Insight: Faith, Hope and Politics

Denis Nowlan hears from newly appointed IofC UK trustee Linda Raabe-Marjot about her remarkable journey across countries, careers and callings.Born in Hamburg to a German father and English mother, Linda reflects on her childhood, navigating family separation, and growing up between cultures. She describes how her German heritage continues to shape her identity and informs her interest in history, reconciliation and social justice.Linda discusses her academic journey studying German and French at Oxford, her transition from teaching into commercial property law, and the realisation that professional success alone was not enough. A deep sense of vocation ultimately led her back to education, where she found fulfilment teaching and mentoring students as a law lecturer.Central to the conversation is Linda’s Christian faith. She recounts her unexpected introduction to Christianity as a child, the role faith has played in guiding major life decisions, and how it continues to shape her understanding of purpose, service and leadership.The episode also explores her long-standing commitment to charitable work, including educational projects in Uganda and Zimbabwe, support for vulnerable communities, and her passion for ensuring that privilege and opportunity are used responsibly for the benefit of others.Finally, Linda explains what drew her to Initiatives of Change: its roots in moral and spiritual renewal, its commitment to reconciliation, and its belief that lasting change begins with individuals willing to examine their own lives and values.In this episode:Growing up between Germany and EnglandIdentity, forgiveness and family historyFrom languages teacher to lawyer and back to educationDiscovering purpose through vocationThe role of Christian faith in shaping a life of serviceEducational and community projects in Uganda and ZimbabweSocial justice, stewardship and environmental responsibilityWhy Initiatives of Change resonated with Linda's values and experiencesThe importance of reconciliation in a divided worldGuest: Linda Raabe-Marjot, Trustee, Initiatives of Change UK Host: Denis NowlanFor more information about Initiatives of Change UK, visit Initiatives of Change UK.

In this special transition episode, Denis Nolan sits down with his successor and new Executive Director, David Westlake, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, faith, and the future of Initiatives of Change UK.David brings over 35 years of experience across international development, anti-slavery work, and values-based leadership, including senior roles at Tearfund and as CEO of International Justice Mission UK. In this conversation, he reflects on the moments that shaped his career, the challenges of working in some of the world’s most difficult contexts, and what drew him to Initiatives of Change at this pivotal moment.Together, Denis and David explore the enduring relevance of IofC’s mission, and what it might look like in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode of IofC UK Insight, Denis Nowlan is joined by David Stokes, Trustee of Initiatives of Change UK, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, faith, technology, education and service.David brings over 25 years experience of global leadership in the technology sector, including as Chair of IBM UK and senior roles across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. David reflects on how working across cultures has shaped not only his professional approach but his understanding of people, community and purpose.Denis and David explore what it means to lead with values in complex times, from the rise of AI to the importance of listening in a polarised world.This Insight episode is an honest, hopeful reflection on leadership as service and on the lifelong journey of learning and faith.

Host Denis Nowlan speaks with Joi McAtee, a trustee of Initiatives of Change UK, joining from Louisville, Kentucky. Joi brings a transatlantic perspective and a remarkable blend of leadership, conviction, and compassion. A former Executive Director at Louisville Metro Government, she is now a PhD researcher and graduate instructor at the University of Louisville, as well as a candidate for State Representative for Kentucky’s 43rd District.In this inspiring conversation, Joi reflects on her journey from public service to politics, her commitment to equity and youth empowerment, and her grounding in Christian faith. She discusses:The urgent fight against authoritarianism and threats to democracy in the United StatesHow faith informs her activism and leadershipLessons from sport, orienteering, and public life about resilience and purposeHer call to “be who you needed when you were a kid” in mentoring young peopleThe deep connection between love of God and love of neighbour and how that shapes her response to racism, injustice, and divisionThe story of how a chaotic first trip to Caux, Switzerland led to her enduring involvement with Initiatives of Change.Through humility, humour, and hope, Joi reminds us that personal transformation and social justice are inseparable, and that courage, faith, and love can move even the heaviest arcs of history toward justice.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and find more episodes at iofc.org.uk.

In this episode, host Denis Nowlan speaks with Cathy Boobbyer – psychotherapist, university chaplain, educator, and trustee of Initiatives of Change.Cathy’s life has been marked by extraordinary experiences across Northern Ireland, South Africa, England, and Ireland. Growing up in Cape Town during apartheid, she witnessed injustice first-hand and helped organise multi-racial youth camps with IofC, experiences that deepened her Christian faith and nurtured a strong political conscience.After studying History at Oxford University, Cathy spent over 30 years living and working in boarding schools in South Africa, the UK, and Ireland, alongside her husband Mark. These years gave her unique insight into the struggles young people face – whether in privileged environments or in communities of extreme disadvantage.Now an integrative psychotherapist and member of a university chaplaincy team in Dublin, Cathy provides a safe and collaborative space for students and clients to explore life’s challenges. Her approach is always rooted in empathy and the belief in the connection between mind, body, and soul.Cathy’s story is one of resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to helping others find their voice.

