Revolutionary Love: Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis

On Thursday morning I sat in my tiny closet cuddled up by my computer to interview Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis. Later that day someone would ask me what was the one thing in my day that brought me joy. I would reply, “My zoom call with Dr. Lewis.”

I cannot stress enough how wonderful Lewis is as a pastor and activist in our world. At one point, we air hugged one another. In our new way of being, it’s the human connection we make with one another through voice and sharing that sustains. I hope this episode sustains and comforts you, especially as we reach into the depths of Holy Week.

Lewis’ message of revolutionary love is timely and moving. There’s so much goodness in this episode, but if I had to suggest a peak moment it would be Lewis’ response to “what can you do?” (min 30:17) At one point Lewis also reads Lynn Ungar’s poem “Breathe,” which is also worth a listen.

The Rev. Jacqueline J. Lewis is Senior Minister at Middle Collegiate Church, a 1,300-member multiethnic, welcoming, and inclusive congregation in New York City. She is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary and earned her Ph.D. in Religion and Society/Psychology and Religion at Drew University. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Dr. Lewis hosted “Just Faith,” an on-demand television program on MSNBC.com and is a frequent media commentator. Her books include The Power of Stories: A Guide for Leaders in Multi-racial, Multi-cultural Congregations, Ten Strategies for Becoming a Multiracial Congregation, and the children’s book, You Are So Wonderful! She is currently at work on a book on how to heal souls and our world.