An Episcopal Church probably isn’t the first place you’d associate with a good jazz concert. Christina Honchell and Dr. Josslyn Luckett break down why you should and why jazz is a conduit to spiritual liberation and cross-cultural connections.

Here are some links to further exploration on the topic of Sacred Jazz and some of the work mentioned in this episode: 

ELLINGTON'S SACRED CONCERTS - NYT 1985

Irving Townsend on “Black, Brown and Beige,” by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra, Featuring Mahalia Jackson

John Coltrane, A Love Supreme, Part 1: "Acknowledgement"

Duke Ellington and Mahalia Jackson – “Come Sunday”

“Treat it Gentle” by Sidney Bechet

While the debate continues over differing positions on a "border wall" or "border security," we bring you a "Snapshot from the Border." In today’s episode we’ll hear from Susan Russell, and the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN) on the Border Crisis. And we’ll focus our "snapshot" by way of a conversation between Nora Phillips and Mike Kinman from the Rector’s Forum at All Saints Church.

This episode of StudioASC is one we hope will be part of an ongoing series exploring the Bible through a variety of progressive perspectives.

ASC staffer Jeremy Langill and Biblical scholar Dr. Brian Robinson unpack the term “biblical Christianity.” And Susan Russell offers The Clear Truth of Scripture … an essay on taking the Bible too seriously to take it literally.

Episode 6 of our Studio ASC Podcast

• This week our Studio ASC podcast features an interview by rector Mike Kinman with author, activist and Grammy winning artist Tena Clark on her compelling memoir “Southern Discomfort” – the story of growing up gay in Mississippi.

Episode 5 of our Studio ASC Podcast

• Transgender awareness is the focus of this segment of Studio ASC. One of the commitments we make as Episcopalians is to “respect the dignity of every human being.” One of the ways we live out that commitment is by respecting the right of every human being – no matter where they fall on the continuum of sexual orientation or gender identity – to name themselves ...  including which pronouns they use.
• We welcome Hannah Earnshaw to Studio ASC for what we’ve subtitled “Pronouns 101.”
• And Mike Kinman offers “Refusing to Erase”

Episode 4 of our Studio ASC Podcast

• Gun Violence is the focus for this segment of Studio ASC. Juliana Serrano interviews student filmmaker Grey Ingrassia about “Crowd in the Crosshairs” – his documentary film inspired by his participation in the #MarchForOurLives Movement.
• Susan Russell reflects on why “thoughts and prayers” are not enough.

Episode 3 of our Studio ASC Podcast In the wake of the #MeToo Movement, All Saints’ rector Mike Kinman offers a powerful challenge to Christianity’s misogynistic roots and author and actor Quinn Cummings addresses sexual harassment in the entertainment industry.

• Susan Russell reflects on what religious persecution is and what it isn’t -- and challenges the use of religion as a weapon of mass discrimination.
• Pasadena’s Dan Davidson shares the vision behind Rose City Church’s “coffee” ministry – a social enterprise providing both training for underserved youth and awesome coffee. 
• Rick Bolton offers a backstage look at the annual Saint Francis Day Blessing of the Animals.
• Finally, we remember Zelda Kennedy … with an excerpt from one of her last sermons at All Saints: a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love to triumph even over death.

With the release of the GOP Budget Bill the Johnson Amendment is back in the news. For those who need a quick refresher, the Johnson Amendment (named for Lyndon Johnson back when he was a Senator) prohibits all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations (including churches) from endorsing, opposing or fundraising for political candidates. It is what the IRS accused All Saints of violating back in 2005 and it is [a] what we successfully argued we had not violated and [b] we still support.

So we're presenting this recent segment from our podcast "Studio ASC" with Mike Kinman and Susan Russell discussing the nuances and ramifications of the Johnson amendment -- and why All Saints Church continues to support it in the wake of these renewed efforts to eliminate it.

Listen to the entire Studio ASC podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or here. Follow us on Twitter @ASCpas.

Donate to support the mission and ministries of All Saints at https://allsaints-pas.org/donate/donate-now/.

This month we feature:

Susan Russell, Juliana Serrano and Mike Kinman on the Johnson amendment and the relationship between politics and religious organizations.

Najeeba Syeed on "Being an Ally."

An interview with James Walker.

Youth Ministers Jeremy Langill & Isaac Ruelas on the Bible and LGBTQ issues.

Mike Kinman, rector of All Saints Church, Pasadena, on activism.

Edina Lekovic and Abraham's Daughters at the Women's March in Los Angeles.

ASC Youth Ministers Jeremy Langill and Isaac Ruelas with "Shit My Youth Minister Says."

Amy Hunter, Director of Racial Justice for the YWCA, St. Louis, Missouri.