In this episode of IoC UK Insight, host Denis Nowlan speaks with Michael Smith, a man whose life has spanned continents, cultures, and communities. A trustee of Initiatives of Change in France and the UK, Michael shares his extraordinary journey from his multi-national European roots to a lifetime of service across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.Michael’s story takes us from rural France to Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Chile, and beyond. Along the way, he and his wife Agnes embraced a life of simplicity, faith, and deep human connection, whether working with young people, supporting interfaith dialogue, or building health centres in some of the poorest communities in the world.He reflects on:Growing up in a multicultural family and becoming a true ‘global citizen.’Meeting his wife in Malaysia and building a shared life of mission and service.Immersing himself in interreligious dialogue and finding shared humanity across faiths.Transformative years in the Philippines, including work in urban slums and health projects.Learning life’s deepest lessons from those living in poverty and marginalisation.His long relationship with Initiatives of Change, and how it bridges personal faith with global action.Michael’s warmth, humility, and stories - often told through vivid personal encounters - offer a compelling reminder of the ‘gold’ in every human being, no matter their circumstances.Listen now for an inspiring conversation about faith, cultural connection, and what it means to live a life of purpose across borders. 

Captions are available on the video version of this episode, which some listeners may find useful.In this deeply moving and globe-spanning conversation, host Denis Nowlan sits down with Yuki Fujita, a Japanese politician, humanitarian, and peacebuilder, whose name fittingly means ‘eternal happiness.’Yuki shares the extraordinary journey that led him from post-war Japan to Oxford, Switzerland, refugee camps in Southeast Asia, and ultimately into the heart of Japanese politics. He reflects on his lifelong commitment to reconciliation, particularly between Japan and its Asian neighbours, and the pivotal role of moral leadership and spiritual purpose in his work.From singing Japanese songs in a multicultural youth theatre to negotiating between rival Cambodian factions, Yuki’s story is one of courage, compassion, and faith. This episode is a masterclass in living a life guided by conscience and service.‘We shall not make the same mistake again.’ - the message of the Hiroshima cross Yuki wears, and a call to all humanity.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and let Yuki’s life of ‘eternal happiness’ light the way.

This week on IofC UK Insight, Denis Nowlan is joined by Martin Young , church leader, visionary, and creative thinker, for a rich and heartfelt conversation about faith, leadership, and the art of worship. Martin shares his journey from a youthful encounter with Jesus in a Lake District chapel to leading church communities across the UK, France, Russia, and India.  With warmth and wisdom, he reflects on what it means to be a “non-anxious presence” in the midst of conflict, the challenges of spiritual leadership, and the beauty of finding God in the ordinary.Together, Martin and Denis explore the evolving nature of church, the power of inclusive language, and the role of creativity in expressing faith. They delve into the tension between doctrine and compassion, the pain of religious failure, and the healing potential of authentic community. This episode is a moving meditation on vulnerability, resilience, and the sacredness of everyday life. Tune in for a conversation that invites you to reimagine worship, leadership, and what it means to live a life of faith today. Listen now and be part of the conversation. 🎧Learn more about Initiatives of Change UK at⁠ our website.⁠Share your thoughts on the episode using #IofCInsights!And don’t forget to like, rate or review us wherever you listen to this podcast!

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide, which may be distressing to some listeners.This week, host Denis Nowlan sits down with Dave Belden to explore his fascinating life journey and reflections on IofC, politics, justice and inner healing. With humility and humour, Dave shares his story of growing up in a communal MRA household — christened by the founder Frank Buchman — and his shift from unquestioning faith to deep curiosity and critical evaluation, culminating in a doctoral thesis on the origins of the movement. He offers fascinating insights into gender roles, community living, and the tension between individual and systemic change, especially in addressing global crises like climate change, hunger, and restorative justice.The conversation delves into breaking the silence around shame and fostering open dialogue, revisiting the question of whether MRA was a cult, and examining the movement’s practice of “guidance”: a pathway to inner freedom or a mechanism of control?The discussion offers an honest, multi-dimensional perspective on a committed life within and beyond MRA and IofC. Join us as we reflect on idealism, faith and what it means to reconcile personal beliefs with larger systemic issues.Listen now and join the conversation about change, resilience, and finding your inner voice.🎧Learn more about Initiatives of Change at our website.Share your thoughts on the episode using #IofCInsights!And don’t forget to like, rate or review us wherever you listen to this podcast!

On 9th April 2025, we mark the 80th anniversary of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's execution for his role in the plot against Hitler. A German pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident, Bonhoeffer is widely known for his writings on Christian discipleship and his courageous resistance to tyranny. To mark this day, host Denis Nowlan is joined by Andrew Dawson, Visiting Scholar at the University of Divinity in Melbourne and author of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Formation Through The Oxford Group. Andrew shares how Bonhoeffer’s engagement with the Oxford Group movement shaped his spiritual and ethical convictions, offering insights into his theological development and how these influences strengthened his resistance to Nazism. Together, they reflect on Bonhoeffer’s legacy and what his life can teach us about faith, courage, and moral responsibility in today’s world.