simon doong Archives

Next Mosaic of Peace conference sure to be impactful based on a history of memorable experiences

Posted July 14th, 2023

From hearing firsthand accounts about the plight of Palestinians to collaborating with a local group that makes textile art, being part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Mosaic of Peace conference in the Holy Land was a memorable experience for past participant Megan Acedo. “I really got to meet people who were living out the work of advocacy, the work of justice, the work of loving our neighbor, in ways that were really profound,” said Acedo, an elder and clerk of session of Beacon church in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood. “There were heartbreaking stories, but overall, it was an incredible and transformative experience.” The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program is now accepting applications for the next Mosaic of Peace conference, which takes place from March 4-15, 2024, in the Israel/Palestine region.

People who are both Presbyterian and Indigenous can find joy and meaning in both worlds

Posted July 12th, 2023

The Rev. Martha Sadongei encourages Native American siblings who follow Christ to blend their faith with their Indigenous practices, and she had a ready story to illustrate just how during last week’s episode of “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast,” which can be heard here. Sadongei comes in at the two-minute mark.

‘A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast’ hears from a shelter director who knows his way around city hall

Posted July 7th, 2023

Isaac Adlerstein, the executive director of Broadway Community at Broadway Presbyterian Church in New York City, whose efforts helping the city open shelters in New York City faith communities for asylum seekers was reported here, was the guest recently on “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast,” hosted each week by Simon Doong and the Rev. Lee Catoe.

A Presbyterian musician pushes for bail reform

Posted July 6th, 2023

As the assistant principal violist of the Opera Philadelphia orchestra, Jay Julio uses his “special power” — performing largely for upper middle class white and east Asian audiences — in ways that lift both audiences and, on occasion, people serving time behind bars.

As summer approaches, a Presbyterian camp and conference program director describes the faith formation that can occur during a week away

Posted June 1st, 2023

When children and those who are young at heart have the chance to step outside their regular experiences to enjoy a week or so at a Presbyterian camp or conference center or a sister organization, “it can open us up to so many possibilities for our faith and our spirituality, for connecting with God and one another in Creation around us.”

‘A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast’ takes up race and racism

Posted May 26th, 2023

In the most recent edition of “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast,” Dr. Jonathan Tran pushes against racial capitalism, a task begun in his 2021 book, “Asian Americans and the Spirit of Racial Capitalism.”

‘A Matter of Faith,’ a PC(USA) podcast, explores creating worship spaces for people who feel they don’t belong there

Posted April 10th, 2023

The Rev. Michiko Bown-Kai, a pastor in the United Church of Canada, discussed during “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast” last week how people who feel they don’t belong in religious spaces can indeed feel that sense of belonging.

Korean episodes of ‘A Matter of Faith’ now available

Posted March 6th, 2023

A husband and wife who serve as mission co-workers in South Korea have paired up with a seasoned online personality to co-host a Korean-language version of “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast.”

The PC(USA)’s role in repairing historic harms

Posted January 18th, 2023

“A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast” turned its attention last week to the repair of historic harms, including reparations. The guest of the Rev. Lee Catoe and Simon Doong was the Rev. Jermaine Ross-Allam, named last year to direct the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Center for the Repair of Historic Harms. Listen to their conversation, which is about 50 minutes, by going here. Ross-Allam comes in during the 20th minute.

Presbyterian pastor opens up a toolkit for researching the kind of welcome churches extend to visitors

Posted December 8th, 2022

The Rev. Colin Kerr delivered a primer last week designed for people who are dipping their toe in attending church and, just as importantly, the congregations who want nothing more than to welcome them.