In this episode of Blue Lift, host Peggy Kingsbury sits down with Dr. Kevin Riggs, the senior pastor of Franklin Community Church in Tennessee. Dr. Riggs is known for his tireless advocacy for social justice and his work with the homeless and incarcerated populations in the community.
The conversation begins with an introduction to Dr. Riggs and his background, including his roles as the founder of Franklin Community Development and the Williamson County Homeless Alliance. Peggy highlights Dr. Riggs' reputation as a champion for justice and his involvement in various community initiatives.
The discussion then delves into Dr. Riggs' personal journey and the pivotal moments that shaped his commitment to social justice. He shares how his early discomfort with the death penalty and his deep dive into the teachings of the Kingdom of God led him to a greater understanding of the importance of restorative justice.
A significant focus of the episode is the relationship between Dr. Riggs and Kevin Burns, an inmate on Tennessee's death row. Peggy and Dr. Riggs explore how their personal connection and the concept of "proximity changes your theology" have transformed their perspectives on the criminal justice system.
The conversation also addresses the challenges and realities of the criminal justice system in Tennessee, including the state's high incarceration rates and the racial disparities within the prison population. Dr. Riggs shares a poignant story about a parishioner's experience with the system, highlighting the need for a more compassionate and restorative approach.
Shifting gears, Peggy and Dr. Riggs discuss the issue of homelessness in the wealthy community of Franklin, Tennessee. Dr. Riggs estimates that there are over 1,500 homeless individuals in Williamson County, and he emphasizes the lack of adequate resources and support for this vulnerable population.
The episode delves into the underlying causes of homelessness, particularly the prevalence of mental illness and the scarcity of long-term rehabilitation services in the area. Dr. Riggs passionately calls for a more comprehensive and community-driven approach to addressing these pressing issues.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Riggs shares his insights, personal experiences, and unwavering commitment to using his voice and influence to advocate for justice, compassion, and the restoration of those who have been marginalized. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of the complex challenges facing Tennessee's communities and a renewed sense of hope in the power of individual and collective action.
Find out more at www.savepastorKB.com
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About Blue Lift and Peggy Kingsbury:
Peggy grew up in GA and attended the University of Georgia. With an undergraduate and a masters degree in Criminal Justice Peggy is keenly interested in how politics and public safety intersect. Peggy is also an entrepreneur, small business owner, and lover of the outdoors. Peggy became focused on politics in Tennessee when the supermajority legislature began making headlines for silencing voices, enacting laws targeting underrepresented people and refusing to listen to their constituents.
Join Peggy for BlueLift as she interviews influencers and candidates in Tennessee politics with a focus on Williamson County and middle Tennessee.
Find out more and follow along at www.blueliftpodcast.com
Produced by Jim McCarthy and ItsYourShow.co
