Political Theology Matters

Podcast Appearances

Blessed are the Feminists

Blessed are the Feminists

April 3, 2022 • The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford talks about equipping progressive Christians to speak out in the political arena, how theology evolves both academically and personally, and growing up and coming out in the era of second-wave feminism. Listen now
Live from America

Live from America Podcast

December 7, 2021 • The top experts and thinkers of the world get together weekly with hosts Noam Dworman and Hatem Gabr to discuss news, culture, politics, comedy and more. Listen now

F50Woman

The F50Woman Podcast

December 4, 2021 • Marcia shares how she successfully and passionately combines law, politics, theology, and social justice. Listen now

Joey Pinz

Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations

November 3, 2021 • Fighting for society’s marginalized Listen now

Shock your potential

Shock Your Potential Podcast

October 26, 2021 • Speak Faithfully for Greater Justice Listen now

Nature Breakthroughs

Nature Breakthroughs

September 18, 2021 • Conversations with Change Makers in a World Gone Mad. Weekly podcasts about the science, magic, and nature of change with Dr. “Wild” Ben Goldman. Listen now
Sex Drugs and Jesus

Sex, Drugs & Jesus #3

September 17, 2021 • This is the third and final installment in a three-part series tackling the “clobber passages” from the Hebrew Bible, which are commonly used to bash the LGBTQIA+ community. Listen now
Sex Drugs and Jesus

Sex, Drugs & Jesus #2

September 9, 2021 • This is the second episode in a three-part series tackling the “clobber passages” from the Hebrew Bible, which are commonly used to bash the LGBTQIA+ community. Listen now

Sex Drugs and Jesus

Sex, Drugs & Jesus #1

September 3, 2021 • This episode marks the first of a series of three which will focus on the bible and the LGBTQIA+ Community. The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford and De’Vannon Hubert discuss the “clobber” passages commonly used to bash the LGBTQIA+ community. Listen now

Thank God I'm Queer podcast

Thank God I'm Queer

September 8, 2021 • Dr. Ledford discusses how sacred texts from the Bible and other sources have been weaponized by certain religious organizations against the LGBTQ community. Listen now.

Truth in 1000 words or less

TRUTH: In 1000 Words or Less

August 13, 2021 • In this episode of TRUTH: In 1000 Words or Less, Marcia discusses religious conformity and the role of religion in social justice with host Steven Craig. Listen now

Guiding Voice podcast

The Guiding Voice

August 10, 2021 • In this episode, Marcia talks to hosts Naveen Samala & Sudhakar Nagandla about ethics in the professional world and choosing positivity in midst of negativity and extremism. Listen now

Hard to Believe

Hard to Believe

July 7, 2021 • Marcia joins religious studies teacher and amateur theologian John Brooks to discuss the state of religious freedom and the Christian Left in the time of Trumpism. Listen now

Black Sheep Christian

The Black Sheep Christian

June 24, 2021 • On this episode of The Black Sheep Christian podcast, the Rev Dr. Marcia Ledford lends her expertise on what the Bible says about LGBTQ and acceptance in the church. Listen now

Dismantle podcast

Dismantle Podcast

June 22, 2021 • What could we learn from the two aspects of salvation and how it connects to the LGBTQ+ community? Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford, Esq. shares her perspective on the power of sharing love and dignity to all people and how living out our salvation is the other half of the “salvation moment.” Listen now
Finish Last

Finish Last Podcast

June 16, 2021 • On today’s episode of the Finish Last Podcast, Marcia Ledford talks to host Dan Steuer about the parable of the Persistent Widow from Luke 18 and how that story is relevant today. Listen now

Queer Voicez

June 9, 2021 • On this episode of the Queer Voicez Podcast, Marcia Ledford talks to host Larissa Russell about about loss and belonging and how foundational this is to us as humans. Listen now

Spiritual Dope

Spiritual Dope

June 12, 2021 • On this episode of the Spiritual Dope Podcast, The Reverend Doctor Marcia Ledford talks to host Brandon Handley about we can work for the greater good, even though it seems like our problems are super complex, because we can tap into our spirituality to empower us. Listen now
here together podcast

HERE.together

May 9, 2021 • On this episode of the HERE.together Podcast, The Reverend Doctor Marcia Ledford talks to hosts Kelly Roberge and Charles Matheus about journeys both personal and cultural, the third rails of politics and religion, and where all those things come together in her ongoing work for social justice. Listen now

Ethical Evolution

The Ethical Evolution Podcast

April 18, 2021 • The Ethical Evolution Podcast brings you the stories of ethical business owners, change makers and holistic healers determined to create collective change in the world.
Listen now

Snarky Faith

Snarky Faith

April 14, 2021 • In this episode, Marcia walks us through the spirituality of resistance and the deep implications of social justice work to the Gospel. It’s an essential talk and at an apt time because as the pandemic is slowly ending, our work and advocacy need to ramp up if we are to help secure the rights of all people. 
Listen nowWatch on Facebook Video

