One hundred and forty-five years ago today, on June 19th in 1865, two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation and with the defeat of Confederate forces by the Union Army, the last remaining slaves in Galveston, Texas were freed, ending chattel slavery in the United States. Today, June 19th or Juneteenth, is observed inContinue reading “Lift Every Voice”
Author Archives: Rob Radtke
Opening the Gates of Heaven for Ramadan
We are now almost through the month-long observance of Ramadan. A few weeks ago I came across the following quote: “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained.” This hadith from the Sahih al-Bukhari doesn’t mince words. ItContinue reading “Opening the Gates of Heaven for Ramadan”
April is the Cruelest Month
The first section of T.S. Eliot’s epic poem, The Waste Land, published in 1922, is entitled, “The Burial of the Dead.” That is the title of the funeral service from the Church of England’s Book of Common Prayer during Eliot’s time as it is the title of the service in The Episcopal Church’s Book ofContinue reading “April is the Cruelest Month”
Prisoners of Hope
It has been almost two weeks since the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. I don’t know about you, but that seems like a lifetime ago. So much has changed so quickly I’m not sure what to feel at any given point. I woke up a few mornings ago and realized that not knowing what toContinue reading “Prisoners of Hope”
What can penguins teach us?
Prior to my recent trip to Antarctica, I confess that I had not given penguins much consideration. Not beautiful. Smell bad. Can’t fly. Really, what was the point of a penguin? Now, however, I have a new appreciation for the penguin. As our ship lay at anchor off Deception Island in the Antarctic Ocean, weContinue reading “What can penguins teach us?”
Resolutions 2020
Let me stipulate from the start that I’m not a big believer in New Year’s resolutions. It seems like one is setting oneself up for failure. And that’s not a good way to start a new year. I have lots of hopes for 2020. And consequently, I find myself a bit embarrassed to have actuallyContinue reading “Resolutions 2020”
Spiritual but not Religious
In my experience the declaration that “I’m spiritual but not religious” is often greeted by a collective eye-roll in church circles. For many of us affiliated with formal church or faith organizations, it can seem a ridiculous thing to say. What we think we’re hearing is “I’m spiritual but not yet religious.”
The Three Beating Hearts of Maori Leadership
Since taking up my role as president of Episcopal Relief & Development over 13 years ago, many people have kindly sent me articles and books about leadership. How is it recognized? How is it developed? What does it look like in a faith context? How can one be a non-anxious leader? You get the picture.Continue reading “The Three Beating Hearts of Maori Leadership”
Light in a Very Dark Place
We are now approaching the darkest days of the year. Our Advent wreaths and Hanukkah menorahs have brought light into our lives. It is an opportune time to reflect on how one can bring light to dark places. Several months ago friends from out of town invited me to a benefit organized to support Musicambia.Continue reading “Light in a Very Dark Place”
The beating heart of a home
When my in-laws were downsizing out of their home in Fredericton, New Brunswick in Canada and moving to an apartment, they very generously gave us a grandfather clock that stood in their front hall. The clock was made in Halifax in Yorkshire, England, probably in the late 18th century and stands well over 9 feetContinue reading “The beating heart of a home”
Rob's Reflections 