Building Bridges Through Faith: A Conversation with Father Rick Swanson

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:81a76029-d660-4a3b-bcba-0542a15b0b65-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:81a76029-d660-4a3b-bcba-0542a15b0b65-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant">   On this episode of The Interfaith Roundtable, Rabbi Mark Perman welcomes Father Rick Swanson of St. John's Episcopal Church for an engaging and heartfelt conversation about faith, identity, justice, and the importance of community. Father Rick shares his journey into ministry, from growing up in Minnesota and competing as a national speed skater to discovering his calling within the Episcopal Church. Throughout the episode, the two discuss the role of the church in today's political and social climate, the importance of interfaith relationships, and how people of faith can respond to division with dignity, compassion, and understanding. Father Rick also reflects on his experiences as a gay priest, the Episcopal Church's evolving relationship with LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the power of building bridges across different faith traditions. The conversation also highlights Father Rick's deep commitment to interfaith dialogue, including his experiences traveling to Israel alongside Jewish and Christian leaders and creating meaningful relationships rooted in mutual respect and shared humanity. It's a thoughtful, timely, and inspiring discussion centered on love, justice, and finding common ground in an increasingly divided world.