Living the Dream with Curveball: September 15, 2021 • Listen now

Literally Just T.A.W.K.: September 5, 2021 • Listen now

Determine our Future: August 2, 2021 • Listen now

Living and Thriving with Rustie: July 13, 2021 • Watch now

Wounds of the Faithful: July 7, 2021 • Listen now

The Second Chapter Podcast: June 29, 2021 • Listen now

Queer Profits Podcast: June 8, 2021 •  Listen now

The Power to Pivot: April 20, 2021 • Listen now

TonioTimeDaily: April 20, 2021 • Listen now

Fabulous Broads: April 13, 2021 • Listen now

Power Up for Profits: March 31, 2021 • Listen now 

The OG Inspiration Podcast: March 19, 2021 • Listen now

Ernest Thoughts Podcast: March 8, 2021 • Listen now

Bible Study for Progressives: January 7, 2021 • Listen now

Rustie MacDonald

Living and Thriving with Rustie

July 13, 2021 • Marcia joins author, life coach, and motivational speaker Rustie MacDonald to discuss the importance of speaking faithfully in the public square for greater social justice. Watch now

Determine our Future

Determine our Future

August 2, 2021 • Marcia speaks to Lani Parker Pierce about the intersection of faith, civil rights; and the LGBTQ+ community; human trafficking; and the exvangelical movement. Listen now

Wounds of the Faithful

Wounds of the Faithful

July 7, 2021 • How can we be more like Jesus in this world of pain, suffering, and evil? Is it our responsibility as Christians to care for the oppressed? The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford guides us in answering these kinds of questions with empathy and compassion. Listen now

Second Chapter

The Second Chapter Podcast

June 29, 2021 • On this episode of The Second Chapter podcast, the Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford, Esq. talks everything from Scrabble to the state of the world with host Kristin Duffy. Listen now

Power to Pivot

The Power to Pivot

April 20, 2021 • On this episode of The Power to Pivot Podcast, The Reverend Doctor Marcia Ledford joins Elizabeth Miles to talk about some of the injustices going on in the world today, and shares tips for helping each and every one of us pivot our hearts and minds to a new approach to leading those uncomfortable conversations that lead to peace and change. Listen now

TonioTimeDaily

TonioTimeDaily

April 20, 2021 • On this episode of TonioTimeDaily, The Reverend Doctor Marcia Ledford joins host Antonio Meyers to talk about advocating for social justice. Listen now

Fabulous Broads podcast

Fabulous Broads

April 13, 2021 • In this episode, Marcia talks to Maria Maneta about the need for civil discourse, racial reconciliation and how she has combined law and religion to advocate for social justice.
Listen now

OG Inspiration Podcast

The OG Inspiration Podcast​

March 19, 2021 • On this episode of the The OG Inspiration Podcast, the Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford speaks with Dr. Odell Glenn Jr. about the fragility of democracy, the role of the church in working for social justice, the spirituality of resistance, and more.
Listen now

Ernest Thoughts Podcast

Ernest Thoughts Podcast

March 8, 2021 • On this episode of the Ernest Thoughts Podcast, the Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford shares her story and insights on the various social issues that she’s spent years working in, including human trafficking and immigration reform.
Listen now

Bible Study for Progressives

Bible Study for Progressives

Jan 7, 2021 • What will happen on the 20th, and what must we do to protect our democracy after Trump? Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford, Esq., Professor of Philosophy Joseph Down, Author and Attorney Rich Procida, and Author and Mennonite Minister Bert Newton will talk about what are we to do with the upcoming inauguration and our broken country. Listen now

Doing good while making a living

Queer profits

Queer Profits Podcast

June 8, 2021 • On today’s episode of the Queer Profits Podcast, Marcia Ledford shares a different perspective of faith and the separation of church and state. And we explore the importance of progressive Christians, including us LGBT folk, advocating for greater social justice in the public square from a faith perspective. Listen now

Power Up for Profits

Power Up for Profits

March 31, 2021 • In this episode, Marcia talks to Kathleen Gage about her experience with the Podcast Rockstar Club and shares her best strategies and tips on how to find the right shows for your message.


Watch on YouTube

Power Up for Profits

Power Up for Profits

March 31, 2021 • In this episode, Marcia talks to Kathleen Gage about her experience with the Podcast Rockstar Club and shares her best strategies and tips on how to find the right shows for your message.
Listen nowWatch on YouTube
David Somerfleck podcast

The David Somerfleck Podcast

March 26, 2021 • In this episode, we discuss political theology, Black Lives Matter, religious fundamentalism, institutionalized racism, Blue Lives Matter, and many related topics with David Somerfleck, author, mediator, political campaign advisor, and business owner.
Listen nowWatch on YouTube

Contact info

The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford, civil rights attorney for society’s most marginalized and Doctor of Ministry in political theology, is an expert on helping people find ways to work for justice. Dr. Ledford is available for speaking engagements and interviews in varied forums.

