When Conviction Meets Substance

Yes, Thom Yorke is right. Nashville is a weird place to live right now. We house an awful lot of terror. And networks of wealthy bigots seem to have received word that their abusive behavior is welcome and even baptized here. It’s weird, right?

But no, we are not bereft of resources. There are exceedingly thoughtful and courageous people all around us. Sometimes, they get together and grieve and strategize and celebrate and try to figure out what health and healing and direct action might look like.

I say that to note that there’s a church community called St. Mary of Bethany. I know and even kind of love a number of people making their witness there. Say what you want to about Nashville. But don’t miss the public fact of what’s going on and available right now in terms of group thoughtfulness and civic courage. Don’t miss my friend and colleague Dr. Layla Bonner in conversation with Fr. Danny Bryant and Dr. DeAndra Witherspoon Nash addressing weighty matters. If you’re like me, you missed it when it happened. Good news: You can tune in here to watch and hear the whole thing. I purloined my title from Danny’s words. Do y’all want to see conviction meet substance? I do.

More good news. That event is/was one of a series called Common Conversation, and the next one happens tonight. The man in the above photo is Dr. Bruce Rogers-Vaughn. Here’s his book.

He will be joined tonight by Danny and Dr. Bruce Morrill, SJ. Both Bruces have felt, to me, like faraway friends for years now and I’m excited to meet them. Please join our happy throng at Crievewood United Methodist Church this evening at 6:30. Details here.

While I have your attention, I’ll mention that I have a thing too at Belmont tomorrow. You’re all welcome. I mean it.