In this episode... we talk about Christian themes in popular fiction, specifically Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia. Nerd out with us as we talk about some of our favorite books and how they can highlights elements of the Gospel!

About the Hosts

Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is a member of the laity and currently a college, youth, and children’s minister at a parish in Kansas City, MO and third-year seminarian at Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary and a candidate for Anglican Studies at Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She hopes of one day becoming an Episcopal priest and is discerning in the Diocese of Kansas. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old. 

The Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) is the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Karen was an active youth in the Kansas youth ministry program, and as a college student participated in Campus Ministry at K-State, she returned as an adult volunteer in her late 20s. Karen was the Youth Minister at St. Michael and All Angels for four years, and prior to that worked as an Academic Advisor at UTA and UMKC and Associate Registrar at UMKC. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, and received a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She was ordained to the priesthood in January 2022. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, Lego video games on her Switch, and being ordered around by her personal trainer. She lives in Merriam, KS, with her husband Mike and dog Cherry. 

The Rev. David Wilcox (he/him) Serves as Rector at St. Mary Magdalene in Belton, MO (Dio. W. MO). Before finding his way to the Episcopal Church in 2015 David spent time in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. He is passionate about the Gospel, formation, history, coffee and little known (and less cared about) information. David and his husband Zach live in Belton with their energetic (and not at all spoiled) dog Ollie. 

The Rev. Ryan Williams (he/him) serves as rector of St. Phillips in Joplin, MO.

Relevant links: 

Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment. 

To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click here 

To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry click here 

All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media. 

Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions 

Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise Content source links: 

Harry Potter: 

https://www.mugglenet.com/2020/04/harry-potter-and-the-christian-allegory/
https://slmedia.org/blog/more-than-good-against-evil-christian-themes-in-harry-potter

The Chronicles of Narnia: 

https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe/summary
https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-last-battle/summary