Pastor Shalom is a multi-national Nigerian in a mixed-orientation marriage now in pastoral ministry. has a profound journey of faith, marriage, and understanding her sexual identity. We were moved by her story and the strength of her love for God and others, so we asked her to share it with you all. Whether you see yourself in her story or are listening to learn about someone whose journey is very different from your own—we hope it’s an encouragement to you, too!

★ About Our Guest

Pastor Shalom Liddick was born in Nigeria and spent some of her youth in Central America before moving to the United States. Her diverse background and rich cultural heritage have shaped her perspective on life and faith. She is most passionate about walking alongside others as they experience the sweetness found in Jesus. She considers herself a practicing theologian.

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★ Timestamps

(00:00) #52 - Affectionate towards Christ: A Journey of Faith with Pastor Shalom

(02:15) Pastor Shalom's story

(16:46) God became my everything

(28:56) Who is my identifier?

(36:31) Revoice: Little gifts of love from God

(43:00) Conversations in the African diaspora: upholding (all?) Scripture

(48:36) Attraction and mixed-orientation marriage

(54:20) Not sexualizing relationships

(58:53) Advice for those considering marriage?

(01:01:36) What do you tell your kids?

(01:04:14) Remember whose we are: LGBT gifts to the church

(01:11:40) "We all have the same Father"

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★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support!

Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship

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★ Credits

Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. | Graphic Designer: Gavin P., gavinpopkenart.com ★

David Bennett has a lot to say about erotic relationships with God—but it’s probably not what you think! As a former atheistic gay activist now turned celibate gay theologian and follower of Jesus, David’s reflections on Christian sexuality and discipleship are both personal and deeply informed by Christian historical tradition. David sat down with TJ and David Frank to talk about a theology of desire, Christian thinkers from Augustine to Aquinas to today, Side B activism, and practical discipleship for Christians today. Join us!

Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” as shorthand quite a bit. If you’re new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out Communion & Shalom episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides” in our conversation: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠

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★ About Our Guest

Dr. David Bennett recently completed his doctorate (DPhil) in theology at Oxford University where he now works as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Theology and Religion Faculty. His thesis is in the process of being published, tentatively entitled, Queering the Queer: A Theological Ethics of Same-Sex Desire and Gay Celibacy in Contemporary Anglican Thought. He specializes in the relationship between the Trinity, Christian ethics, patristics, queer theology, discipleship and contemporary Anglican theology, especially the role of desire in knowing God. David also serves as a theologian in residence at Reality San Francisco and Church of the City, New York, and an Associate Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall. Find him on Instagram or X (@DavidACBennett) or on his website at dacbennett.com.

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★ Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction(s)

(05:00) The heart desires, the will chooses, the mind justifies

(16:11) "You're just denying your sexuality" - defining “erotic”

(25:45) How many kinds of love are there?

(33:04) Eros and fear-of (or "Lutheran pietistic excess")

(44:25) We need more Side B activism

(56:58) What's going on with the Church of England?

(01:13:20) Beyond an “ethic”: pursuing personal integration

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★ Links and References

Eros and Agape (1930, 1936) by Anders Nygren (Wikipedia)

Deus Caritas est (2005), Pope Benedict XVI (Wikipedia)

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★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support…

Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship

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★ Credits

Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. | Graphic Designer: Gavin P. ★