Requests for interviews and events are welcome whether online or in person. Inquiries may be directed to:

The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford, Esq.
marcia@politicaltheologymatters.com
734.489.1330 (ET)

Speaker sheets

Dr. Marcia Ledford
The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford, Esq.

Headshots

Biography (50 words)

The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford is a civil rights attorney representing society’s most marginalized. An Episcopal priest, she earned her Doctor of Ministry in political theology from Pacific School of Religion. Dr. Ledford founded Political Theology Matters, LLC, to help the faithful develop public theology mission for greater social justice.  

Biography (100 words)

The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford’s ministry is in Southwest Detroit’s Latinx population—an international port with an aggressive regional ICE director. Dr. Ledford is a civil rights attorney representing society’s most marginalized. An Episcopal priest, she holds a Master of Divinity from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific. She earned her Doctor of Ministry in political theology from Pacific School of Religion. Dr. Ledford founded Political Theology Matters, LLC, to help the faithful develop public theology mission and broadcast messaging for greater social justice. She is trained for community organizing through the Industrial Areas Foundation and volunteers with Michigan United.

Biography (400 words)

The Rev. Dr. Marcia Ledford’s ministry focuses on Southwest Detroit’s Latinx population — located at an international port with an aggressive regional ICE director. Dr. Ledford is a civil rights attorney representing society’s most marginalized. She has dedicated her working life to the pursuit of justice because when one group of persons is diminished, we are all thus diminished.

An Episcopal priest, Dr. Ledford studied theology at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. While there, she engaged in urban studies for ministry and explored theologies of the marginalized from around the world. Dr. Ledford holds a Master of Divinity from the (Episcopal) Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP). She earned her Doctor of Ministry in political theology from the Pacific School of Religion (PSR). Both CDSP and PSR are member schools of the Graduate Theological Union, a preeminent global and interfaith consortium for theological study.

In college, she majored in American History and Psychology at Albion College. These academic concentrations prepared her for exploring and understanding the psychographic nature of American history and how skin color dictates the American social agenda.

Dr. Ledford earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit School of Law, a Jesuit school. She adopted a foundation of Christian faith in legal jurisprudence plus the standard curriculum. Her ministry incorporates Catholic Social Teaching (CST) as its cornerstone. CST’s Gospel emphasis protects every human being’s dignity and works toward the common good to usher in God’s Reign. The Episcopal Baptismal Covenant reflects the same emphasis. It requires the faithful to uphold the dignity of personhood and serves as the foundation for Dr. Ledford’s teaching of political theology basics in her courses.

Dr. Ledford’s first career as a civil rights attorney concentrated on cases involving the First Amendment and Equal Protection under the Fourteenth Amendment. Her mission combines her love of the Gospel with expertise in the US Constitution to help others exercise their civil rights to establish a more just American society.

Political Theology Matters, LLC, founded by Dr. Ledford, helps the faithful develop public theology mission and broadcast messaging for greater social justice. She is trained for community organizing through the Industrial Areas Foundation and volunteers with Michigan United, where she has a particular interest in racial reconciliation and immigration reform.

Dr. Ledford is an award-winning documentary photographer, writer, blogger, keynote speaker, teacher, and preacher. She convenes the Public Theology Network for Province V (the Midwest) of the Episcopal Church.

Print Interviews & Highlights

Winter Record cover

The Record

The Church and State: Interview with Anna Stania, Director of Communications, Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

Read now
Berkeley Journal of Religion and Theology
Berkeley Journal of Religion and Theology Volume 5, Issue 2

The Persistent Widow through Latina Eyes:

Mission as Political Theology for Comprehensive Immigration Reform in the U.S.A.
Read now
Christian Progressive Political Theology

An Example of Acting on the Word for Immigration Reform

A dissertation by Marcia L. Ledford, presented to the faculty of the Pacific School of Religion in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Ministry
Read now

Downloads

Bookings

Marcia Ledford teaches, speaks, and preaches about political theology in varied forums:

Consultations with denominational and religious leaders
State bars and legal associations in relation to the Bill of Rights, Church and Society
Leadership education events
Parish or congregation-wide learning event weekends (link to seminars page)
Special occasion keynotes and speeches
College and university addresses
Academic panels
Interreligious conversations especially as they relate the First Amendment
Book fairs and other literary events

Topics for Speeches, Keynotes, Teaching and Preaching

What is Political Theology?

Progressive Christians and the duty to be Political Theologians

Yes, and that means everybody

The First Amendment and the Separation of Church and State

Slavery’s legacy of lynching and racism today and why we must deal with it, NOW

American Civil Religion

White Nationalism and the First Amendment

Jesus, son of women foreigners to Israel, and refugee

What do we do when the protests end, and we go home?