in creating a more equitable society.Book link: http://anandaleeke.com/drjohn/Chapters06:01 The Journey to Writing 'American Change Agent'10:57 The Connection Between Faith and DEI17:49 Wellness and Its Role in DEI21:54 Understanding Historical Context in DEI28:10 Personal Experiences in the DEI Movement34:45 Critiques of DEI and the Role of Change Agents~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.orgx.com/BlkCathlicMsngrfacebook.com/blackcatholicmessengerinstagram.com/blackcatholicmessengeryoutube.com/@blackcatholicmessengertiktok.com/@blackcatholicmessengerthreads.com/blackcatholicmessengerbsky.app/profile/blackcatholicmessenger.orgMake a tax-deductible donation to BCM @ http://blackcatholicmessenger.org/donate

Fr Samuel Davis, a priest of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, joins the BCM show to discsuss his testimony, his philosophy of ministry, and how Catholics and Orthodox can come together in understanding of and outreach to the Black community. 01:46 Cultural and Racial Identity in Faith 04:43 Experiences of Suffering and Faith 07:36 The Role of Sacramental Life 10:32 Conclusion and Reflections on Faith 20:03 The Challenge of Embracing Faith in Community 25:45 The Journey of Father Raphael Morgan 31:00 Cultural Context and the Experience of Suffering 36:55 Bridging Black Culture and Catholic Worship 42:49 The Importance of Collaboration in Faith Communities 48:12 Communicating Faith Across Cultural Lines 01:02:20 The Spiritual Power of Suffering 01:05:20 Reverend Ike and the Upliftment of Community 01:08:50 Healing Through Addressing Trauma 01:10:53 Intersection of African American Tradition and Eastern Orthodoxy 01:14:38 Missionizing the African Diaspora 01:20:55 The Role of Clergy in Community Healing 01:26:47 Commitment to Spiritual Leadership 01:28:51 Unity in the Church and Community Engagement Show notes St Photina is the name of the woman at the well in the Eastern Christian tradition. Archimandrite Raphael Morgan was a Jamaican American and the first Black Eastern Orthodox priest in the United States. He corresponded with Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican Catholic who lived in America and became a pivotal figure in the Black freedom and Pan-African movements. The book Fr Davis shows and recommends during the show is Fr Cyprian Davis' "History of Black Catholics in the United States". Fr Davis' commentary on native Ethiopian outreach to the West indirectly mentions Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie without naming him. The African-American Eastern Orthodox priests named partially by Fr Davis are the late Archpriest Moses Berry and Fr Paul Abernathy of Pittsburgh. ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.org https://x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com Make a tax-deductible donation to BCM @  https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/7faed8f8-4ba2-4687-b83c-4dc18ccb6061

Deacon Henok Elias shares his journey from being a nominal Christian to becoming a deacon in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He discusses the significance of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches, the role of the diaconate, and the unique aspects of Ethiopian Orthodox liturgy and worship practices. The conversation also touches on the importance of education and community engagement, as well as the cultural heritage and spirituality within the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition. Dcn Henok's YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilosophyofArtandScience Music: Gunnar Gundersen  ~~ https://blackcatholicmessenger.org https://x.com/BlkCathlicMsngr https://facebook.com/blackcatholicmessenger https://instagram.com/blackcatholicmessenger.com Make a tax-deductible donation to BCM @ https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/7faed8f8-4ba2-4687-b83c-4dc18ccb6061