Embracing Life's Margins: Bishop Ken Carder's Journey From Exclusion to Belonging

In the latest episode of "To Be and Do," host Philip Amerson engages in a profound conversation with Bishop Ken Carder. Ken's new book, "Shifting Margins: From Fear and Exclusion Toward Love and Belonging," serves as a springboard for this enlightening discussion. Their dialogue delves into a range of topics, from social justice to personal transformation, all through the lens of Ken's experiences and insights.

One of the major themes of their conversation is the concept of "shifting margins." Inspired by theologian John Swinton, Ken explains how this idea became a pivotal theme in his life and work. Swinton suggests that Jesus didn't simply visit the margins of society; instead, he shifted the margins to bring those on the periphery into the center of God's work and reign. For Carder, this has meant a lifetime of broadening perspectives and deepening understanding. He emphasizes a continuous journey that involves moving from fear and exclusion toward a more inclusive and loving view of humanity.

Key Takeaway #1: The Importance of Confronting Institutional Racism Ken Carder shares a poignant story from his early ministry, revealing how institutional racism became a personal revelation for him. While serving as a student pastor, he discovered that his own salary was higher than that of an African American pastor with more experience and education. This shocking realization highlighted the systemic inequities within church institutions. Carder's encounter underlines the urgent need to recognize and address institutional racism, urging listeners to examine their own roles in perpetuating such structures.

Key Takeaway #2: Conversion as an Ongoing Journey Conversion, in Ken's narrative, isn't a singular event but a continuous process of transformation. He recounts formative experiences that reshaped his understanding of God and the world, starting with a childhood moment when he learnt of God as a benevolent shepherd rather than a harsh overseer. The notion of conversion as a lifelong journey invites us to embrace evolving insights and expanding margins, emphasizing the ever-present possibility of growth and change.

Key Takeaway #3: Reimagining Value and Worth Beyond Capacity Ken discusses how the value and worth of individuals cannot be solely tied to their capacities or productivity. Reflecting on his relationship with his late wife, who had dementia, and lessons from his grandfather's life, he argues for recognizing intrinsic worth linked to identity and belonging. In this hyper-capacity-oriented world, Ken's insights remind us that our ultimate value lies in our friendships, relationships, and connection to a larger narrative, particularly God's mighty works of salvation.

The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and communities, questioning how we can shift our margins to be more inclusive and love-centered. Through engaging storytelling and profound insights, Philip Amerson and Ken Carder challenge us to confront our blind spots, recognize our privileges, and continually expand our understanding of faith and community. For more enriching conversations like this, tune into "To Be and Do" and explore how you can contribute to a world filled with love and belonging.