In this episode, Canon Megan and Adam shine a spotlight on someone you really ought to know—Frances Perkins. She was the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet, a driving force behind the New Deal, and an Episcopalian whose faith shaped her fierce commitment to justice.
They dig into her early life, her time as a labor activist, and how a moment in a New York church changed everything. Frances wasn’t just a policymaker—she was a public servant on a mission, grounded in the belief that faith should mean something for real people in real need.
If you've ever wondered what holiness looks like in politics, Frances Perkins is a pretty great place to start.
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What You’ll Walk Away With:
Frances Perkins was the first woman in the U.S. cabinet—Secretary of Labor under FDR.
Her work helped create the social safety net we still rely on today, including Social Security and the 40-hour work week.
She was deeply influenced by the Episcopal Church and saw her work as a calling.
A tragic fire in New York City helped shape her lifelong commitment to workers' rights.
Perkins believed that public policy could—and should—be an expression of compassion and justice.
She wasn’t always welcomed with open arms, but she stayed the course.
Her legacy lives on in labor protections, social welfare programs, and the fight for women’s rights.
Frances reminds us that sainthood doesn’t always look like a halo—it can look like a woman in a sensible suit, getting things done.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re inherently bad (you’re not), or just want a clearer understanding of why Christians talk about original sin at all—this is a great place to start.
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