2009 National Sermon Contest Winners
FaithTrust Institute is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 National Sermon Contest. First Place: Rev. MarQuita Carmichael Burton. Runners Up: Imam Khalid Latif, Rev. Glencie S. Rhedrick.
FaithTrust Institute is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 National Sermon Contest.
First Place: Rev. MarQuita Carmichael Burton
Runners Up: Imam Khalid Latif, Rev. Glencie S. Rhedrick
All three sermons extend the message beyond naming the abuse of women to a discussion of what are we doing about it in our own faith communities. The two Protestant sermons draw on biblical stories to focus our attention not only on the truth of abuse and exploitation of women but also on the possibilities of healing and resistance. The Muslim presentation highlights the efforts of a young Imam to deepen the understanding of Islam for young adults and to apply important teachings to everyday relationships.
First Place |
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The Silence We Keep (PDF, 5 pages, 237 KB) Rev. Carmichael Burton uses the biblical character of Tamar to challenge her listeners to break the silence surrounding child sexual abuse. Tamar, raped by her brother, is counseled to keep silent by her other brother. The subsequent isolation does not serve her well. This sermon is a good example of using a biblical story to initiate a discussion that is uncomfortable and difficult but very necessary. |
Runners Up |
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Real Men Don't Hit Women (Video)
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Something Happened at the Banquet (PDF, 4 pages, 219 KB)
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For an audience of Muslim college students, Imam Latif made this presentation in which he carefully lays out the teachings of Islam regarding relationships between men and women. He does not hesitate to challenge the cultural practices that can contribute to the abuse of women in relationships.
In her sermon, Rev. Rhedrick lifts up the biblical character of Vashti who is not well known in Christian circles. She is celebrated by Jews along with Esther in the Festival of Purim. Rev. Rhedrick offers her listeners a model of resistance that can fundamentally change not only individuals but also communities. This is the resistance we need to challenge violence against women.