As the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) continues to speak into the public square on ‘a range of issues that matter to people and the Church, impact society and day-to-day lives’, the all-Ireland denomination has launched a podcast series called ‘Graciously Confident’.
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Announcing the 'Graciously Confident’ podcast
For a number of years PCI has produced podcasts on a range of church related subjects, and areas of broader interest. This is the first time, however, that it has committed to making a series of 12 podcasts over the course of a year that focus on big issues, trending topics and current affairs. The Church’s Council for Public Affairs is responsible for the content and output, and its Convener, Rev Daniel Kane, explained the thinking behind the new initiative.
The Launch of The Graciously Confident Podcast
Speaking at the launch, which was held in PCI’s Assembly Buildings in central Belfast, Mr Kane said, “Podcasts have become a part of everyday life for millions of people on a global scale and can be listened to anytime and anywhere, turning ordinary moments into opportunities for learning and inspiration. the Graciously Confident podcast is a significant moment for us in the Council for Public Affairs, as it is the first time we are taking a look at a range of issues in this way. In using this platform and this format, we can take a deep dive into issues that matter to the Church, impact society and people’s day-to-day lives.
“In each podcast we want to bring a gospel focus to our discussions on a particular issue. In doing so, we also hope that they will enable members of our church to be graciously confident when they talk about these issues, which are in the news and invariably have an impact on society. This is why we have called the podcast ‘Graciously Confident’, but it is not just for our church members, we hope that anyone interested in the issues that we will be covering will find the podcasts engaging and useful.”
The Graciously Confident Podcast
Episode One: The State of the Debate
- Will sits down with Max and Daniel to better understand the issue of Assisted Dying and Euthanasia. In this first episode, they discuss the proposed legislation currently progressing through Westminster and why as Christians we should care and respond.
Episode Two: A Better Way
- Hosted by Will, Max is joined by Dr Matthew Doré, Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Northern Ireland Hospice, to discuss palliative care, debunk some of the myths that have emerged since the proposed legislative change, and discuss the importance of having a good death.
Episode Three: Stories that speak
- In this moving and powerful episode, Will sits down with Rev Ian Harbinson, former minister of Moneydig Presbyterian Presbyterian Church in County Londonderry, and Dr Olwyn Mark, Lecturer in Practical Theology, as they share their personal lived experience. Ian talks his about his ongoing experience of living with cancer and his ministry to support those in the same situation. Olwyn shares her experience of her father's battle with cancer, and the role the hospice and palliative care played.
Episode Four: Be the difference
- In the final episode of this four part mini-series of the Graciously Confident podcast, Will meets Bex and Rev Linda Keys, a fundraiser with Hospice NI, who discuss practical ways that you can support palliative care charities and how you can engage with your MLAs and MPs on this life changing issue.
Recorded and produced at Commission Studios in Dundonald, by the veteran journalist and broadcaster Will Leitch, the first episode kicks off a four-part mini-series that explores the issue of assisted suicide and euthanasia. Hosted by Mr Leitch, he sits down with Professor Max Watson, a leading palliative care specialist, and Rev Daniel Kane, to discuss one of the most sensitive and significant ethical issues of our time.
Also speaking at the launch, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Rt Rev Dr Trevor Gribben said that he was excited about this initiative, “I really want to thank everyone involved in the development in the Graciously Confident podcast and the initial episodes. People, especially younger people than me, get their news and information from social media and its different platforms, especially podcasts.
“It may not be listened to by people older than me, but as a means of communicating gospel truths, and speaking into some of the issues we face on this island, this is a sphere that we need to be in. I welcome this important development and have used the QR Code to download the first episode.”
The Launch of the Graciously Confident podcast
Speaking about the podcasts, Mr Leitch said, “The beauty of the medium is that it is radio on demand. You can listen to the podcast at any time, on any device, whatever you are doing - and listen again and again if you want. It’s a simple four-part series, full of profound truths - and I have been richly blessed by being a part of it.
“You can hear guests who really know their stuff, experts in palliative care, people who support and encourage quality end of life care in our community, people full of wisdom, experience, insight and innovation. But there are also real human stories of heartbreak and trial, inspiration, joy and grief. Even at the end of a life. We also hear from a minister who is living with cancer and someone who cared for and supported a loved one in their final years.”
Dr Bex Stevenson, PCI’s Public Affairs Officer explained that the first episode of the Graciously Confident podcast is available now on the PCI website, and wherever you listen to your podcasts, “As we unpack what assisted suicide means in practice in this first tranche of episodes, we also examine the proposed legislative changes in GB, and possible legislation on this island, while discussing why Christians should care deeply and engage thoughtfully with the debate. Whether you approach the issue from a faith perspective, a medical background, or simple human concern, we hope the podcasts are both thought provoking and engaging.
“We have committed to producing one podcast per month, and after the four-part series on assisted suicide and euthanasia, in the coming months the podcast will feature a range of subjects. These will include peace and reconciliation, poverty and the continuing cost of living crisis in Ireland, ending violence against women and girls, migration and issues around it, so watch this space. We will also look at new issues when they emerge.”
In conclusion, Rev Daniel Kane said that, “At this time of deep geopolitical turmoil, economic uncertainty and global conflict, a lot of exhausted and distracted and disillusioned people are looking for a better story. We see this reflected in the findings of the Quiet Revival Survey, which suggest a movement of renewed hunger for God across the UK especially among young men.
“We want to cultivate and speak into this age group as there seems to be a deep and genuine search for lost meaning and deep connection taking place. A growing yearning for something which is far bigger and far more hopeful than the empty promises of secularism. We have a good news story we want to share and we believe this will be a fantastic way to do this.”
Graciously Confident: Episode 1: The State of the Debate:
This is the first episode in a four part series in which Will Leitch will discuss the issue of assisted suicide and euthanasia with different guests. In this episode, he sits down with Prof Max Watson, a leading palliative care specialist, and Rev Daniel Kane, Minister of West Presbyterian Church in Ballymena and Convenor of the Council for Public Affairs, to explore one of the most sensitive and significant ethical issues of our time — assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Together, they unpack what assisted suicide means in practice, examine the proposed legislative changes in the UK, and discuss why Christians should care deeply and engage thoughtfully with the debate. Whether you approach this topic from a faith perspective, a medical background, or simple human concern, you should be part of this conversation.
Council for Public Affairs is one of the General Assembly's nine councils and commissions that carries out the work of the Church. The Council addresses current topical issues on which the Church seeks to have its voice heard clearly in the public square. It oversees the work of the Church on behalf of the General Assembly in this regard. The Council delivers its remit by developing PCI’s thinking in key areas of public policy and communicating the General Assembly’s views on important areas such as education, human dignity, social, moral and ethical issues.