In this episode of The UpWords Podcast, host Jean Geran speaks with Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow at the George W. Bush Institute and former Executive VP at Freedom House. As part of our series on Christian citizenship, Nicole shares her insights on how faith intersects with democracy, the importance of religious freedom, and the role Christians can play in promoting justice and compassion both locally and globally.

Topics Covered:

• Why democracy matters for people of faith
• The biblical call to seek justice for the vulnerable
• How Christians can engage in civic life without placing ultimate hope in politics
• The global struggle for freedom and the role of American Christians
• Higher education’s role in forming democratic citizens

Guest Bio:

Nicole Bibbins Sedaca is a seasoned advocate for democracy and human rights, with experience at the State Department and Freedom House. She brings a deep understanding of global democratic movements and a strong Christian perspective on civic engagement.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the https://slbf.org
• Connect with Nicole Bibbins Sedaca via the George W. Bush Institute - https://www.bushcenter.org/

Links to previous episodes on Citizenship:

Christian Citizenship in a Pluralistic World | Chris Seiple

• Apple Podcasts = https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upwords-podcast/id1537044590?i=1000720569822
• Spotify = https://open.spotify.com/episode/1eXhXf3DdII63mc97NIlaq?si=Tqx8q4vGSgWKI2G7FhEOPg
• YouTube = https://youtu.be/ndD4NTT8kLQ

Faith, Citizenship, and Dissent: Lessons from 18th–19th Century Britain | Michael Rutz

• Apple Podcasts = https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upwords-podcast/id1537044590?i=1000722513294
• Spotify = https://open.spotify.com/episode/2cwJ9pjDQZBp5hxRDVoUMR?si=38433acca24c40b4

Christian Citizenship and the Early Church | Gar Anderson

• Apple Podcasts = https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upwords-podcast/id1537044590?i=1000726874819
• Spotify = https://open.spotify.com/episode/088w4Ne0lxQSStKsp9senx?si=87caaabc653943b3
• YouTube = https://youtu.be/tdE4uw2KokY