Rev. Xolani Kacela, Ph.D.
Teresa Valenzuela is the guest. She joined host Rev. Carolyn Wilkins for a lively conversation on Take On Faith on KTAL-LP 101.5.
Teresa Valenzuela discussed her path as a bi-lingual educator, spiritual practitioner/counselor and community service advocate. Her goal is to ‘pray it forward.’
Dr. Larry Ward practices as an ordained Buddhist teacher and ordained Christian minister. He completed his Buddhist studies with the Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh at Plum Village in France. He authored the book America’s Racial Karma, which is published by Parallax Press in 2020.
During this Take On Faith episode, Dr. Ward and host Xolani Kacela discussed subjects covered in his book. They explored Ward’s experience of race while teaching in China and Africa. Ward discussed the importance of being in the body.
He shared what it means to be African American and Buddhist. His research covers the beginning of racism. Also, the show explored his meditative and prayer life and the reflective work covered in the book.
The conversation covered how spiritual practices can heal the racial divide in America. Host and guest explored neuroscience, trauma, embodied spirituality, and how history and truth impact human identity and emotions.
You can contact Dr. Larry Ward at larry@thelotusinstitute.org.
So says Zen Buddhist teacher Dr. Larry Ward.
Shot at by the police as an 11-year-old child for playing baseball in the wrong spot, as an adult, Larry Ward experienced the trauma of having his home firebombed by racists. At Plum Village Monastery in France, the home in exile of his teacher, Vietnamese peace activist and Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, Dr. Ward found a way to heal. In these short reflective essays, he offers his insights on the effects of racial constructs and answers the question: how do we free ourselves from our repeated cycles of anger, denial, bitterness, pain, fear, violence? Larry Ward looks at the causes and conditions that have led us to our current state and finds, hidden in the crisis, a profound opportunity to reinvent what it means to be a human being. This is an invitation to transform America’s racial karma.
Dr. Janice Marie Johnson, Co-Director of Ministries and Faith Development at the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), is the guest of this episode of Take On Faith. The show, hosted by Rev. Xolani Kacela, broadcasts on KTAL-LP 10.5 in Las Cruces, NM. The show airs on Saturdays at 10 am MT.
Dr. Johnson, an expert on religious leadership, explored many topics which are high priority for liberal religious faith leaders. First, she discussed her grief following her twin sister’s death this year. Then, she talked about the collective grief many experience around the globe due to the pandemic.
Importantly, Dr. Johnson described the Unitarian Universalist (UU) faith, which many describe as a liberal religious faith tradition. Next, she spoke about the UU seven principles and the UU mission and vision for ministry. She talked about her view of the religious landscape as one of most senior leaders in the denomination. Also, how leaders at the top guide a denomination.
Prophetically, Dr. Johnson offered words about healing our nation and world by adhering to love, compassion, listening, empathy, and other virtues.
Of particular note, Dr. Johnson and Kacela discussed in-depth challenges for those disrupting white supremacy culture. This effort stands at the forefront of UU ministry. Together, they unpacked the need for white people to share power and honor BIPOCs (Black, Indigenous people, and people of color) realities and experiences.
Of great significance, Dr. Johnson provided insights for healing racial division. Likewise, you’ll want to learn her take on the differences between liberal and conservative faiths.
Skillfully, Dr. Johnson shared how love and listening are two important factors for all ministry. You’ll enjoy this powerful conversation with a major thought leader.
You can reach Dr. Janice Marie Johnson at jmjohnson@uua.org.
Xolani Kacela and Carolyn Wilkins, the co-hosts of Take On Faith on KTAL-LP 101.5, had a spirited conversation. They updated listeners on the developments in their ministries during the pandemic. Kacela serves as Minister, Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces. Wilkins serves as the lead minister, Inspirational Ministries, also based in Las Cruces.
Also, they discussed many contemporary concerns on the spiritual landscape. Of note, was the pandemic’s impact on their congregations and the greater Las Cruces community. Additionally, they shared reactions to the recent interfaith gathering at the S. New Mexico Islamic Center and their hopes for upcoming multi-faith events. Together, Kacela and Wilkins unpacked topics that affects the listening audience.
Importantly, Revs. Kacela and Wilkins delved in the impact of the big three. They include: the George Floyd verdict, Pres. Biden’s election, and the U.S. Capitol insurrection. Also, the conversation focused on how faith intersects with politics. Lastly, they honed in how to disrupt white supremacy culture and reuniting the nation.
