IN THE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER issue of Sojourners, senior editor Rose Berger reflects on her experience taking part in an interfaith peace delegation to Ukraine in May 2022. Editorial assistant Liz Bierly spoke with Berger, who joined Sojourners in 1985, about her Catholic faith, her commitment to nonviolence and peace efforts, and “how to live the good life.” You can read her feature, ‘Why Our Faith Delegation Went to Ukraine,’ here.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Liz Bierly, Sojourners: You began working at Sojourners by joining the fellowship program soon after college. What led you to the organization, and why have you stayed at the magazine?
Rose Berger: My faith and activism in college led me to Sojourners when I was 22. The fellowship program was a very strong faith formation process for me in radical Christianity and introduced me to a social movement and history that I’d only read about. When I applied to Sojourners in 1985, I wanted to work on the magazine team, but I had so much experience in community organizing that they assigned me to work with the advocacy and organizing teams. As soon as a magazine position came open, I jumped on it—and I’ve never looked back.
I love working on the magazine; magazines are the most curated pieces of art that come into peoples’ houses. Sojourners is a way for the tradition of radical Christianity in the U.S. to be carried on.
You recently took part in an interreligious peace delegation to Ukraine. Why is nonviolence such a consistent commitment of yours, and what are you reflecting on after your time in Kyiv? The prayer and practice of nonviolence is not optional for Christians. The United States has some of the highest percentages of social violence; violence is what we breathe day in and day out, so Christians in the U.S. must be very intentional about our education in peace, anti-violence strategies, de-escalation techniques, community security practices, and the deep wells of spirituality necessary for embracing the nonviolence of Jesus. Nonviolence is fundamentally a hopeful path because it never lets us break community—even with our enemies.
In situations of life and death, people reflect deeply. Ukrainians are reflecting deeply on what their country means to them, what they’ll do to defend their communities, and how God is with them in the midst of violence. In war, you see the best in people and the worst. But everyone has a story to tell— and they want their stories held and respected. Witnessing to their experiences and honoring their stories is one thing I can do. Through this feature, I hope readers will be motivated to offer tangible support to Ukrainians and learn more about the dynamics of nonviolence in places where conflict has become violent.
What drew you toward writing poetry and other reflections, and how does your faith inform your work? When I was very young, someone told me that I’d grow up to be a “sea-going theologian that wrote poetry,” I guess because I loved the beach and ocean so much! I think the poetry and theology part has been borne out—I’m still waiting on someone to offer me a gig leading Bible studies and poetry workshops at sea!
Most of my writing is at the intersection of spirituality and justice. Whether looking at the religious art of Andy Warhol or traveling in the Colombian jungle during the drug wars, unpacking the poetry of Denise Levertov and Micheal O’Siadhail or interviewing Wendell Berry, I’ve tried to find a spark of creative hope that keeps our faith alive, active, and generative.
I come from many generations of Irish, German, and French Catholics. I’m Catholic in my DNA: It’s my history, my legacy, and my lens through which I see the world. Catholicism is a sacramental faith that trains us to see the holiness in all things, to recognize Christ incarnate in those in need, and to move through time liturgically. It’s a premodern faith in a postmodern world—and I love that creative tension.
As an institution, the Roman Catholic church continually falls short of the glory of God and must continually recognize and repent for those sins and repair the broken relationships. Also, as an institution, the Roman Catholic church is a deep repository of wisdom and tradition, older than any of our current forms of government or economic systems, and is a vehicle for carrying that wisdom from generation to generation.
What are the things that let you take a breath and come back to yourself? After 35 years in inner-city D.C., I’ve recently returned to California, where I grew up. I feel completely and totally at home in the coastal foothills, back against the slide of the Sierra, facing the vastness of the Pacific. My wife and I are slowly weaving a community and a home to live in and share with others.
The lives of the saints—past and present—challenge and inspire me. My neighbors inspire me. Like Paul said in Hebrews 12, “since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders.” I see God’s face shining in the people all around me—what more could one ask for in this life!
How do you strive to live a full life?
HOW TO LIVE THE GOOD LIFE
Pray.
Confess, Forgive, Extend Mercy.
Live Simply. Give Away What You Can.
Serve Your Neighbors.
Make Peace. Love Your Enemy.
Practice Hospitality.
Celebrate Sabbath.
--RMB
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